Senior Financial Aid Counselor

Senior Financial Aid Counselor Linfield University | Financial Aid Office Position:
Senior Financial Aid Counselor Department:
Financial Aid Office

Reports To:

Director of Financial Aid Join the Linfield University Team!

Linfield University is seeking a knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and student-focused Senior Financial Aid Counselor to join our Financial Aid Office. This position plays an important role in helping students and families navigate the financial aid process, understand their funding options, and access the resources needed to achieve their educational goals.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative professional who enjoys working with students and families, has strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and is committed to providing exceptional customer service while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.

Position Summary The Senior Financial Aid Counselor provides comprehensive financial aid advising and support to prospective, incoming, and current students and their families. This position is responsible for evaluating financial aid applications, determining student eligibility, administering federal and state financial aid programs, and ensuring the accurate and timely awarding of financial assistance.

Working closely with colleagues across the university, the Senior Financial Aid Counselor exercises independent judgment in interpreting complex financial aid regulations, resolving student concerns, and supporting the effective administration of financial aid programs. This role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a commitment to student success.

Key Responsibilities Financial Aid Advising and Student Support Provide personalized financial aid guidance to prospective, new, and continuing students and their families throughout the application and awarding process.

Explain financial aid eligibility requirements, scholarships, grants, loans, and other funding opportunities in a clear and accessible manner.

Review financial aid applications and supporting documentation to verify financial and household information reported on the FAFSA.Apply federal financial aid regulations, relevant IRS tax requirements, and institutional policies to determine student eligibility.

Exercise professional judgment when evaluating unique student circumstances, documenting decisions and justifications as appropriate.

Respond to student and family concerns with professionalism, empathy, and effective conflict-resolution skills.

Represent the Financial Aid Office at university events, including orientation programs, admitted student events, and FAFSA/ORSAA completion workshops.

Financial Aid Administration and Compliance Complete initial financial aid verification reviews, identify missing documentation, and communicate requirements to students.

Ensure accurate and timely processing of financial aid awards in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.

Reconcile federal work-study funds and oversee the reconciliation and appropriate awarding of Federal Pell Grants and Oregon state financial aid programs, including the Oregon Opportunity Grant.

Monitor and conduct initial reviews of Return to Title IV (R2T4), Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and course withdrawal or drop notifications.

Ensure students receive required exit counseling information upon graduation, withdrawal, or enrollment below half-time.

Monitor TEACH Grant eligibility, including academic progress, GPA requirements, required documentation, and exit counseling notifications.

Maintain accurate student records and safeguard confidential information in accordance with FERPA and applicable regulations.

Exercise sound judgment and meticulous attention to detail to minimize errors, maintain compliance, and protect student and institutional eligibility.

Scholarship and Loan Management Administer and award scholarships through the Oregon Student Aid Commission (OSAC) and last-dollar scholarship programs, including Ford Family scholarships.

Determine recipients of endowed and donor-funded scholarships based on established eligibility criteria.

Collaborate with University Advancement to coordinate donor notifications and assist with establishing new scholarship funds.

Oversee the administration and certification of federal and private education loans for CPS, including Parent PLUS, Graduate PLUS, and private student loans.

Identify and resolve loan processing discrepancies between…