Financial Aid Representative

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Join our vibrant community of dedicated faculty and staff who work to create a transformative educational experience rooted in faith, reason, and justice.

Eastern University is a nationally-recognized Christian university enrolling approximately 9,000 students in a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and seminary programs. The university's main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs also offered online. Eastern's core values of Faith, Reason, and Justice are woven into all of its educational offerings. Through dynamic programs, a vibrant campus community, and meaningful service learning opportunities, Eastern University is committed to providing students with transformative, accessible, and affordable education.

Position Description

The Financial Aid Representative, reporting to the Director of Financial Aid, is the primary point of contact with the Financial Aid Office for all students whether in person, via telephone, email, or postal mail. The Financial Aid Representative is responsible for answering telephones, greeting students/families, directing calls or students to appropriate parties for assistance if necessary, explaining and applying Federal, State, and University policies, and troubleshooting problems with the student applications and the aid process. The Financial Aid Representative also oversees the daily processing of all documents submitted to the office through a digital imaging system, distributes published material to students upon request, and opens and distributes incoming mail and voicemail to the appropriate parties.

Position Responsibilities

• Provide all front office services and assistance to student customers.
• Manage the flow of all documents received and ensure that these documents are accurately scanned into the digital imaging system promptly. Ensures original documents are secured in the document-holding area.
• Advise students and families regarding financial aid questions and concerns, application questions, document processing, and corrections.
• Answer incoming calls and transfer calls to appropriate staff within departments and other University offices as warranted. Retrieve and return voicemail messages.
• Answer basic questions of students/families about Federal, State, and University policies and procedures or refer same to appropriate staff for more detailed explanation or assistance. Distribute hand-out materials to students and families.
• Meet and counsel students/families on issues relative to financial aid sources, outside scholarships, and alternative financing options.
• Create a bi-monthly newsletter to disseminate to students, faculty, and staff.
• Assist with updating forms on a yearly basis.
• Respond to students' email questions and concerns within 1-2 business days.
• Collect, sort, and distribute mail daily.
• Assist with outgoing mail projects and other projects as time permits.
• Handle specific inquiries of students/families as to the status of the Financial Aid.
• Provide administrative support to staff of the Financial Aid Office as directed by the Director of Financial Aid.
• Assist in all areas of undergraduate and graduate student financial aid issues.
• Stay current on all federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, policies and procedures governing the financial aid process.

Qualifications

This position requires a Bachelor's Degree in an appropriate field and preferably at least one year of experience in a Financial Aid Office and a working knowledge of financial aid policies and procedures. Attention to detail, with an eye toward problem-solving, an ability to work as a team player while able to work without supervision, and sensitivity to matters of confidentially are required. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential, as is the ability to relate well with current and prospective students, parents, and college personnel. The incumbent must understand, and support, the University's Christian mission. The person in this position must be available, when required, to attend training, orientations, open houses, and workshops off-site.

About Eastern University

Eastern University is a Christian university of the arts and sciences that integrates faith, reason and justice for students in its undergraduate, graduate, seminary, urban, professional and international programs. Applicants should have a Christian commitment compatible with its mission and be willing to support the mission and vision of the university. The university complies with federal and state guidelines of nondiscrimination in employment; members of protected classes encouraged to apply.

Background Checks

Standard University employees are required to complete the background clearance process. Employment is contingent upon the successful results of an employment background screening. The employment background screening may include but is not limited to your consumer credit history (for positions that work with the university finances or alumni funds only), verification of education and professional credentials, criminal history, driving history, residency, immigration status, performance, references, and other qualities pertinent to your qualifications for the following position.

Youth Clearances are required for positions with direct contact with children and essential personnel positions. Employees working with or around minor age children are required to complete the youth clearance process which includes the following four child protection clearances:

• Affidavit;
• FBI Criminal Record Check;
• Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance;
• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check.

In accordance with state laws, Act 73 of 2007, Act 153 of 2014, Act 168 (relating to the Child Protective Services Law), school employees of Eastern University who will have "direct contact with children" must complete the background check process prior to employment. Results must be submitted within ten days of receipt.

Description Disclaimer

This description is intended to describe the general level and nature of work performed by the person/people assigned to this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities of the person/people so assigned.

For all positions: Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Eastern University is committed to the principles of equal opportunity as defined under federal and state law, and does not discriminate unlawfully on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, color, creed, disability, national/ethnic origin, age, disabled veteran/Vietnam-era, Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), or veteran status in its admission policy, program, or activities, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other University-administered programs, or employment practices and programs.