Financial Aid Counselor

Primary Purpose: Under general supervision of the Director of Financial Aid, assists in the administration of federal, state, and institutional loan programs with emphasis in operations and technology. Ensures accurate operation of federal financial aid application process. Assists with the management of Student Information System including basic packaging of federal direct loans.

University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways sociocultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socioeconomic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty, and staff.

Essential Functions:

• Process Direct loans, Health Profession Student Loans (HPSL) and other alternative/institutional loans from application through disbursement authorization including processing revised awards.
• Perform data loads to the Student Information System, Banner including loan files and financial aid application files.
• Manage communication to students regarding application status, missing documents, and new and revised awards.
• Assist with advising students on matters regarding money management, credit issues, and other related matters.
• Assist in managing the entrance and exit interview process.
• Review and reconcile aid disbursed to students coordinating with business office and the registrar to release holds on financial aid.
• Ensure all systems are updated to meet compliance on policies, and regulations; make recommendations to the Director on financial aid office policies and procedures.
• Assist with basic packaging federal direct loans.
• Assist Director in annual Banner setup including updating PopSels, letters, etc.
• Assist with counseling students, parents, and staff in financial aid eligibility, to include the interpretation of federal, state, and institutional regulations/guidelines.
• Remain current with federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures for the administration of the various programs of student financial aid assistance; attend conferences, workshops, or meetings related to financial aid.
• Maintains electronic forms/OnBase Scans.
• Updates the electronic financial aid procedure manual.
• Organizes and/or assists with the coordination of department events and functions.
• Assist, support, and provide coverage for Assistant Director of Financial Aid as necessary.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid.

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

• Federal loan application process.
• Federal Title IV financial aid programs.
• Terminology and calculations related to commercial loan processing.
• Need analysis and federal and state legislation, regulations and guidelines governing financial aid programs.
• Software programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OnBase and Acrobat.
• Computerized financial aid systems.
• Principles of business communication and composition.

Ability to:

• Learn, interpret independently, and apply a variety of complex policies, and procedures.
• Exercise sound judgment interpreting and applying policies and procedures while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and institutional aid requirements.
• Execute the delivery process in an equitable manner that ensures conformity and consistency in the student loan process.
• Effectively counsel students and parents, individually and in group situations.
• Maintain confidentiality of information in compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other applicable federal, state, local, or university regulations/guidelines.
• Obtain a NSLDS access account; receive access to the National Student Loan Data Systems.

Experience: Minimum two years professional experience in student financial aid or student services.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Working Conditions: Position is full-time, 8 hours per day, 5 days per week. Occasional weekend or evening assignments may occur during various school events.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of: Computerized financial aid systems (Banner, ELMNet, NSLDS, COD) preferred.

Ability to: Work and communicate with a variety of students, parents and staff requiring effective problem solving and interpersonal skills. Work efficiently and accurately under pressure and with minimal supervision. Treat all persons with dignity and respect. Actively demonstrate an attitude of willing service and teamwork.

Experience: Graduate health profession experience preferred.

Education: Some college degree preferred.

Other: 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.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative but not definitive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work performed is primarily general office/administrative with frequent use of computer keyboard, mouse, and phone. Requires sitting majority of the working day; occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching. Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs should be anticipated.

Hiring Range: $26.76 - $35.45 per hour. We consider factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, internal equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Background Check Statement: All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are required to execute a release and authorization for a background screening.

AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: University of the Pacific complies with California Assembly Bill 810, requiring candidates accepting conditional job offers to disclose any final administrative or judicial findings, ongoing proceedings, allegations, resignations under investigation, or appeals related to sexual harassment or misconduct within the past seven years.