Financial Aid Counselor I - Financial Aid/Scholarships

Utah Valley University; Orem (UT); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Utah Valley University is seeking an experienced financial aid advisor to guide students and families through federal, state, and institutional aid opportunities. You will assess eligibility, explain packaging strategies, and assist with scholarship applications while ensuring compliance with regulations.

The role includes advising in person and by phone, developing training for campus departments, performing audits, and representing UVU at outreach events to promote access to higher education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with related experience as described in the Duties and Qualifications.
• Strong knowledge of federal regulations governing financial aid and scholarships.
• Experience using Banner or similar financial aid systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise students and parents in person, by email, tickets, and phone regarding federal, state, and institutional aid and scholarships.
• Evaluate student need and determine exemptions under applicable laws and institutional policy; coordinate aid appeals.
• Develop training programs and educate campus departments, counselors, and community partners on financing education requirements.
• Process reports related to federal aid eligibility and awarding and perform regular internal audits.

Skills

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Banner

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

At Utah Valley University, you'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact on students' educational journeys by helping them navigate the financial aid and scholarship process. In this role, you'll serve as a trusted resource for students and families, providing guidance on funding opportunities, eligibility requirements, and application processes that help make higher education more accessible. Your expertise and support will empower students to make informed decisions and overcome financial barriers as they pursue their academic goals.

This position offers a meaningful blend of student service, problem-solving, compliance, and community engagement. You'll develop expertise in federal financial aid regulations, exercise professional judgment in evaluating unique student circumstances, and collaborate with colleagues to ensure accurate and responsible administration of aid programs. In addition, you'll represent UVU through outreach events, high school presentations, and student orientation programs, helping prospective and current students understand the resources available to support their success. Whether assisting an individual student or presenting to a large audience, your work will play an important role in advancing educational opportunity and student achievement.

• Advise students and parents in person, by email, via service tickets, and by phone regarding federal, state, and institutional financial aid and scholarships.
• Evaluates students’ financial needs based on the requirements of federal and state laws and regulations or institutional policy. Determines exemptions for students with unusual or special circumstances. Coordinates and processes all financial aid appeals for status change and academic progress.
• Develops training programs and informs and/or trains campus departments, students, secondary education counselors, parents, and other community agencies on opportunities for financing education in accordance with federal, state, and institutional funding requirements.
• Assists in the development of training manuals. Research and resolve questions about the application process and processing problems. Continued education through state, regional, and federal trainings. Performs regular area internal audits.
• Daily processing of reports and peripheral documentation pertaining to federal aid eligibility and awarding.
• Assists co-workers when needed to ensure the successful operation of the department.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree plus one year of experience related to the Summary of Duties; or any combination of education and/or experience totaling five years.

For Example:

• Bachelor's degree and one year of related experience.
• OR an associate's degree and three years of related experience.
• OR two years of college coursework and three years of related experience.
• OR one year of college coursework and four years of related experience.
• OR five years of related experience.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of federal regulations pertaining to financial aid and scholarships, including need analysis, eligibility assessment, verification, packaging strategies, loan awarding, default prevention, Federal Work Study, Return of Title IV, and evaluation of academic progress.
• Knowledge of financial aid institutional policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of computerized financial aid systems, preferably Banner.
• Knowledge of computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, PowerPoint, internet tools, email systems, and other general computer skills.
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

Skills

• High technical aptitude and skill in problem solving, technical troubleshooting, decision-making, and prioritizing.
• Effectively uses interpersonal skills and communication skills, including tact, diplomacy, understanding, compassion, and valuing all contributions, while maintaining adherence to policies.
• Effectively using organizational and planning skills, with acute attention to detail, exacting accuracy, and follow-through.

Abilities

• Ability to work effectively with individuals from all different backgrounds.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems in an effective and professional manner.
• Shows initiative and has the ability to effectively prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Ability to learn quickly.
• Ability to effectively provide knowledge and expertise to students, parents, and staff.
• Ability to gain and maintain access to federal student aid databases.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality pertaining to all student records in compliance with federal and state regulations (i.e., FERPA, GRAMA, etc.).
• Ability to effectively create, compose, and edit written materials.