Financial Aid Counselor I

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); In loco; USD 34.000 - 41.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

The Office of Financial Aid at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles seeks a Financial Aid Counselor I to perform need assessments and counsel students on financial aid packaging.

You will review applications for completeness, verify information, maintain thorough file documentation, and stay current on federal, state, and USC policies. The role provides an hourly wage and opportunities for involvement in outreach.

Competenze

• Bachelor's degree required; combined experience/education acceptable as a substitute.
• 0–6 months minimum experience in financial aid or related area.
• Knowledge of FAFSA, CSS Profile, federal income tax returns, and W-2 forms.
• Ability to process Tier 1 and Tier 2 files in the Financial Aid Office.
• Familiarity with federal regulations and USC policies.

Mansioni

• Perform need analyses to determine financial aid packaging.
• Counsel students on financial aid options and eligibility.
• Review applications for consistency and completeness; verify information.

Conoscenze

Financial analysis

Needs assessment

Student counseling

Formazione

Bachelor's degree

Strumenti

SIS

Descrizione del lavoro

The Office of Financial Aid is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor I to join our team! The Financial Aid Counselor I performs need assessments for students requesting financial aid. Provides counseling and assistance in matters pertaining to financial aid packaging. Conducts need analysis to determine student financial aid packaging options based on individual case circumstances. Reviews student applications for consistency and completeness, verifies accuracy of student and family reported information, and certifies applications. Maintains accurate and thorough file documentation. Provides interpretation of financial aid policies and assists in problem-solving. The selected candidate will be expected to maintain currency on financial aid packages, state and federal regulations related to financial aid, and University policies and procedures.

The hourly range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00.

When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 0 - 6 months Minimum Field of Expertise: Financial analysis and evaluation.

Document Processing

• Determine when documents were submitted to the Financial Aid Office (FAO)
• Understand how documents are received and processed

Need Analysis and Verification

• Understand information provided on FAFSA, CSS PROFILE federal income tax returns and W2s, and USC forms
• Become proficient at processing both Tier 1 and Tier 2 files
• Review Special Circumstances letters/information presented by families
• Process Tier 1 Budget, Late, Housing and Computer appeals

Aid Coordination

• Analyze the cost of attendance and budget for a student
• Differentiate between types of aid used to create a financial aid package
• Add awards to a student’s package as directed by a manager

Loans

• Identify the different loan programs on SIS
• Originate Stafford and PLUS loans
• Troubleshoot issues regarding disbursement of loan funds
• Assist with SAP or R2T4 as directed by a manager

Outreach

• Participate on phone contact shifts
• Attend FAO events as needed (both on and off campus)

Compliance and Training

• Use the FSA Handbook, Dear Colleague Letters, NASFAA resources, etc. to research federal regulations
• Identify student and program eligibility issues
• Assist with audits and self‑assessments as needed
• Draft policies and procedures for the Knowledgebase

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy.

USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety.

Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at [phone], or by email at [e-mail].

Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

Notice of Non-discrimination Employment Equity Read USC’s Clery Act Annual Security Report.

USC is a smoke-free environment Digital Accessibility.

USC is a leading private research university located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles – a global center for arts, technology and international business. As the largest private employer in the city – responsible for more than $5 billion annually in economic activity in the region – we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills. As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks, and you will be a member of the Trojan Family - the faculty, staff, students and alumni who make USC a great place to work.