Financial Aid Counselor I

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.

• 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 students 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

Please submit a cover letter and resume as part of your application.

In addition the successful candidate must also demonstrate through ideas words and actions a strong commitment toUSCs Unifying Values.

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 candidates 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.

#LI-AW1

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 theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor 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 or by email at. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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