Federal Work Study Counselor - Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships - UTK

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

4h • $45,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications and nominations for our Federal Work-Study Counselor position. We are seeking candidates who can contribute in meaningful ways to enhance the accessibility of higher education, fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment, and improving the recruitment and graduation of our students. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been ranked by Forbes as one of America’s best large employers, as recognized on the 2025 list. The minimum starting salary for this position is $45,000. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. This is an on-campus position with some hybrid/remote work schedule flexibility. The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Counselor is a student-facing financial aid professional responsible for counseling students on Federal Work-Study (FWS) and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) eligibility, awarding, and employment options as part of a comprehensive financial aid package. This role focuses on proactive student engagement, need-based awarding decisions, and counseling students on the strategic use of FWS as an alternative to borrowing. The FWS Counselor works collaboratively with the Campus-Based Coordinator and Campus-Based Specialists to ensure awards, employment, and payroll are accurate, compliant, and aligned with federal regulations. The Division of Enrollment Management is committed to our Vision, Mission and Values . We are passionate about fulfilling our land-grant mission of accessible education and making an impact that will transform lives through the student experience. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is the state of Tennessee’s flagship university and is classified as a Carnegie Research 1 institution. As a land-grant university and as Volunteers, serving our state and nation is key to our mission. UT enrolls over 35,000 students (more than 6000 graduate/professional students) at its Knoxville campus. Led by the example of our Chancellor’s Cabinet and their Principles for Engagement , the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, builds and supports an inclusive community that provides opportunities to lead, serve and engage as Volunteers and citizens. We strive to create a welcoming community rich with diverse experiences. We seek colleagues who are committed to teamwork and have a passion for working with and serving all constituents. We especially seek candidates who have an ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the goals of the university. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville has a metropolitan statistical area population of more than 850,000 people. We enjoy a dynamic culture that includes numerous theaters and museums, a vibrant and diverse music scene including a symphony orchestra and an opera company, world-class restaurants, numerous cultural festivals and an active downtown market square. Surrounded by lakes and the Tennessee River, the Knoxville area boasts wonderful year-round water activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming that make for scenic and breathtaking views of the area. Knoxville is located within easy driving distance to Asheville, Nashville, Atlanta, and the Great Smoky Mountains, and a day’s drive to Memphis, Chicago and Washington D.C. For full consideration, applicants should submit a cover letter detailing relevant experience along with a resume and the name, e-mail address, and telephone number of three to five professional references. References will not be contacted without explicit permission of the candidate.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of Associate degree and 1 year in counseling students and families on financial aid programs and eligibility.
• Excellent oral and communication skills.
• Ability to write clear, concise letters using effectual writing skills.
• Sensitive to cultural diversity and ability to communicate and interact with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
• Proven ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data and make decisions.
• Ability to work independently and under time constraints.
• Knowledge of MS Office products or similar.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Banner, JobX/TimesheetX, or similar student employment and financial aid systems.
• Experience working with payroll, HR, or student employment operations in higher education.
• Demonstrated experience counseling college or university students with financial aid
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and governmental agency guidelines including but not limited to the Title IV regulations, particularly Campus-Based programs (FWS and SEOG).

Responsibilities

• Counseling students on Federal Work-Study (FWS) and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) eligibility, awarding, and employment options as part of a comprehensive financial aid package.
• Proactive student engagement
• Need-based awarding decisions
• Counseling students on the strategic use of FWS as an alternative to borrowing.
• Works collaboratively with the Campus-Based Coordinator and Campus-Based Specialists to ensure awards, employment, and payroll are accurate, compliant, and aligned with federal regulations.

Benefits

• Generous paid leave , accruing up to 24 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually, plus 14 paid holidays and administrative closing days
• Flexible work arrangements, offering a hybrid schedule to most team members
• Education benefits for employees and their dependents at UT System campuses
• Retirement and deferred compensation plans, including 401(k), 403(b), etc.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Employee discounts to attractions, services, and goods

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level