JOB OPPORTUNITY
FINANCIAL AID COUNSELOR
The Financial Aid Counselor Performs functions under the general supervision of the Financial
Aid Director. The counselor will assist in the administration of the financial aid programs.
Position requires a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent plus 2-3 years financial aid program
experience and familiarity with relevant federal and state program regulations.
As a representative for Palo Alto University, this position is responsible for maintaining a high
level of knowledge regarding Financial Aid programs and facilitates a high quality of customer
service that attracts, retains, and enrolls academically qualified, culturally diverse, and socially
conscious populations of students. This candidate is well-rounded and thrives in a fast paced
atmosphere. The Financial Aid Counselor will actively work with the Office of Enrollment
Management, Office of Student Affairs, Bursar, Registrar and faculty to ensure student success
and retention.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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Conduct overviews for prospective students;
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Help and advice students on applying for financial aid and FAFSA as needed
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Accept financial aid applications, forms; review for completeness, accuracy; verify
information reported on student applications to determine eligibility for awards; screen
applications
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Maintains records for new and returning students
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Conduct presentations for students at university recruiting events
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Performs verification and awarding for federal, state, institutional and campus-based aid
programs
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Performs default rate management activities, including entrance and exit interviews and
financial aid literacy workshops
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Performs Return to Title IV calculations
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Request and track timely funding and recoveries of Title IV funds (R2T4)
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Ensure timely filing of electronic and physical student files;
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Keeps up to date with changes in private, state and federal financial aid programs
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Coordinates student application process with Admissions
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Tracks completion of FAFSA application
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Reports loan originations and disbursements to COD
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Manages Cal Grant program eligibility, disbursements and reconciliation
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Monitors campus based expenditures, student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress and day
to day federal and state grant expenditures
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Certifies Private loans
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Performs other duties as assigned by Financial Aid Director
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Excellent attendance and punctuality, collegial and diplomatic behavior at work, and work
performance to the satisfaction of management are essential functions of this position.
QUALIFICATIONS
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Bachelor’s Degree required
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2-3 years of progressive experience in state and federal regulatory compliance
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Specialized training in compliance of Title IV, Cal Grant, Campus based aid, Private loans
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
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Broad, up to date knowledge and experience in state and federal Title IV compliance.
Expertise in all areas of financial aid, from determining eligibility, reconciling funds
PowerFaids and Jenzabar software experience
Performs budget adjustments (Professional Judgments), award origination, and
verification to disbursing funds and maintaining student records
Self-motivated to manage daily operations and completion of longer term departmental
projects
Attention to detail, strong analytical skills
Ability to handle multiple tasks and due date pressures utilizing strong planning,
organization and time management skills while generating a high level of quality work
product
Working knowledge of COD, NSLDS, FAA online, WebGrants, OpenNet systems,
PowerFaids, and Jenzabar
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Ability to learn quickly
Ability to provide excellent customer service
Active listening and interpersonal skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment
Work effectively in team situations
Demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior
Candidate will be required to complete fundamentals of Title IV training
Valid CA Driver’s license
Required to regularly travel to other campus locations and to regional and state
conferences, including weekends.
COMPENSATION
Full time position with a competitive base salary plus benefits, 403B, flexible spending account,
group medical, dental and vision.
Please send all resumes with “Financial Aid Counselor” in the subject line to:
abryant@paloaltou.edu.