Senior Financial Aid Counselor

Senior Financial Aid Counselor

Linfield University | Financial Aid Office

Position: Senior Financial Aid Counselor
Department: Financial Aid Office
Reports To: Director of Financial Aid

Join the Linfield University Team!

Linfield University is seeking a knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and student-focusedSenior Financial Aid Counselor to join our Financial Aid Office. This position plays an important role in helping students and families navigate the financial aid process, understand their funding options, and access the resources needed to achieve their educational goals.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative professional who enjoys working with students and families, has strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and is committed to providing exceptional customer service while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.

Position Summary

The Senior Financial Aid Counselor provides comprehensive financial aid advising and support to prospective, incoming, and current students and their families. This position is responsible for evaluating financial aid applications, determining student eligibility, administering federal and state financial aid programs, and ensuring the accurate and timely awarding of financial assistance.

Working closely with colleagues across the university, the Senior Financial Aid Counselor exercises independent judgment in interpreting complex financial aid regulations, resolving student concerns, and supporting the effective administration of financial aid programs. This role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a commitment to student success.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Aid Advising and Student Support

• Provide personalized financial aid guidance to prospective, new, and continuing students and their families throughout the application and awarding process.

• Explain financial aid eligibility requirements, scholarships, grants, loans, and other funding opportunities in a clear and accessible manner.

• Review financial aid applications and supporting documentation to verify financial and household information reported on the FAFSA.

• Apply federal financial aid regulations, relevant IRS tax requirements, and institutional policies to determine student eligibility.

• Exercise professional judgment when evaluating unique student circumstances, documenting decisions and justifications as appropriate.

• Respond to student and family concerns with professionalism, empathy, and effective conflict-resolution skills.

• Represent the Financial Aid Office at university events, including orientation programs, admitted student events, and FAFSA/ORSAA completion workshops.

Financial Aid Administration and Compliance

• Complete initial financial aid verification reviews, identify missing documentation, and communicate requirements to students.

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of financial aid awards in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.

• Reconcile federal work-study funds and oversee the reconciliation and appropriate awarding of Federal Pell Grants and Oregon state financial aid programs, including the Oregon Opportunity Grant.

• Monitor and conduct initial reviews of Return to Title IV (R2T4), Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and course withdrawal or drop notifications.

• Ensure students receive required exit counseling information upon graduation, withdrawal, or enrollment below half-time.

• Monitor TEACH Grant eligibility, including academic progress, GPA requirements, required documentation, and exit counseling notifications.

• Maintain accurate student records and safeguard confidential information in accordance with FERPA and applicable regulations.

• Exercise sound judgment and meticulous attention to detail to minimize errors, maintain compliance, and protect student and institutional eligibility.

Scholarship and Loan Management

• Administer and award scholarships through the Oregon Student Aid Commission (OSAC) and last-dollar scholarship programs, including Ford Family scholarships.

• Determine recipients of endowed and donor-funded scholarships based on established eligibility criteria.

• Collaborate with University Advancement to coordinate donor notifications and assist with establishing new scholarship funds.

• Oversee the administration and certification of federal and private education loans for CPS, including Parent PLUS, Graduate PLUS, and private student loans.

• Identify and resolve loan processing discrepancies between university systems and the U.S. Department of Education.

Collaboration and Professional Development

• Build positive working relationships with university partners, including Admission, Academic Support, faculty, Athletics, the Business Office, the Registrar's Office, and University Advancement.

• Participate in state, regional, and national professional development opportunities to remain current on financial aid regulations, policies, and best practices.

• Stay informed about changes to federal and state financial aid programs and apply updated requirements to daily operations.

• Contribute to a collaborative, service-oriented office environment focused on accuracy, efficiency, and student success.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience in a higher education setting, preferably in financial aid, admission, or enrollment services.

• Familiarity with financial documents and strong computer and technology skills.

• Ability to interpret and apply complex financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Strong analytical skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to maintain accuracy while managing competing priorities and interruptions.

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and sound judgment in decision-making.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

• Commitment to providing outstanding customer service to students and families from diverse backgrounds.

• Comfort with public speaking and presenting financial aid information to groups.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive student information appropriately.

• Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support university events and student needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.

• Bilingual and bicultural skills.

• Experience working directly with financial aid programs and eligibility determination.

• Proficiency with financial aid and student information systems, including Ellucian Colleague, NSLDS, COD, CPS, and Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Why Join Linfield University?

At Linfield University, you'll be part of a welcoming, collaborative, and mission-driven community dedicated to helping students thrive. Our Financial Aid Office plays a vital role in making a Linfield education accessible and supporting students throughout their academic journeys. As a Senior Financial Aid Counselor, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference by helping students and families understand their financial aid options, overcome financial barriers, and pursue their educational goals.

Linfield values diverse perspectives, encourages professional growth, and fosters a supportive environment where employees can contribute their skills and expertise to student success.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Linfield University is committed to fostering an inclusive community that values diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We strive to create an environment that honors academic freedom, celebrates diverse cultures, encourages mutual respect, and affirms the value of every individual.

We welcome applicants who share our commitment to creating an equitable and supportive educational environment for all students.

Apply Today!

If you're passionate about helping students achieve their educational goals, enjoy navigating complex financial aid processes, and thrive in a collaborative, student-centered environment, we encourage you to apply for theSenior Financial Aid Counselor position at Linfield University.

Join us in making higher education more accessible and helping students build a brighter future!

PLEASE NOTE: We are hiring for  EITHER a Senior Financial Aid Counselor OR a Financial Aid Counselor.  If you meet the qualifications for both positions, please APPLY TO BOTH POSITIONS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Bilingual and bicultural preferred.
• Sr. Counselor with at least one year in a higher education setting, preferably within financial aid, admission, or enrollment.
• Familiar with financial documents and high competency in computer skills.
• Proficiency in technology and systems used to determine students' eligibility and originate financial aid awards, including but not limited to Colleague, NSLDS, COD, CPS, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• Ability to interpret complex financial aid regulations and apply them appropriately in different situations.
• Comfortable with public speaking and working with diverse families.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and the ability to use sound judgment for decision-making.
• Some evening and weekend work required.