Job Description

The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Founded in 1959 in beautiful Ventura County, the university has an enrollment of about 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students who come from across the nation and around the world from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran is looking for candidates with a dedication to and success in working in diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusive learning and work environment that values individual differences and respects each person's dignity.

Basic Function:
Under the direction of the Director of Financial Aid and supervision of the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Counselor must provide quality customer service to prospective, and continuing students regarding financial aid eligibility, analyze federal financial aid applications to determine a student's financial need, prepare and award financial aid packages, and perform all duties related to the financial aid process. Counselors must interact in a professional manner with students and parents in challenging situations to help them resolve financial issues relating to financial aid eligibility and monetary awards.

Representative Duties:
Provide outstanding customer service, while demonstrating patience and understanding, to families and students who are seeking and receive financial aid. E
Counsel undergraduate and graduate students and parents regarding financing an education at the University. Advise students about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, available financial aid programs, costs and financial management strategies including loans, financing options, and other financial-aid related matters. Manage heavy contact with students and families via email, phone, zoom, and in-person. E
Manage a student caseload and review student applications for accuracy to determine financial need and aid eligibility in accordance with applicable federal, state, and university regulations. Create student aid offers utilizing various software programs and federal, state, and university resources. E
Maintain compliance with all federal and state regulations and the internal policies and procedures of the university. E
Have an understanding of and hands-on experience with Direct Loan, Pell Grant, Cal Grant, and Institutional Aid processes. Contribute to broad based management of the Financial Aid Office by providing input to office policy and procedure decisions. E
Responsible for processing financial aid application materials and corrections, if needed. Oversee need analysis, document tracking and evaluation; verify accuracy of documents and consistency of financial aid data, federal tax returns, financial aid verification documents, and student information. Performs analysis to identify discrepancies in data and determines action for resolution, completing the verification process, and generating award notifications or denying aid if ineligible. E
Exercise professional judgment, assist with processing financial aid appeals, special circumstances and dependency overrides. E
Counsel and advise students concerning Satisfactory Academic Progress policies and
appeal procedures, monitors the probation/suspension status and the 150% time frame for
students. E
Analyze various reports to verify continued compliance and eligibility of students receiving aid
under federal, state and institutional guidelines. Notify students of changes in their eligibility and offers alternatives, if applicable. E
Promote a positive image of the Financial Aid Office by making group presentations which explain both the various financial aid programs and associated application processes to students, parents and local communities, including the University. E
Responsible for managing, reconciling, maintaining accurate records for institutional, federal and state aid program(s) as assigned. E
Knowledge of the Financial Aid automated systems including; Colleague,
FPP,NSLDS,COD and Web Grants. E
Utilize databases to gather student information and create and modify awards; data entry into computerized systems for tracking and awarding. Prepare and maintain a variety of narrative and statistical reports, records, and files related to assigned activities. E
Establish and maintain competency and professional currency through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with (internal and external) colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the Financial Aid Director. E
Work effectively in a diverse work environment with people from different socio-economicbackgrounds and cultures. E
Must be able to maintain confidentiality of private, personal information provided by students and their families. E
Contributes to the overall success of the Financial Aid Office by performing all other duties as assigned. E

E = Essential Duties

Knowledge Of:
Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
Operate a computer system with relevant software systems such as Microsoft Office.
Automated financial aid processing; federal and state regulations, guidelines, rules and procedures related to financial aid; and the various financial aid programs and requirements.
Record-keeping, filing, and information organizing techniques.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Public relations and customer service techniques.

Ability To:
Interact with diverse groups of people with various backgrounds and interests; commitment to diversity, equal opportunity, and the academic, intellectual, and social development of all students and employees.
Perform complex calculations; analyze situations accurately, be able to solve problems and offer solutions in order to adopt an effective course of action.
Learn and adapt to new and changing concepts and communicate complex regulations efficiently to constituents. Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedure. Pay attention to detail with accuracy and ability to retain complex information.
Maintain successful performance in a high-volume and confidential service environment. Interact effectively with constituents of diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
Provide excellent customer service.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Maintain records and prepare reports.
Organize and prioritize work.
Work independently with light supervision.
Effective public speaking skills.
Maintain strict confidentiality and work with discretion.
Operation of a computer terminal, data entry techniques and specified software including Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Minimum Qualifications:
Any combination equivalent to: A Bachelor's Degree and two years of experience in a financial aid office and/or college student services environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
Bilingual English/Spanish
Experience working with financial aid management software; Ellucian Colleague

Licenses and Other Requirements:
Position may require ability to work some evenings and weekends to conduct workshops and during peak enrollment periods and peak processing times.

Physical Abilities:
Ability to understand and interpret written correspondence; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer; communicate to exchange information in person, in writing, on the telephone and by email; stationary position for extended periods of time; move or transport light objects; position self to store and/or retrieve files.

Working Environment:
Fast-paced, dynamic office environment; constant interruptions; high traffic area; travel required between buildings on campus, to other outside agencies and campuses, and locally or out-of-town to attend meetings and conferences.

Hiring Range 27.00-28.00/hour
Posting Number: Staff003892022
Open Date: 11/21/2024
Close Date: 12/12/2024

Application Procedure/Special Instructions

To apply, visit https://careers.callutheran.edu/postings/12217

California Lutheran University is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment for all persons, regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable law. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program, activity or facility of the University on the basis of these factors in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, ordinances, orders and rules, and University's policies, procedures, and processes.

Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process can be provided to individuals with qualifying disabilities. Please contact the Human Resources Department for further information or to request an accommodation.

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