Federal Work Study Counselor Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships UTK

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK) invites applications and nominations for our Federal Work-Study Counselor position. We are seeking candidates who can contribute in meaningful ways to enhance the accessibility of higher education fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment and improving the recruitment and graduation of our students. The University of Tennessee Knoxville has been ranked by Forbes as one of Americas best large employers as recognized on the 2025 list.

The minimum starting salary for this position is $45000. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidates qualifications and experience.

This is an on-campus position with some hybrid/remote work schedule flexibility.

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Counselor is a student-facing financial aid professional responsible for counseling students on Federal Work-Study (FWS) and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) eligibility awarding and employment options as part of a comprehensive financial aid package. This role focuses on proactive student engagement need-based awarding decisions and counseling students on the strategic use of FWS as an alternative to borrowing. The FWS Counselor works collaboratively with the Campus-Based Coordinator and Campus-Based Specialists to ensure awards employment and payroll are accurate compliant and aligned with federal regulations.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelors degree or an equivalent combination of Associate degree and 1 year in counseling students and families on financial aid programs and eligibility.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Excellent oral and communication skills.

Ability to write clear concise letters using effectual writing skills.

Sensitive to cultural diversity and ability to communicate and interact with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.

Proven ability to work effectively as a team member.

Ability to analyze and interpret data and make decisions.

Ability to work independently and under time constraints.

Knowledge of MS Office products or similar.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Experience with Banner JobX/TimesheetX or similar student employment and financial aid systems.

Experience working with payroll HR or student employment operations in higher education.

Demonstrated experience counseling college or university students with financial aid

Preferred Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and governmental agency guidelines including but not limited to the Title IV regulations particularly Campus-Based programs (FWS and SEOG).

Benefits:

University of Tennessee employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of benefits that includes:

Generouspaid leave accruing up to 24 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually plus 14 paid holidays and administrative closing days

Flexible work arrangements offering a hybrid schedule to most team members

Educationbenefitsfor employees and their dependents at UT System campuses

Retirementand deferred compensation plans including 401(k) 403(b) etc.

Comprehensive medical dental and visioninsuranceplans

Employeediscountsto attractions services and goods

The Division

TheEnrollment Management (EM) division comprises more than 190 full-time staff who serve our students through the following departments and functions: Undergraduate Admissions International Recruitment Transfer Center One Stop Student Services Financial Aid and Scholarships the Center for Financial Wellness University Registrar Pre-college Research Excellence Programs EM Research & Analytics EM Communications and EM Operations. The Division of Enrollment Management is committed to ourVision Mission and Values. We are passionate about fulfilling our land-grant mission of accessible education and making an impact that will transform lives through the student experience.

The University of Tennessee Knoxvilleis the state of Tennessees flagship university and is classified as a Carnegie Research 1 institution. As a land-grant university and as Volunteers serving our state and nation is key to our mission. UT enrolls over 35000 students (more than 6000 graduate/professional students) at its Knoxville campus. Led by the example of our Chancellors Cabinet and theirPrinciples for Engagement the University of Tennessee Knoxville builds and supports an inclusive community that provides opportunities to lead serve and engage as Volunteers and citizens. We strive to create a welcoming community rich with diverse experiences. We seek colleagues who are committed to teamwork and have a passion for working with and serving all constituents. We especially seek candidates who have an ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the goals of the university.

The Knoxville Community:Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains Knoxville has a metropolitan statistical area population of more than 850000 people. We enjoy a dynamic culture that includes numerous theaters and museums a vibrant and diverse music scene including a symphony orchestra and an opera company world-class restaurants numerous cultural festivals and an active downtown market square. Surrounded by lakes and the Tennessee River the Knoxville area boasts wonderful year-round water activities including boating fishing and swimming that make for scenic and breathtaking views of the area. Knoxville is located within easy driving distance to Asheville Nashville Atlanta and the Great Smoky Mountains and a days drive to Memphis Chicago and Washington D.C.

For full consideration applicants should submit a cover letter detailing relevant experience along with a resume and the name e-mail address and telephone number of three to five professional references. References will not be contacted without explicit permission of the candidate.