Financial Aid Counselor

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.

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 independe