Financial Aid Counselor II

University of the Pacific•Stockton, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The financial aid team includes multiple counselor positions at various levels. The current openings are located on the Stockton campus and may include program management across the three campus locations of the university. The counselor duties and focus both overlap and are distinct depending upon the business needs of the university and the experience of the individuals. The counselor is expected to understand and support the mission and goals of the department, division and institution. The counselor is responsible for effective and compliant administrative support of various federal, state and institutional financial aid scholarship, grant, loan and employment programs. The Counselor II is expected to interact in a positive, collegial manner and to effectively work with all members of the financial aid team. The Counselor II is also expected to work effectively with and to appropriately represent the office when interacting with the university’s cross-functional teams with which the financial aid operation administers its programs. As an essential member of the financial aid team the Counselor II is responsible for supporting a professional service-oriented operation that administers a full range of financial aid programs and is entrusted with ensuring that excellent customer service is provided to students, parents, colleagues and other constituencies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or the equivalent – (Two (2) years of full time experience in the same/similar position is equal to one (1) year of completed post high school education coursework).
One (1) year of relevant financial aid work experience.

Nice To Haves

Ability to learn rules and regulations as they pertain to administration of federal, state and institutional financial aid programs.
Expertise and experience to utilize professional judgement to independently calculate appropriate financial aid offers for students.
Ability to identify and refer conflict/complexity to manager in escalated situations.
Excellent oral, written and customer service communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the financial aid team, cross-functional colleagues and external partners.
Ability to multi-task and prioritize within concurrent deadlines.
Ability to work both independently and as a member of the financial aid team.
Ability to organize work for efficiency and to minimize errors.
Positive attitude.
Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.
Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.

Responsibilities

Provides skilled advising for students and parents via all communication channels including email, text, telephone, website and platforms such as Teams and Zoom.
Processes financial aid documents utilizing discretion and independent judgment pertaining to verification and eligibility confirmation for federal, state and institutional programs.
Provides support and guidance in the areas of regulatory compliance, funds management, and reconciliation.
Responsible for the training and mentoring of Financial Aid Counselor I positions.
Collaborates with student accounts and other offices to confirm financial aid data.
Assists with the processing of California state grants, Federal Pell Grants and Federal Direct Loans for undergraduate, graduate and professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students, including loan creation and loan origination.
Assists with administering the university’s merit scholarship programs.
Manages review of reports, analyzing enrollment status and identifying necessary aid adjustments.
Responsible for oversight of one or more financial aid programs
Performs other duties as assigned or requested.