Utah Valley University is seeking a dedicated Financial Aid Counselor to support students and families in navigating the financial aid and scholarship process. Working under the guidance of an assistant director, this role includes advising on program eligibility, reviewing applications for federal compliance, and making professional judgment decisions on aid eligibility. The counselor also adjusts awards, conducts outreach to high school seniors, and presents at orientations to educate students on financial aid. This position requires access to federal databases and a commitment to ensuring accurate and compliant aid distribution.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Advise students and parents in person, email, service tickets, and over the phone concerning federal, state, and institutional financial aid and scholarships.
• Evaluates students’ financial needs based on 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 regarding opportunities for financing education based on federal, state, and institutional funding requirements.
• Assists in the development of training manuals. Research and resolve questions about 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. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications

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.

Preferred Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management or Behavioral Science or related field plus one year of experience related to the Summary of Duties or any combination of education and/or experience related to the Summary of Duties totaling five years.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

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, database, power point, internet tools, email systems, and other general computer skills.

• High technical aptitude and skill in problem solving, technical troubleshooting, decision-making, and prioritizing.
• Effectively uses interpersonal skills and communications 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.

• 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 ability to effectively prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Ability to learn quickly.
• Ability to effectively provide knowledge, and expertise to students, parents, and staff.
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• 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.

EEO Statement:

UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant’s qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.