Student Financial Services Counselor

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Job Description:

Join our dynamic team to play a pivotal role in shaping students' futures by managing and awarding financial aid. Be the expert who guides and supports students through the financial aid process, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed. If you are passionate about helping others and thrive in a detail-oriented environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Job Summary:

The Student Financial Services Counselor is responsible for administering federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs while providing high-level counseling and technical support. This role requires a strong working knowledge of Title IV regulations, financial aid systems, and operational processes.

In addition to core counseling responsibilities, this position plays a key role in financial aid systems processing, reconciliation, and troubleshooting, supporting daily file management and data integrity across federal and institutional platforms. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with federal aid processing and a strong preference for familiarity with Washington State aid programs. While this role does not directly administer VA education benefits, the Student Financial Services office supports students utilizing VA funding; familiarity with VA benefits and/or School Certifying Official (SCO) processes is considered a plus.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial Aid Administration & Counseling

• Review, verify, and determine student eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid.
• Package financial aid in accordance with federal regulations and institutional policies.
• Counsel students and advisors on financial aid eligibility, student accounts, and funding options.
• Provide frontline and escalated support for complex financial aid inquiries.
• Monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and counsel students on impacts to eligibility.
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready student records in compliance with Title IV and state regulations.

Technical Processing & Systems Support

• Process and manage daily/weekly financial aid files and reports, including but not limited to:

1. COD (Common Origination and Disbursement)
2. FPS (FAFSA Processing System)
3. NSLDS (National Student Loan Data System)
4. Washington State aid systems
5. PeopleSoft Campus Solutions/Financial Aid module

• Perform federal and state aid reconciliation activities, including Pell Grant, TEACH Grant, and Direct Loan reconciliation with COD and G5.
• Process federal and state aid disbursements and monitor funding levels.
• Troubleshoot system errors, data discrepancies, and processing issues in collaboration with IT and internal teams.
• Support annual aid year setup, system testing, and implementation of regulatory updates.
• Assist in maintaining and improving standard operating procedures and documentation.

Operational Support & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.
• Monitor enrollment, attendance, and loan activity (NSLDS) to ensure ongoing eligibility.
• Assist with audits, program reviews, and reporting requirements.
• Support continuous process improvement and operational efficiency initiatives.
• Provide cross-functional support.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two years of experience in federal financial aid administration (Title IV required).
• Demonstrated experience with financial aid systems and data processing (COD, NSLDS, FAFSA processing systems).
• Ability to interpret and apply federal and state financial aid regulations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize workload, and manage competing deadlines.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with Washington State aid programs (WSAC, WASFA, etc.).
• Experience with PeopleSoft or similar student information systems.
• Experience with financial aid reconciliation and/or operational processing.
• Prior experience supporting system setup, testing, or technical troubleshooting.
• Experience in a non-traditional or online higher education environment.
• Familiarity with VA education benefits and/or experience as a School Certifying Official (SCO).

Additional Information:

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, and perform repetitive motions of the hands or wrists.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, grasp or handle, stoop or bend, and reach.
• The employee must frequently lift and carry up to 20 pounds and occasionally push and pull up to 20 pounds.

Working Conditions:

The working conditions described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• This is a hybrid position. Two days per week onsite, or as directed by the supervisor.
• Travel may be required to attend regional or national training conferences.
• Evening or weekend work may occasionally be required, depending on operational needs.

Salary information:

$26-28/hour

Benefits information:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including paid holidays and paid time off; medical, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts (HSA/FSA); many types of voluntary insurance; retirement benefits with employer matching; tuition benefits; and other workplace perks such as flexible work schedules, anniversary rewards program, employee recognition program, etc.

Application Instructions:

CityU of Seattle only accepts application materials through this online application process. Please submit a complete application to be considered for this position. A complete application includes:

• Completed Electronic Application Form
• Current Resume
• Cover Letter

Once you have created a profile, please remember to record your password. Responses will be sent to your Interview Exchange account if you use the 'Help Desk' feature. A hiring manager will contact candidates with qualifications and experience most aligned with current needs. Once the position is filled, you will see a status update in your account profile.

If you encounter technical problems while applying for a position, please use the 'Help Desk' feature in your Interview Exchange account to submit the issue to technical support. For non-technical issues or questions, please email employment@cityu.edu.

City University of Seattle is an equal opportunity employer and is continuously working to build a diverse faculty and staff. City University strongly encourages inquiries from all qualified individuals interested in becoming part of the CityU team, including women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.