Financial Aid Counselor - Higher Ed. jobs in Chico, CA

Performs professional-level duties in the Office of Financial Aid, requiring thorough knowledge of financial aid programs and regulations and University student accounting practices; counsels and advises students and parents on the various financial aid programs and evaluates financial aid applications in order to determine student eligibility for various aid programs.

Main Responsibilities

• Advises students and parents regarding the availability of various funding sources, application processes and procedures, and rights and responsibilities related to student financial assistance.
• Serves as secondary processor for informer/database reporting, manages cleanup report preparation.
• Manage financial aid additional resources page on portal/website.
• Assists with the collection, reviewing and monitoring of student data and supporting documentation to confirm accuracy of data and determines eligibility for federal, state and institutional aid and other financial aid programs.
• Analyzes and interprets federal, state and institutional policies as related to student eligibility for aid.
• Assists with awarding of federal, state and institutional financial aid programs to eligible students in accordance with federal and state regulations by university mandated deadlines.
• Assists with reviewing financial aid packages based on changes in enrollment level, budget adjustments, additional aid and communicates changes in eligibility with students.
• Works with Director on individual appeals concerning eligibility; collects documentation for professional judgement to adjust student’s eligibility based on mitigating circumstances in accordance with federal regulations.
• Assists with monthly federal, state and institutional aid reconciliations. Works to clear any inaccuracies or discrepancies.
• Responsible for providing financial aid reports and other related data to the University and U.S. Department of Education.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of two years of experience with financial aid programs or three years of successful professional work experience is required.
• Excellent phone, verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to exercise tact and discretion when dealing with students, families and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to set priorities, manage time and workflow and to manage multiple, concurrent high priority projects in a time-pressured environment.

General Expectations:

• Personal relationship with Jesus, a vibrant Christian faith, and a commitment to Christian community; capable of sharing faith and engaging in conversations about Christ.
• Demonstrate Simpson University Values in the performance of all duties.
• Maintain lifestyle in accordance with Simpson University Lifestyle Policy in Staff Handbook.
• Maintain the confidentiality of information, data and records. Properly use tact, diplomacy, discretion and judgment.
• Demonstrate strong customer service skills in the performance of job duties.
• Demonstrate good organizational and communication skills in the performance of job duties.
• Supervises employees in accordance with Simpson University policies and procedures (for supervisory positions).
• Support the overflow needs of other departments within the respective university area.
• Perform other duties in accordance with this position as deemed necessary by the immediate supervisor.

Physical Requirements:

Analysis of Physical Demands to Perform Essential Functions:

Key (Based on typical week):

N=Never
R=Rarely (Less than 1 hour per week)
O=Occasional (1%-33% of time)

F=Frequent (34%-66% of time)
C=Constant (over 66% of time)

Salary: $18-$23 Hourly