CGU-Senior Financial Aid Counselor

Claremont Graduate University

29d•$28 - $30•Hybrid

About The Position

Claremont Graduate University is seeking a financial aid professional with a demonstrated record of depth and breadth of knowledge of knowledge and ability to navigate the changing landscape of Federal Aid and DOE compliance. The Sr. Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for providing accurate, consistent, and timely financial aid information. The Senior Financial Aid Counselor will have a strong understanding Federal and State regulations, ensure that the office complies with all applicable regulations, and demonstrate a strong student-centered philosophy. He/she will also have a strong understanding of university policy and procedures related to the Financial Aid Office and essential job functions. The Senior Financial Aid Counselor will coordinate the Federal Direct and Alternative Loan Programs, TEACH Grant, and Veteran Benefit Awards and Reconciliations. The Senior Financial Aid Counselor will work closely with students, staff, administrators, and faculty across the campus.

Requirements

Must have excellent technical skills to work with PeopleSoft (Student Information System) and MS Excel spreadsheets
Must have excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills
Must have excellent oral and written communication skills
Must have customer service skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people while handling high volume and multiple tasks
Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
Bachelor’s degree or any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability.
A minimum of seven years of financial aid experience required.
Experience using PeopleSoft and proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

Loan Programs Coordinator Coordinate the Federal Direct and Alternative Loan Programs
Coordinate the processing of the Federal Direct Loan Programs through Common Origination and Disbursement (COD)
Process/package Federal loans including Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS
Process all error queries for Federal loan programs
Reconcile Federal loan disbursements with Student Accounts
Request missing documents including MPN’s or counseling requirements
Ensure Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements have been met
Ensure student loans are within federal loan limits or complete reaffirmation paperwork
Make adjustments on loans as required
Follow up on disbursement errors
Review files for possible budget and award adjustments (over-awards)
Review appropriate PeopleSoft reports to ensure all aid is posted to Student Accounts
Process certification requests and disbursements for private loans
Process disbursements and drawdown reports to Student Accounts
Assist with processing new and continuing CGU fellowships
Revise and adjust fellowships as needed
Seek appropriate approval when needed
Follow up on missing information when appropriate
Review appropriate PeopleSoft reports to ensure all aid is posted to Student Accounts
Monitor and process Teacher Education fellowships
Collaborate with the School Certifying Official and coordinate Veterans awards, including the Yellow Ribbon Program
Perform review of ISIR’s to determine need and eligibility for financial assistance
Determine type(s) and amount(s) of financial aid to be awarded
Review files for possible budget and award adjustments (over-awards)
Process files in accordance with federal verification regulations
Provide in depth financial aid counseling to students as needed
Answer questions about any program in a student's financial aid package, in person, Zoom, or by email with students and staff
Respond to telephone calls, email messages and Microsoft Teams messages from students, faculty, and staff
Ability to handle large volumes of work and accurately track numerous details
Ability to work with high level of accuracy in a fast-paced environment with numerous interruptions
Review relevant professional publications, and take action as appropriate to remain informed of legislative and other changes affecting financial aid programs and administration
Create and administer oral presentations at student orientations as needed
Represent the Financial Aid Office at the New Student Orientation Resource Fair
Other duties assigned by supervisor.