Purpose: The Financial Aid Counselor assists students complete and fund each academic year for school.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Guide current students and parents throughout the financial aid process in pursuit of first and subsequent degrees
• Exercise independent professional judgment with minimal supervision to counsel students on optimal financial package based on individual circumstances
• Represent the financial aid department at monthly Open House events and convey advice on how to secure tuition and living expenses to students and parents
• Work closely with the Management to research, analyze, implement, and update the Financial Aid strategies for students based on specific socioeconomic background
• Serve as a financial aid content expert for the school, working with all departments to ensure accurate understanding of issues, handling of questions and review of documents.
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, accreditation standards and professional guidelines regarding student enrollment and financial aid.
• Contact incoming students to secure documents necessary to complete files and verification.
• Coordinate efforts with student and lender in relation to private loans
• Counsel students and parents on PLUS applications, including denial options
• Enter all correspondence and communication with students into systems
• Ensure students do not exceed cost of education limits
• Comply with federal regulations as outlined in Department of Education handbook
• Offsite training as necessary to stay current on all Financial Aid issues
• Maintain touchpoint process with each student for regular contact prior to start
• Once hired must pass provided FA essentials training with 75% or better
• Applicant must not currently be or have been in default on student loans
• Able to communicate student academic progess as it pertains to financial aid

Non-Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Adhere to policies and procedures of The Los Angeles Film School
• Maintain strict confidentiality of company and personnel information
• Adhere to company attendance standards

Other Responsibilities: Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Competencies/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Self-motivated and able to balance multiple tasks simultaneously among changing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability to effectively and positively communicate with a customer-service oriented attitude.
• Professional, upbeat, social and dependable
• Creative problem solver who works well in a team environment
• Ability to relate, understand, and engage with prospective students
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Understand and accurately apply customer service techniques
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Confident presenting general information to students both live and using video software
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment interacting with a diverse group of staff & students

Education and/or Experience:

• Experience in Financial Aid industry preferred but not required
• Bachelor Degree from an accredited institution is highly recommend but not required

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: N/A

Computer Skills:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (or Mac equivalent)
• Must be comfortable with navigating standard email systems, internal computer storage

Environmental Factors are those that are required and performed with or without an accommodation.

• Hybrid work schedule two days in office the rest from home. (Subject to change as required by management).
• Need High Speed internet connection when working from home

Physical Demands are those that are required and performed with or without an accommodation: N/A

Emotional and Mental Demands are those that are required and performed with or without an accommodation: N/A