Financial Aid & Student Accounts Counselor

Description

DEPARTMENT: Finance / STATUS: Full-Time / CLASSIFICATION: Counselor – Traditional Program / DATE LAST UPDATED: February 17, 2025

PURPOSE

Assists undergraduate students in determining the affordability of obtaining education through federal, state, institutional aid and payment options. Performs the financial award process, needs analysis, counseling, financial aid procedures, and aid reporting. Oversees the administration and awarding for multiple programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Reviews federal needs analysis documents for accuracy and follows up for Income documentation for federal verification.
• Awards and revises financial aid for undergraduate students within federal, state and institutional guidelines. Package students based on financial aid packaging model.
• Accesses and consults resources on financial aid issues and polices through attending internal and external training sessions. Utilizes the Federal Student Financial Aid Handbook, the Common Manual, the Cal Grant Manual and other resources to insure accuracy and compliance. Attend training and conferences.
• Understands basic federal tax law to evaluate the accuracy of FAFSA data entry and completes verification process. Does not have to be a tax expert.
• Considers unique individual student and parent financial circumstances in the awarding of financial aid.
• Counsels students/ parents about the financial process and have the ability to recognize if a professional judgment issue is applicable.
• Assists in the maintenance and development of the financial aid policy and procedure manual.
• Uses the computer with Windows interface and Microsoft products to complete tasks, Word, Outlook electronic mail, Excel, COD, ELM, IFAP, NSLDS, FAA Access, Webgrants and various other financial aid websites.
• Tracks and communicates with students on the timely completion of their financial aid.
• Loan Default Prevention, handling of communication and oversight of annual loan letters with third party servicer.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A Bachelor’s degree in related field (or equivalent combination of experience and education) 2-3 years of financial aid experience or general business experience, preferably in related field or a field that is highly regulated.
• Proficient in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and Empower
• Typing and 10-key skills are necessary to successfully manage time pressures.
• Excellent communication, written and verbal skills
• Good people skills and meticulous attention to detail are a must.
• Ability to maintain accuracy during periods of high stress. In agreement with the purpose and goals of Life Pacific University in providing a Christian based higher education.

This job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to revision when necessary.

Candidates must be Christian believers holding a Pentecostal/charismatic perspective and will be required to adhere to the University’s statement of faith and mission.

No person shall be denied employment at Life Pacific University on the basis of gender, race or ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification, except as may be permitted by law.