Find & Apply For Financial Aid Counselor / Specialist Jobs in Portland, Oregon

Financial Aid Specialist 1 Portland State University - 4.1 Portland, OR Job Details $18.06 - $20.19 an hour 3 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Qualifications Computer operation Customer communication Database systems Educational administrative software Word processing Spreadsheets Writing skills Copy machines In-person customer service Student information system Cultural competency Working with students Desktop applications Educational compliance and regulation understanding Full Job Description Position Details Proposed Start Date 09/01/2026 Classification Title Office Specialist 1 Working Title Financial Aid Specialist 1 Department 331241 - FAO Financial Aid Position Number D99766 Representation

OP - SEIU/OPEU

Local 503 Position FTE .5 End date, if applicable Position Summary Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept Portland State University is a public institution chartered by the State of Oregon and is fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Founded in 1946 as an extension school for GIs returning home after World War II, PSU is now Oregon's only urban public research university encompassing 50 city blocks, nine schools and colleges, and offers over 200 degree programs. During the most recent academic year, 19,687 students were enrolled at PSU, including approximately 900 international students from 61 countries. PSU currently employs approximately 5,200 people, including 1,500 research and instructional faculty members. Our mission to "Let Knowledge Serve the City" reflects our dedication to finding creative, sustainable solutions to local and global problems. Our location in the heart of Portland, one of America's most dynamic cities, gives our students unmatched access to career connections and an internationally acclaimed culture scene. "U.S. News & World Report" ranks us among the nation's most innovative universities. The School of Business is one of ten schools or colleges at PSU offering seven masters programs in addition to an undergraduate program. Position Summary The Financial Aid Specialist is part of the Student Support team and provides customer service to assist students, their families and the campus community with all aspects of the financial aid process. The purpose of this position is to provide direct customer service, by assisting students and parents with all aspects of the financial aid process. Responsibilities include providing information in person, by phone, chat and through email concerning student financial aid status, electronic application procedures, and financial aid eligibility policies. Additionally, Financial Aid Specialists contribute to prospective and new student efforts as a dedicated financial aid presence during Admissions' recruitment season. They also provide limited administrative support and coordination for the office's customer service strategy. Minimum Qualifications from Classification Completion of courses or training in Office Technology; OR One year of general clerical experience which included typing, word processing, or other generation of documents; OR An equivalent combination of training and experience. Additional Minimum Qualifications for this Position Have at least one year of customer service experience. Have a basic knowledge of the use of personal computers with a functional knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and database navigation. Able to access Federal Student Aid (FSA) systems. Able to operate standard office machines such as copiers and scanners. Able to read, understand and retain federal and state rules and regulations. Able to read, understand and retain institutional policies and procedures. Able to engage and communicate effectively with a diverse student body in an empathetic manner, both verbally and in writing. Successful completion of a background check. Preferred Qualifications Bilingual in

English/Spanish:

written and spoken; Have two (2) years of customer service experience in a financial aid office, non-profit agency, or related venue serving students and applying appropriate rules and regulations. Have a student-centered customer service perspective. Have knowledge of current federal and state financial aid rules and regulations. Have working knowledge of Ellucian Banner or other financial aid management system (FAMS). Able to handle numerous tasks simultaneously, meet deadlines and time limits. Able to work independently with minimal direction. Able to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. Able to read, understand and retain complex financial aid policies and regulations. Key Cultural Competencies Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences. Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds. Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement. Adheres to all PSU policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct. Environmental Stewardship Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals. Work Days/Hours 20 hours per week between the hours of 9-5pm; schedule to be determined Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement The starting hourly salary for this position is $18.06 to $20.19 and may be negotiated dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity. An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-overview Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator Application Instructions Additional Information Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.) Please include the names, email addresses and phone numbers for 3 professional references. Background Check Required Yes If you have questions