Student Financial Services Counselor

City University of Seattle (CityU) is a distinguished and comprehensive private nonprofit university and an affiliate of the National University. We servestudents regionally nationally and globally reaching across borders to impart knowledge and empower individuals. With a focus on adult learners and online students we provide flexible accessible programs tailored to meet the needs of the modern learner. Offering over 60 academic degree programs we are committed to expanding our students knowledge skills and possibilities. Our mission is deeply rooted in the belief that education can improve lives. We invite you to join us in our commitment to fostering community promoting diversity and providing an environment where every student can thrive and achieve their educational goals.

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

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

• Bachelors 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).

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this 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 andcarry up to 20 pounds and occasionally push andpull 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 acomprehensive 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.

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

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.