Job Announcement List Title:
Financial Aid Counselor I

Post Date
8/23/2021

Expiration Date
9/22/2021

Details:
Salary: $19.71 per hour

Job Summary:

The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for counseling students, parents and staff regarding financial aid processing and awarding. Coordinating all facets of federal financial aid processing along with all other types of aid. Exercise professional judgement in the verification process, awarding, and corrections of all federal financial aid for students. Obtain documentation and complete verification and professional judgements. Revise awards for students in assigned cohort whose financial aid has changed, adjusting credit hours, and any other revisions that are systematically processed. Assisting with students outside of assigned cohort may also be needed to help in giving the best customer service experience to our constituents. This position is also responsible for helping in enrolling students from the financial/affordability standpoint.


Qualifications:
Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business Administration, Finance, or Education or equivalent professional experience
• Proficiency with MS Office and familiar with school information systems (SIS) database
Desired Qualifications:
• Two or more years of experience working in higher education, preferably in a traditional college/university and/or financial aid
• Possess knowledge of all processing (awarding & disbursing) of federal financial aid
• Three or more years of experience counseling students, parents and staff in the processing of all federal financial aid
• Three of more years of financial aid systems/software experience, preferably Ellucian Banner
• Ability to manage complex tasks with minimal or no supervision
Other Qualifications:
• Report to work obligations to support the department and may require work during HPU’s winter break, if necessary.
• Must meet training and background check qualifications and comply with the Protection of Minors policy.
• Able to work all shifts and extended hours.
• Upon hire, candidate must have reliable transportation to all HPU worksites and other locations as required by the position.
• Successful candidate will be able to work in an environment that utilize excellent time and stress management skills.


Comments:
Key Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

1. Financial Aid Counselor (70%)
• Counsel students and educate parents regarding federal, institutional and state financial aid opportunities
• Counsel students, parents and staff regarding debt management and the responsibility of repayment of federal and alternative loans
• Counsel students, parents and staff on the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) application process, and the packaging and disbursement processes
• Counsel students and parents in providing correct information when a student is selected for verification by the Federal DOE, or request review for special circumstances
• Assist with folder review, verification and use of professional judgement
• Responsible for the packaging and revision of student financial aid awards for cohort assigned
• Plans, recommends, and manage the timely and accurate processing of all federal financial aid for assigned cohort of students
• Formulate student needs analysis when requested for students
• Carry out the verification process and determine the validity of all information provided when a student is selected for verification (randomly selected for auditing by the federal government)
• Analyze all documents from students and parents requesting special circumstances such as reduction of income, independency overrides, and other circumstances that may affect their federal aid
• Make judgments and recommendations concerning professional judgements/special circumstances
• Review and evaluate Banner data (that includes determination of students registered for correct number of credits, that amount of funds being paid is accurate, and that corrections from the Federal Government are done correctly)
• Manage the tracking of all student loans (completion of documents and in disbursing of funds) in assigned student cohorts

2. Program Specific Tasks and Support (25%)
• Provide support in/manage reconciling certain programs within the Financial Aid Office.
• Present and/or manage financial aid presentations
• Coordinate and track program specific requirements to maintain general compliance within the program.
• Assist with requests for students to complete outstanding documents needed to complete their files

3. Performs other related duties as assigned (5%)
• Actively participates as an effective member of team by completing assigned duties, accepting additional assignments or reassignments.
• Assists with seasonal peaks.

This description is not designed to list all activities, duties or responsibilities which may be required for this job. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned at any time.

Hawai'i Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable environment in which faculty and staff can excel irrespective of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or any other protected class covered by state and federal law. Hawai'i Pacific University encourages applications from veterans and individuals with disabilities. A pre-employment background investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.

Employer:
Hawaii Pacific University
Contact:
Human Resources

Address:
500 Ala Moana Blvd Ste 4-545
Honolulu, HI 96813


Work Phone:
808-544-1188

Email:
hr@hpu.edu

Website:
https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/hpu/jobs/3196475/financial-aid-counselor-i