Description

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.

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

Requirements

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