Financial Aid Counselor

Louisiana Tech University•Ruston, LA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Financial Aid at Louisiana Tech University is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Financial Aid Counselor. This role is responsible for managing the TOPS state scholarship program, ensuring timely crediting of awards to student accounts. The position involves maintaining a proactive TOPS program, balancing funds between internal systems and LOSFA, and timely reporting of grades and billing. Additionally, the counselor will award other grants, process student files, and counsel students and families on scholarship requirements and financial aid regulations. Key responsibilities include understanding financial aid packaging, correcting over-awards, processing revision requests, and assisting students and families with financial aid processes and the FAFSA. The role demands excellent customer service, a commitment to quality and professionalism, the ability to multitask in a busy office environment with frequent interruptions, and effective time management. Compassion, empathy, discretion, an independent work ethic, and collaboration are also essential skills. Louisiana Tech University provides over $100 million annually in student aid from various sources. The Office of Financial Aid operates under the Division of Student Advancement and contributes to the University's mission of providing timely and accurate aid.

Requirements

Minimum of an earned bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Hands-on experience with PC based information systems.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
Solid written and verbal communication skills.
Decision-making skills with attention to details.
Work with integrity and confidentiality.
Ability to travel as needed up to 10%.

Nice To Haves

PowerFAIDS software knowledge.
Understanding of LOSFA Scholarship programs and requirements.
Workday software or other Student Information System user experience.
Successful experience in a financial aid office.

Responsibilities

Manage the TOPS state scholarship program to ensure timely crediting of awards to student accounts.
Maintain a pro-active TOPS program to ensure a balance of funds across internal office systems and LOSFA and timely reporting of grades and billing.
Award other grants and process student files.
Counsel students and families regarding scholarship requirements and financial aid regulations.
Understand financial aid packaging concepts, correcting over-awards and processing requests for revisions on an as-needed basis.
Help students and their families navigate financial aid processes and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Multi-task in an office environment with frequent interruptions and distractions while maintaining effective results.