Financial Aid Counselor/ Online

Louisiana State University•Letterkenny Township, PA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Online Financial Aid Counselor position within Louisiana State University’s Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will play a key collaborative role in advancing the university and meeting the student access objectives. The individual, with general oversight from the Senior Online Financial Aid Coordinator, will be responsible for maintaining financial aid communication with current and prospective students and families. This role involves counseling students on federal and state financial aid programs, assisting with application processes, resolving financial aid issues, and contributing to financial aid operations and special projects. The position requires strong communication, analytical, and customer service skills, with a commitment to data-driven decision-making. As an LSU employee, there is an obligation to assist students with necessary services, including referring them to appropriate mental health resources if needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
Meets eligibility to obtain National Student Loan Database System access and must not be in default on a student loan.
Active Listening
Communication
Confidentiality
Critical Thinking
Customer-Focused
Decision Making
Policy Knowledge
Time Management

Nice To Haves

Experience working in financial aid or equivalent student service setting higher education.
Knowledge of best practices in financial aid
Strong team orientation, effective interpersonal skills, and superior written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated commitment to data-driven decision-making, including effective analytical skills and proven results in achieving objectives and goals.

Responsibilities

Counsels and advises prospective and enrolled students in all matters pertaining to federal and state financial aid programs, including but not limited to Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, TEACH Grants, Federal Work-Study, and Direct Loan Programs. This interaction may include phone, in-person, virtual or written contacts.
Performs detailed and personalized outreach to prospective and continuing students such as: phone calling, emailing, and other communications as needed.
Responsible for assisting students in resolving problems associated with the application processes for federal and state programs, the electronic loan transmission process and the correction process.
Evaluates and processes requests for “special circumstances” and “petitions for independent status” presented by students in determining eligibility for the federal programs.
Resolves overaward situations, which involves reducing one or more aid programs because of receipt of additional resources or conflicting financial information. Must inform students, contact appropriate agencies, and return proceeds.
Serves as a rotating member of the satisfactory academic progress appeals committee.
Assist with the examination, review and certification of direct plus loan request.
Reviews daily correspondence and award letters in their respective alphabetical breakdown to ensure accuracy and perform quality assurance.
Aid in the retention of students through direct outreach to at risk populations, providing students with a thorough understanding of resources and polices.
Serves as the secondary liaison to Digital and Continuing Education, responding to all inquiries student’s needs are met in a timely manner.
Including, but not limited to assigned committees and outreach projects.
Represent LSU and the Office of Enrollment Management at professional functions and recruiting events.