Financial Aid Counselor

Louisiana State University • Letterkenny Township, PA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid Counselor works in Louisiana State University’s Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, collaborating to support university enrollment objectives. With general oversight from the Manager, the counselor maintains financial aid communications with current and prospective students and families. The role includes advising on federal and state financial aid, resolving application and award issues, performing operational quality assurance, and contributing to student retention and outreach. The position is located at LSU-BR and is not eligible for remote work.

The counselor also represents LSU and the Office of Enrollment Management at professional functions, recruiting events, and orientation events, and participates in assigned committees and special projects. Employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check. Candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at hire and maintain it throughout employment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, or relevant experience in key responsibilities meeting the required years of experience; no specific number of years is stated.
• Eligible to obtain National Student Loan Database System access.
• Must not be in default on a student loan.
• Valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and throughout employment.
• Submit a complete application including a cover letter explaining interest and relevant preparation, a resume, and three professional references.
• Provide a resume and transcripts, if applicable.
• Background check must be satisfactory for employment.
• Skills in active listening, communication, confidentiality, critical thinking, customer focus, decision making, policy knowledge, and time management.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of financial aid best practices.
• Strong team orientation and effective interpersonal skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to data-driven decision-making, including effective analytical skills and demonstrated results in achieving objectives and goals.
• Experience working in financial aid or an equivalent student-service setting.

Responsibilities

• Counsel and advise prospective and enrolled students about federal and state financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, SEOG, TEACH Grants, Federal Work-Study, and Direct Loans, through phone, in-person, or written contact.
• Accurately explain financial aid policies, eligibility criteria, and procedures while providing responsive customer service.
• Conduct personalized outreach to prospective and continuing students by phone, email, and other communications.
• Help students resolve problems with federal and state program applications, electronic loan transmission, and corrections.
• Evaluate and process special-circumstance requests and petitions for independent status to determine federal program eligibility.
• Resolve over-award situations by adjusting aid when additional resources or conflicting financial information arise, informing students, contacting relevant agencies, and returning proceeds as necessary.
• Serve as a rotating member of the satisfactory academic progress appeals committee.
• Review daily correspondence and award letters for the assigned alphabetical group to verify accuracy and perform quality assurance.
• Support student retention through direct outreach and by explaining available resources and policies.
• Complete assigned special projects, committee work, and outreach projects.
• Represent LSU and the Office of Enrollment Management at professional functions and recruiting events, and represent LSU and EMSS at orientation events.
• Refer students who appear to need emotional, behavioral, or mental health assistance to appropriate Student Health Center services; immediately contact the Care Team, Dean of Students, or appropriate law enforcement agency when a student appears to pose a danger to themselves or others.

Benefits

• Health, life, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees and dependents.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Retirement options.
• Various leave options.
• Paid holidays.
• Wellness benefits.
• Tuition exemption for qualified positions.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Employee discounts.

What This Job Offers

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