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Financial Aid Counselor

Job Details

Forest Grove Campus - Forest Grove, OR
Exempt

Description

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice.

 

At Pacific University, we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and Eugene. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, and acquire and share knowledge.

 

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

The Financial Aid Counselor provides direct support to prospective and current undergraduate students and their families, advising them in all phases of the financial aid process. This position works closely with the Undergraduate Assistant Director, reviewing and determining financial aid eligibility, and packaging prospective and continuing graduate students.

 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Manages a student caseload to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid, as well as packaging and revision of financial aid packages
  • Provides general and specific financial aid and related information to applicants, students, families, and members of the campus community
  • Provides information and guidance on maintaining and/or regaining aid eligibility
  • Consults with the Undergraduate Assistant Director on decisions regarding special circumstances and unusual circumstances requests
  • Reviews additional funding requests in partnership with the Undergraduate Assistant Director and the Director of Financial Aid

 

 

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

  • Assists with customer service as needed
  • Maintains current knowledge and technical understanding of financial aid regulations related to core production areas
  • Participates in professional development opportunities such as financial aid conferences, trainings, seminars and committees
  • Other duties as assigned.

 

 

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

  • Associate’s degree from an accredited institution or two (2) years of related work experience
  • Minimum of two (2) years of customer service experience
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

 

 

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE  

  • Excellent customer service and successful written and verbal communication with a broad and diverse audience in a culturally responsive manner.
  • Ability to maintain confidential, detailed records.
  • Proficient in the use of common office software, spreadsheets, email, databases, and electronic platforms.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with people in a wide range of roles.
  • Demonstrates critical thinking skills in problem solving and decision-making.
  • Ability to build and sustain rich collaborative relationships with university staff, students, and university partners of diverse backgrounds.
  • Ability to prioritize and perform multiple projects, track data, meet timelines, respond to others in a timely manner, and work both independently and as a collaborative member of the University with a high standard of integrity and ethics, in support of the University’s strategic vision and the division’s annual goals.
  • Able to make independent decisions and recommendations that align with policies, rules, and procedures; ability to ask questions and seek assistance when needed.
  • Able to handle a variety of tasks in a fast-paced environment, working independently and/or as part of a team.
  • As a condition of hire and continued employment, must be in good standing on all federal student loans and must grant permission for the office to access the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) to verify such standing.

 

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience working in a higher education setting
  • Familiarity with FERPA and other relevant higher education regulations
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Bilingual or multilingual skills
  • NASFAA credentialing and/or NASFAA FAAC® Certification
  • Engagement with professional organizations such as NASFAA, WASFAA, and/or OASFAA
  • Familiarity with Ellucian’s Colleague

 

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • This is a full-time, in-person (not remote) position based on the Forest Grove Campus.
  • Standard weekday hours (Monday–Friday);
    • Occasional evening and/or weekend responsibilities;
    • Overtime may be required depending on operational needs. 
  • Minimal travel required

 

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Sedentary work – involves sitting most of the time

 

 

APPLICATION INFORMATION

 

To apply, please upload your resume, cover letter and references along with your Paycom application. Persons who do not follow and complete the application process are not applicants and will not be considered for employment.

 

Candidates are encouraged to apply by June 15 at 5 PM for priority consideration. The position will remain open until filled.

 

Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. During the selection process, we will strive to provide timely notifications. The selection process may vary from recruitment to recruitment but typically includes multiple interviews and may take several weeks depending on the position. All qualified applicants will be notified once the selection process has closed.

Offers of employment at Pacific University are contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

 

Annual Salary Range: $45,000 - $48,000, depending on experience.

 

 

At Pacific University, we are dedicated to offering experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity-minded, and responsive. Our communal success rests on the recognition that complex problems and effective solutions are best approached by teams with a variety of diverse perspectives. and life experiences. As we continue to develop our equity practices, we actively promote access to opportunities and equitable pay for all employees.

 

We, who make up Pacific University, aspire to become a community of purpose where everyone is enabled to be wholly and comfortably who they are; accountable for inclusive behaviors and practices; built on trust, civility, care, openness, and honest conversations often around critical subjects. We know that these values are critical to prepare for a global world with complex problems, through an asset-based mindset so that every one is afforded an opportunity to succeed. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is respected, their contributions are valued, and they are provided opportunities to succeed.

 

 

Compensation and Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees. Current benefits include:

  • Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays—including winter break—and sick leave)
  • Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
  • Comprehensive dental and vision plans
  • Annual 9% retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
  • Free mental health appointments
  • Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
  • Employer-paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance
  • On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library
  • Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes)

 

 

Equal Opportunity Employment:

Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all applicable laws, including those concerning employment and workplace policies. We are committed to fostering a non-discriminatory and inclusive work environment. We are proud to encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups.

 

 

 

Notice of Nondiscrimination Policy:

Pacific University makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Applicable laws include, but are not limited to, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116 or via email at provost@pacificu.edu.

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