Financial Aid Counselor

Reports to

Assistant Director of Financial Aid

$27.88 - $28.85/hour

Under general supervision of the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Counselor works as part of a team to counsel current and prospective students and families on financial aid requirements, application procedures, aid programs, financing options, and indebtedness. The counselor reviews student files and calculates eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid, ensuring compliance with all applicable policies and regulations.

The position also performs special projects as directed.

• Serve as front‑line customer service, counseling students and parents regarding application procedures, available financial aid programs, costs, financial management strategies, loans, financing options, eligibility criteria, and other aid‑related matters.
• Provide continuous feedback and suggestions for improvement on Office of Financial Aid procedures, services, and policies.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with other university departments such as Student Accounts, Admissions, Registrar, and others.
• Serve on applicable financial aid committees.
• Maintain working knowledge of software systems (Jenzabar JFA, J1) through regular training and review of user guides.
• Represent the Office of Financial Aid at various recruitment activities, including open houses, orientations, and other events.
• Keep current knowledge of all aspects of financial aid, including changes to federal and state regulations, and participate in annual training, professional organizations, and conferences.
• Manage specialization areas such as work‑study, private loans, Pell grants, Cal grants, institutional scholarships, etc.
• Receive and process confidential financial aid documents, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Determine changes in student eligibility upon receipt of additional information, subsequent ISIRs, or changes made through verification, professional judgment, or other means.
• Review and assess student financial aid application data, complete federal verification using need‑analysis methodology, and determine eligibility for appropriate federal, state, and institutional aid.
• Perform special projects and other job-related duties as assigned.

Must be punctual and timely in meeting all performance requirements, including attendance standards, work deadlines, and scheduled breaks.

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred), with financial aid experience in a processing or financial aid environment; equivalent education and experience is acceptable.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to multi‑task.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with computerized financial aid applications, particularly Jenzabar (preferred).
• Experience working in a highly diverse, multicultural environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Prior experience working as a Financial Aid Counselor or equivalent.

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as the Code of Federal Regulations, Federal Student Aid Handbook, safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or organization employees.

• Knowledge of Internet software, Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, 10‑key by touch, reporting software, and enterprise database systems (Jenzabar J1 and JFA).

• Excellent communication skills, customer service, and analytical skills.

• Frequently required to sit and talk or hear; occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and taste or smell.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

• Expected to arrange an appropriate and safe workspace at alternate work locations ensuring productivity and security of student information.
• Must be able to take telephone calls and participate in online video meetings on camera, with minimal distraction while maintaining confidentiality.

• Integrative Health:
  Collaboration across disciplines to benefit students.
• Evidence‑Based Practice:
  Culture of inquiry, research, and use of best evidence.
• Health Equity:
  Preparing graduates to improve individual and community health.
• Inclusivity:
  Welcoming everyone regardless of protected status, fostering diversity, equity, and excellence.