Financial Aid Counselor

Warner Pacific University•Portland, OR

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid Counselor provides a variety of professional and administrative duties in support of the day to day operations of Financial Aid in compliance with all 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 to 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

Requirements

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 the ability to work well with customers, students, faculty, and staff
Skill in presenting information to groups of various sizes
Ability to work outside of 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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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 to 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