Position Title:Financial Aid Advisor
Position Type:Regular
Job Number:SA78124
Full or Part Time:full-time 40 hours weekly
Fair Labor Standard Act Classification:Non-Exempt
Anticipated Pay Range:$22.50-$24.00
Pay Range Information:Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
Job Description Summary:The Financial Aid Advisor plays a key role in supporting student access and success by providing guidance on financial aid programs and processes while ensuring a high level of customer service. This position is responsible for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of student financial aid records, supporting the timely review and awarding of aid in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, and contributing to the efficient daily operations of the office. Working collaboratively with team members, the advisor helps facilitate smooth processing workflows, addresses student needs, and promotes clear communication, while upholding strict confidentiality standards and participating in outreach and continuous improvement efforts.
Responsibilities:First Point of Contact
- Advise and provide resource guidance to students, parents, staff, and the public on financial aid application status, policies, procedures, and related inquiries
- Manage email and phone communications
- Provide assistance with FAFSA and other financial aid applications
- Review all documents for accuracy and completeness.
- Enter and update accurate and appropriate data to enable calculations of eligibility for, and awarding of, federal, state, university and donor provided assistance, in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies
- Retrieve and verify financial aid information via institutional and federal systems
- Support student workers in daily operations and customer service delivery
Support the Financial Aid Awarding Processes- Open and sort mail, scan and track financial aid documents as they are received
- Prepare documents and student files for review utilizing imaging software and queues
- Maintain positive and consistent communication with the counseling team to ensure accurate information about student files is available at all times
- Evaluate requests and determine the appropriate route for the request to be resolved
Perform Other Duties Necessary to Improve Services and Operations of the Office- Update supervisor of any issues that may compromise compliance with laws, regulations, and policies
- Represent the Financial Aid Office at on-campus events
- Adhere to the Family Education Rights of Privacy Act and the requirements of the Federal Privacy Act as well as institutional communication policies
- Maintain professional competency and proficiency
- Perform other duties as assigned or requested
Required Qualifications:- 1-2 years experience providing service or administrative support, with a strong commitment to a positive customer experience, teamwork, and the accurate dissemination of information
- Technical proficiencies with ability to learn new systems and web-based applications
- Proven ability to understand and perform basic arithmetic computations
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills to relate empathetically to diverse constituents
- Ability to prioritize and reprioritize duties and work while experiencing interruptions, distractions, and fluctuating workloads
- Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy and maintain a high level of confidentiality
- Demonstrated ability to make appropriate decisions and sound judgments on routine to critical matters
Desired Qualifications:- Bachelor’s degree
- Familiarity with the basics of financial aid policy and procedure
Special Instructions to Applicants:Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.
Minimum Number of References:2
Maximum Number of References:3