Financial Aid Counselor

Louisiana State University; Letterkenny Township (Franklin County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana State University is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor to support undergraduate and graduate students with federal and state aid processes. The role emphasizes accurate guidance on grants, loans, and work-study, with a focus on responsive customer service.

The position involves counseling, outreach, and collaboration with the financial aid team to resolve complex cases and ensure timely aid disbursements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required; degree not strictly required if experience meets criteria.
• Eligibility to obtain National Student Loan Database System access and must not be in default on a student loan.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid policies and procedures; familiarity with aid programs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Counsels and advises prospective and enrolled students on federal and state financial aid programs.
• Describes policies accurately and provides excellent customer service.
• Performs outreach via phone, email, and other communications as needed.
• Assists students with application processes for federal/state programs, loan transmissions, and corrections.
• Participates in the Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals process and related tasks.

Skills

Active Listening

Communication

Confidentiality

Critical Thinking

Customer-Focused

Decision Making

Policy Knowledge

Time Management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Financial Aid Counselor

Position Type:

Professional / Unclassified

Department:

LSUAM AA - EM - Rec - FAS - FA - Counseling (Alleaha Madison Lopez (00088235))

Work Location:

1138 Ruffin G. Pleasant Hall

Job Description:

The financial aid coordinator 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 enrollment objectives. The individual, with general oversight from the Manager, will be responsible for maintaining financial aid communication with current and prospective students and families.

Financial Aid Counseling (60%)

• 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, or written contacts.


• The employee must be accurate in describing financial aid policies, criteria and procedures. Individual must be responsive to prospective students’ concerns and needs by providing excellent customer service.


• 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.

Financial Aid Operations (30%)

• Resolves over award 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.


• 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 student outreach, providing students with a thorough understanding of resources and polices.

Special projects as assigned (10%)

• Including, but not limited to assigned committees and outreach projects.


• Represent LSU and the Office of Enrollment Management at professional functions and recruiting events. Represent LSU and EMSS at orientation events.

Required Experience/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree.


• LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply— a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.


• Meets eligibility to obtain National Student Loan Database System access and must not be in default on a student loan.

Our ideal candidate possesses the following qualities:

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; and experience working in financial aid or equivalent student service setting.

As with all LSU employees, due to this position title and/or responsibilities, this position has an obligation to assist students in the acquisition of necessary services. Should a student appear in need of or seek assistance with issues of an emotional, behavioral, or mental health related matter they should be referred to the proper service within the Student Health Center. In situations where the student creates an impression that they are a danger to themselves or others, the advisor should immediately contact the Care Team, the Dean of Students or the appropriate law enforcement agency. The employee outside of those rights contained within FERPA should create no impression of client or patient confidentiality.

Special Instructions:

Please contact Alleaha Lopez at [e-mail].

Skills Needed:

Active Listening, Communication, Confidentiality, Critical Thinking, Customer-Focused, Decision Making, Policy Knowledge, Time Management

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information:

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.