"Financial Aid Counselor"

Posting Details

Position Information

Position Title
Financial Aid Counselor

Position Type
Regular

Job Number
SA71924

Full or Part Time
full-time 40 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification
Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range
$70,304 - $72,000

Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary
Financial Aid Counselors provide guidance and support to students and families regarding financial aid options, application processes, and compliance requirements. This role ensures accurate and timely administration of federal, state, and institutional aid programs while delivering exceptional service. Financial Aid Counselors are empowered to make decisions and solve problems by balancing the needs of the student with federal, state, and institutional policies. Financial Aid Counselors counsel students, parents, faculty and other constituents on student financial aid eligibility, policies and procedures. Participate in setting goals and objectives for area and measure performance against objectives. Evaluate internal practices, procedures and policies and recommend changes or enhancements. Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

Responsibilities

Counseling and Awarding

• Determine student eligibility for financial aid based on individual case circumstances and provide students with details of their eligibility
• Counsel students, parents, faculty and other constituents on student financial aid eligibility, policies and procedures in accordance with applicable federal, state laws and regulations, institutional policies and donors’ instructions as applicable
• Authorize payments of awards to students
• Provide policy interpretation and review exception requests as deemed appropriate for the position level
• Participate in the monitoring and controlling disbursements of scholarships, grants, emergency loans and other types of financial awards
• Conduct verification and resolve discrepancies in student records
• Serve on Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals Committee
• Review special circumstances appeals and utilize professional judgement to determine the outcome of those appeals, consulting with the team as needed
• Calculate amounts of funds to be returned when students withdraw
• Promote positive image of the Financial Aid Office and ensure that accurate, consistent and timely financial aid information is disseminated in accordance with policies and procedures, as well as achieving institutional enrollment goals
• Maintain professional currency through active participation and leadership in associations and committees both internal and external to the university
• Assist the Director and Assistant Directors with special projects as assigned.
• Review weekly reports
• Stay current with changes in financial aid policies and regulations

Outreach

• Represent the Financial Aid Office at on-campus events
• Represent the Financial Aid Office at Admission Receptions, providing assistance to students and parents at the event
• Perform financial aid outreach nights at local high school and community events as requested

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent in combination of experience and education
• A minimum of four years financial aid administration experience with strong current knowledge of federal and state financial aid laws and regulations
• Demonstrated skill in assessing individual financial aid needs, and in interpreting and applying financial aid rules and regulations
• Experience in providing customer service or administrative support, with a strong commitment to customer service and teamwork and accuracy for data
• Proven ability to communicate clearly and accurately complex procedures and eligibility rules to Chapman community
• Strong interpersonal skills and sensitivity to listen, remain calm and communicate effectively with a broad range of campus constituents, students, parents, faculty, and staff
• Strong organizational skills to prioritize projects and deadlines
• Strong analytical skills to research information and resolve complex problems, as well as assess processes and provide recommendation for improvement
• Computer skills in the use of Microsoft Office Suite applications
• Technical skills to learn and use enterprise and job-related systems and tools
• Ability to provide peer guidance, training support, or subject-matter assistance to colleagues as needed
• Ability to foster teamwork among staff and work collaboratively across functional areas and university departments
• Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy and maintain a high level of confidentiality and strict adherence to FERPA
• Demonstrated ability to make appropriate decisions and sound judgments on routine to critical matters

Desired Qualifications

• Certified Financial Aid Administrator and/or individual National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) credentials
• Proficiency in a second language that supports effective communication with students and families
• Experience in a private, non-profit higher education financial aid office

Special Instructions to Applicants

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Minimum Number of References
2

Maximum Number of References
3

Applicant Documents
Required Documents
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
Optional Documents
1. Letter of Recommendation 1
2. 3 References Listed on One Page