DEPARTMENT: Financial Aid/ STATUS: Full-time/CLASSIFICATION: Hourly/RANK / DATE LAST UPDATED: June 2024

PURPOSE   / GENERAL DUTIES

Life Pacific University is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Student Financial Services Counselor. This position plays a crucial role in supporting students and families by providing comprehensive financial aid and student account services. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of financial aid regulations, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to fostering a supportive environment for our students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Student Counseling and Customer Service:

• Advise students and families on financial aid options, application procedures, and eligibility requirements.
• Conduct one-on-one counseling sessions to assist with financial planning and budgeting for educational expenses.
• Explain financial aid awards and address any questions or concerns regarding financial aid packages.
• Counsel students regarding their account balances and advising them on financial responsibilities when necessary.
• Serve as the first point of contact in the office, directing incoming phone calls and student traffic.
• Provide exceptional customer service by addressing and resolving student inquiries and concerns in a timely and professional manner.

Application Processing:

• Assist students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid forms.
• Review and process financial aid applications, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Verify student eligibility for various types of financial aid,   including grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs.

Communication and Outreach:

• Develop and conduct financial aid workshops, presentations, and information sessions for prospective and current students.
• Create and distribute informational materials related to financial aid processes and deadlines.
• Respond to inquiries from students, families, and staff in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain open communication with students regarding their accounts.

Student Accounts Management:

• Create estimated tuition bills at the beginning of each semester and   distribute them to students.
• Prepare and distribute monthly statements to students.
• Maintain aged accounts to ensure timely collection of payments.
• Collect and post payments to student accounts.
• Collaborate with the Director of Student Accounts to turn in deposits.
• Run income reports, including Income by Account, Cash Receipts, and   Charges & Adjustments.
• Process bookstore vouchers with MBS Direct.
• Process refunds to students in a timely manner.
• Assist the Director of Student Accounts with adjustments and billing.
• File and manage general office duties.
• Monitor the Student Accounts web pages.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with other student financial services staff to ensure seamless service delivery and support to students.
• Collaborate with departments such as Admissions, Registrar, and Business Office to coordinate financial aid activities and resolve student issues.
• Participate in professional development activities and stay current with changes in financial aid regulations and best practices.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field required.

Knowledge and Skills (Preferred)

• Experience in financial aid.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience with student information management systems (e.g., Empower, Slate).

Working Conditions and Environments:

• Flexibility in working hours required, including a variety of evening and weekend schedules during the year. 

NOTE: Though not required, this position is optionally eligible for appointment as a Foursquare minister under certain conditions. If appointed as a minister, the employee will be available to provide pastoral care and prayer. In addition, s/he may be called upon to perform sacerdotal duties upon request of the University.

This job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to revision when necessary.

Candidates must be Christian believers holding a Pentecostal/charismatic perspective and will be required to adhere to the University’s statement of faith and mission.

No person shall be denied employment at Life Pacific University on the basis of gender, race or ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification, except as may be permitted by law.