Job Details

Financial Aid Counselor I

Position Number: 6786379
Location: Orem, UT
Position Type: Financial Aid

Financial Aid Counselor I

Salary: $46,080.00 - $54,212.00 Annually
Job Type: FT Exempt Salaried Staff
Job Number: FY2605285
Closing: 12/18/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
Location: 800 W University Parkway, Orem
Division: VP Student Affairs

Position Announcement

Join a student-centered team at Utah Valley University where you'll play a meaningful role in expanding access to higher education. In this position, you will guide students and families through the financial aid and scholarship process, helping them understand programs, requirements, and opportunities that support their academic goals. You'll apply sound professional judgment to review applications, ensure compliance with federal regulations, and make informed eligibility and award decisions that directly impact student success.

Working under the direction of an assistant director, you will provide hands-on assistance with financial aid applications, present at orientations, and engage with high-school seniors through community outreach. This role is ideal for individuals who value accuracy, service, and equity-and who are motivated by the opportunity to simplify complex systems and empower students on their educational journey.

Summary of Responsibilities

Advise students and parents in person, email, service tickets, and over the phone concerning federal, state, and institutional financial aid and scholarships.
Evaluates students' financial needs based on requirements of federal and state laws and regulations or institutional policy. Determines exemptions for students with unusual or special circumstances. Coordinates and processes all financial aid appeals for status change and academic progress.
Develops training programs and informs and/or trains campus departments, students, secondary education counselors, parents, and other community agencies regarding opportunities for financing education based on federal, state, and institutional funding requirements.
Assists in the development of training manuals. Research and resolve questions about application process and processing problems. Continued education through state, regional, and federal trainings. Performs regular area internal audits.
Daily processing of reports and peripheral documentation pertaining to federal aid eligibility and awarding.
Assists co-workers when needed to ensure the successful operation of the department. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree plus one year of experience related to the Summary of Duties; OR any combination of education and/or experience totaling five years.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge

Knowledge of federal regulations pertaining to financial aid and scholarships including need analysis, eligibility assessment, verification, packaging strategies, loan awarding, default prevention, Federal Work Study, Return of Title IV, and evaluation of academic progress.
Knowledge of financial aid institutional policies and procedures.
Knowledge of computerized financial aid systems, preferably Banner.
Knowledge of computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, database, power point, internet tools, email systems, and other general computer skills.

Skills

High technical aptitude and skill in problem solving, technical troubleshooting, decision-making, and prioritizing.
Effectively uses interpersonal skills and communications skills, including tact, diplomacy, understanding, compassion and valuing all contributions, while maintaining adherence to policies.
Effectively using organizational and planning skills, with acute attention to detail, exacting accuracy, and follow-through.

Abilities

Ability to work effectively with individuals from all different backgrounds.
Ability to analyze and solve problems in an effective and professional manner.
Shows initiative and has ability to effectively prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
Ability to learn quickly.
Ability to effectively provide knowledge, and expertise to students, parents, and staff.
Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
Ability to gain and maintain access to federal student aid databases.
Ability to maintain confidentiality pertaining to all student records in compliance with federal and state regulations (i.e. FERPA, GRAMA, etc.).
Ability to effectively create, compose, and edit written materials.

EEO Statement:

UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant's qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/uvu/jobs/5167975/financial-aid-counselor-i

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