What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Aid Counselor position at University of South Carolina?
Posting Number
STA00049PO25
Job Family
Student Administrative Services
Job Function
Financial Aid
USC Market Title
Financial Aid Coordinator
Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/133942
Job Level
P2 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title)
Financial Aid Counselor
Campus
Columbia
Work County
Richland
College/Division
Enrollment Management
Department
EM Financial Aid and Scholarships
State Pay Band
5
Approved Starting Salary
$45,133
Advertised Salary Range
$45,133
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
37.5
Work Schedule
Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis
12 months
Job Search Category
Student Services
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Inclusive Excellence Statement
At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
This position will carry an internal title of Financial Aid Counselor; it is a part of the student services team that has the primary responsibility of delivering services directly to students for the office. The highest quality of customer service and administrative compliance required by federal, state and other funding sources is of primary importance. While not expected to know the specific administration details of programs, counselors are expected to maintain the level of administrative knowledge needed to guide and assist students in every aspect of and with the more complex technical levels of applying for financial aid through receipt of financial aid and scholarships.
While changing annually, the volume of students served and dollars awarded is always sizable. Counselors are empowered to represent every area of the office in their interactions and service to students and will assist in the development and implementation of specific office programs/initiatives. Counselors will take an active role in office and University outreach as needed. Financial aid counselors report to the Sr. Assistant Director of (Direct) Student Services.
While changing annually, the volume of students served and dollars awarded is always sizable. Counselors are empowered to represent every area of the office in their interactions and service to students and will assist in the development and implementation of specific office programs/initiatives. Counselors will take an active role in office and University outreach as needed. Financial aid counselors report to the Sr. Assistant Director of (Direct) Student Services.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience in a student financial aid office or comparable higher education environment.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Ability to learn and maintain knowledge of federal/state/institutional/office/other-related law, regulations, policies, procedures, and practices required for responsible and compliant administration; ability to exercise responsible discretion in providing service; ability to establish and maintain professional relationships; ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a diverse service population; knowledge of general counseling skills, general enrollment management responsibilities, and public relations; and desire for ongoing professional and leadership development.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Responsibilities such as satisfactory academic progress review and
application verification. Assists with the office’s responsibilities with areas associated with financial aid such as admissions, housing, academic advisement and scheduling, academic support opportunities, and fees
payment.
application verification. Assists with the office’s responsibilities with areas associated with financial aid such as admissions, housing, academic advisement and scheduling, academic support opportunities, and fees
payment.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
20
Job Duty
Participates in student file review to assess application information accuracy and to assess particular situations and needs. Initiates follow-up to resolve inconsistencies and potentially inaccurate information. Performs or initiates all related procedural responsibilities. Initiates student award adjustments to assure compliant coordination of financial aid to every applicant.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
20
Job Duty
Participates in and contributes to the administration of special
circumstances/professional judgment reviews of student applications.
circumstances/professional judgment reviews of student applications.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
15
Job Duty
Provides thorough documentation of all action related or information sharing contacts with students.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Maintains a thorough and current working knowledge of federal, state, and other resources by reading professional publications, reviewing other forms of guidance, by participating in ongoing staff professional development and training, and by attending externally provided training opportunities needed to assure compliance in the successful completion of #’s 1 and 2.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Participates in the development and delivery of special programs that
contribute to the University’s recruitment and retention of students such as New Student Orientation.
contribute to the University’s recruitment and retention of students such as New Student Orientation.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Provides professional oversight to students in designated programs that demand special attention and reports to the Director as appropriate.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Assists in office outreach activities and supports other office administrative efforts when needed.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
5
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive
No
Hazardous weather category
Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Job Open Date
01/21/2025
Job Close Date
03/07/2025
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by March 7, 2025.
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
- Health and Life Insurance
- Retirement Programs
- Paid Tuition
- Dependent Scholarships
- Annual Leave
- Sick Leave
- 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Professional Development Opportunities
Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/182484
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Salary : $45,133
