Financial Aid Counselor (1596)

Idaho State University

14d•$50,000 - $51,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid Counselor supports and assists with the administration of Federal Financial Aid programs at Idaho State University. This is an on-campus position in Pocatello and is not eligible for remote work. The position is not eligible for new visa sponsorship; candidates with valid U.S. work authorization may be considered. The counselor verifies financial aid applications and documents, advises students, parents, and university community members, supports FAFSA completion, determines aid eligibility, and processes or revises aid packages. The role also includes outreach, summer aid processing, professional judgment reviews, federal program administration, and support for Satisfactory Academic Progress. The counselor maintains current knowledge of federal regulations and may assist with staff training, campus liaison work, and special projects. The regular schedule may include some evenings and weekends, as well as possible overnight travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
At least two years of financial aid, admissions, academic advising, counseling, or other higher education administration experience.
Knowledge of Federal Title IV regulations.
Knowledge of the FAFSA application process.
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
Willingness to work some evenings and weekends.
Strong attention to detail.
Presentation or public-speaking experience.
The successful candidate cannot be in default or owe a return of Title IV aid.
Must already hold valid U.S. work authorization; the position is not eligible for new visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
Three years of financial aid, admissions, academic advising, counseling, or other higher education administration experience.
Banner ERP experience, specifically the Financial Aid module.

Responsibilities

Verify financial aid applications by reviewing submitted documents, confirming student data accuracy, and resolving errors or conflicting information.
Provide financial aid counseling to students, parents, and the university community through appointments, on-call and phone-backup rotations, and presentations.
Provide information about the financial aid application process, student eligibility, financial aid budgets, and financial literacy.
Provide customer service and serve as an information resource for students, parents, and staff.
Assist with FAFSA completion and troubleshoot related issues.
Support outreach efforts, including financial aid workshops at high schools or on campus.
Determine student eligibility for aid programs and revise aid packages as needed, including reviewing NSLDS and/or COD student records.
Support military-affiliated and veteran students by connecting them with the campus Veteran Certifying Official/School Certifying Official.
Process summer aid, including manually reviewing remaining annual student eligibility and packaging summer aid offers.
Complete case-by-case Professional Judgement reviews for unique student circumstances, including special circumstances, actual expenses, petitions for independence, and marital status changes.
Maintain current knowledge of federal regulations applicable to federal student aid through training and professional development.
May assist with training and professional development for support staff.
Support federal processes and programs, which may include Federal Pell Grant, Federal Direct Loan, campus-based federal aid, alternative loan, Prison Education, and Workforce Pell programs.
Support Satisfactory Academic Progress, including reviewing SAP contracts and appeals and chairing SAP committees.
Work a regular schedule consistent with university needs, which may include some evenings and weekends, and possible travel, including overnight travel.
May perform liaison work with other campus areas or special projects based on operational needs and individual experience and skills.
Perform other reasonable duties as assigned.