Financial Aid Counselor

Summary Description The Financial Aid Counselor provides professional and administrative duties in support of day-to-day operations of Financial Aid in compliance with policies related to internal and external financial aid requirements. Essential Functions Exercise discretion and independent judgment through interpretation, implementation, and research of federal and institutional policies and regulations in response to customer needs and departmental practices Provide one-on-one financial counseling and eligibility information to students and/or parents according to individual need Review documents, perform need analysis, make determinations, and award financial aid packages to eligible students implementing established guidelines and procedures Verify student FAFSA information; prepare individual student aid reports for packaging, analyzing information reported for consistency Present at prospective and new student events and by request from staff, faculty, and students Counsel students on issues related to borrowing including aggregate limit issues, maximum time frame processes and graduation exit requirements Work collaboratively with individuals from various departments Assist in the management of outstanding account balances and student account payment plans Assist with the Loan Entrance and Exit Counseling processes, providing regulatory advice as it pertains to Direct Lending Serve as a resource for students seeking outside scholarship opportunities Respond in a timely fashion to correspondence related to student financial aid including eligibility information, verification information, and other questions Be up to date on prevailing State and Federal regulations and WPU policies and procedures by attending training and conferences as opportunities arise Abide by NASFAA Principles of Good Practice Contribute to the support and implementation of the University Strategic Plan Participate in Warner Pacific University professional development opportunities Adhere to University policies and procedures regarding financial aid and student financial services Demonstrate commitment to a Christian liberal arts education by upholding the mission of the University and abiding by the Employment Standards and Lifestyle Agreement Be present in the office on a daily basis unless arrangements are made with the employee’s direct supervisor Perform other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications Minimum of three years of experience working in a professional office environment Bachelor Degree from an accredited institution or equivalent experience in a higher education environment Demonstrated ability to solve problems and initiate and implement projects independently Ability to multi-task with accuracy and work effectively in order to adapt to and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment Experience working with highly detailed and/or confidential information Excellent self-motivation, oral and written communication skills, and ability to work well with customers, students, faculty, and staff Skill in presenting information to groups of various sizes Ability to work outside normal business hours, as necessary (campus events, orientations, etc.) Proficient in computer programs including Windows, Outlook, Word and Excel, and the Internet Exhibit commitment to inclusiveness and sensitivity to areas of national origin, ethnicity, culture, gender, and disabilities Preferred Qualifications Experience in a higher education environment Bilingual – Spanish speaker preferred Experience using the Ellucian Colleague student information system Experience in financial aid including standard and nonstandard term delivery methods Experience working with adult learners Physical Demands – Work Environment The position is located in a typical office environment. Professional/business casual attire is required. This position is not remote. Equal Employment Opportunity Warner Pacific provides equal opportunity for employment and advancement for all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship status, disability, age, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status and any other status protected by laws and regulations to which Warner Pacific is subject. All employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, compensation, benefits, transfers, and terminations are made in a manner that does not discriminate against individuals in the categories discussed above. Because Warner Pacific is a Christian liberal arts University, the University exercises its legal right to hire Christian employees to fulfill its mission and purpose. #J-18808-Ljbffr Warner Pacific College