Financial Aid Counselor — Full-Time, On-Campus
Hope International University — Fullerton, CA
Hope International University is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor to join our Student Financial Services team. This is a full-time, non-exempt, on-campus position working Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (No Weekends or Holidays)
The Financial Aid Counselor assists students and families with the financial aid process, including FAFSA, verification, award packaging, student loan counseling, Cal Grant eligibility, and federal Title IV aid requirements. This role is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, service-minded, comfortable working with students and parents, and able to manage deadlines in a busy higher education office.
Important: This is an in-person position at Hope International University in Fullerton, CA. Candidates must be able to reliably commute to campus. This is not a remote or hybrid position.
Key Responsibilities
- Counsel students, parents, and authorized third parties regarding the financial aid process, eligibility requirements, documentation, verification, and award status.
- Explain federal, state, institutional, and outside aid programs in a clear and professional manner.
- Review financial aid applications and supporting documentation for accuracy and completeness.
- Process and verify federal, state, and institutional financial aid files.
- Determine student eligibility for aid, including federal Title IV aid, Cal Grants, institutional aid, outside scholarships, and student loans.
- Prepare and update financial aid award letters.
- Assist with FAFSA follow-up, missing documents, verification requirements, and student financial aid questions.
- Help students understand loan borrowing, debt responsibilities, and financial aid rights and responsibilities.
- Communicate regularly with the Director of Student Financial Services, Senior Financial Aid Counselor, Loan Specialist, other university departments, students, parents, and outside agencies.
- Assist with forms, informational materials, outreach events, and financial aid presentations as needed.
- Stay current on federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies, regulations, and compliance requirements.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Student Financial Services Department.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- At least 1 year of financial aid, student services, higher education, or related administrative experience preferred.
- Knowledge of FAFSA, Title IV financial aid, verification, award packaging, COD, NSLDS, Cal Grants, and satisfactory academic progress preferred.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong customer service skills with the ability to work professionally with students, parents, faculty, staff, and outside agencies.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive student information.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Familiarity with student information systems, financial aid software, or campus management software is preferred.
- Ability to work independently while also contributing to a team-oriented office environment.
Work Schedule
- Full-time, non-exempt
- Monday through Friday
- 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- On-campus in Fullerton, CA
Physical and Work Environment Requirements
This position requires extended computer use, frequent keyboarding, proofreading, document review, and regular interaction with students, parents, faculty, staff, and outside agencies. The role may require walking across campus, climbing stairs, standing for extended periods during registration or events, and occasionally lifting or moving up to 30 pounds.
Character and Mission Fit
The successful candidate must support the mission of Hope International University, embody Christian character, and be actively involved in a local church.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is someone who has experience or strong interest in financial aid, student financial services, higher education administration, FAFSA processing, verification, student counseling, and compliance. This person should be organized, accurate, calm under pressure, and comfortable helping students and families navigate financial aid questions.
Application Instructions
To apply, please complete and submit the Application for STAFF Jobs on the Hope International University website:
https://www.hiu.edu/about-hiu/human-resources/hiu-career-opportunities/
As part of the application process, applicants are required to submit a Christian faith statement along with the staff application.
Please note: It may take up to 48 hours for the posting to appear on the HIU website. In the meantime, applicants may apply by selecting “Application for STAFF jobs” under the “Take the Next Step” section and writing in the position they are applying for.
For questions regarding this position, please use the online application process. We kindly ask that applicants do not contact the university directly.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Ability to Relocate:
- Fullerton, CA 92831: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
