As a Christian University, Pepperdine is committed to serving students with a holistic approach to address their individual needs in a supportive, student-centered environment. The Financial Aid Specialist primary responsibility is to promote a student-centered environment by engaging and supporting students with all aspects of the financial aid process at GSEP with care, compassion, and professionalism. This position also provides assistance with federal and institutional aid processing as well as administers key functions to ensure seamless student financial aid services, contributes to effective enrollment management and assures customers' satisfaction.

Duties

• Performs the full range of routine to complex specialized duties involved in processing and evaluating application materials and funding of financial aid opportunities to eligible students. Verifies initial and continuing eligibility of students who have applied for or been granted financial aid and informs affected students of their status; resolves issues related to overpayments, concurrent enrollment; calculate Return of Title IV Aid, and other financial aid issues for example Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Verifies financial aid files to ensure accuracy of information provided by students on financial aid applications in conjunction with IRS forms, social security records, and various agencies used to determine financial aid eligibility according to federal guidelines and forms. Analyzes and reviews applications and required documentation to determine financial need and program eligibility for a variety of federal and state programs. 
• Packages financial aid awards using standard needs analysis as defined in Title IV guidelines and in accordance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines. Authorizes and posts loan amounts to student accounts; makes adjustments as needed. 
• Maintains accurate and detailed spreadsheets, files, and records, verifies accuracy of information, researches discrepancies, and records information. Review and analyze various daily, weekly and monthly reports to ensure accuracy, discern errors, and maintain a high level of student service through the financial aid process. Assists with the analysis and reconciliation of student financial aid programs, e.g. disbursements in compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Serves as a liaison with GSEP faculty, staff, University offices, and outside agencies on behalf of students to resolve issues, including financial aid, student accounts, and enrollment eligibility issues. Responsible for staying up to date on changes made to the Federal Verification process and in turn, updating our internal forms to comply with federal regulations annually. 
• Provides general administrative support to the Budget Office team. Participates in professional development and financial aid training workshops, teams, committees, and other group activities, including participation in graduation ceremonies. Assists with annual surveys and reports, and analyzes data for office needs. 
• Performs other duties related to job description as assigned by supervisor. Work GSEP commencement.
• Uphold University mission through work performed.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required: Bachelor's degree. A minimum of 2 years of current experience with student services or customer service. Strong ability to plan, prioritize, and organize short and long-term tasks. Excellent communication/customer service /interpersonal skills, outgoing, service and detail oriented.Strong organizational skills. Ability to administer individual and group counseling sessions. Ability to work with an adult professional population. Ability to maintain a positive attitude. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, familiarity with imaging processes, web-based systems and applications. Have a valid California driver license to travel domestically.

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Computer Science, Counseling, Education, Social Science or related field. More than two years of financial aid experience, and familiarity with PeopleSoft. Advanced knowledge of PeopleSoft Student System. Proficiency in ELM, NSLDS, COD, and Etrieve.

Qualified individuals should be able to articulate a strong commitment to diversity, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws.

This is a Regular, Nonexempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range: $24.23 - $26.92 per hour 

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.