Financial Aid Counselor

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Job Posting Title:

Financial Aid Counselor/ Online

Position Type:

Professional / Unclassified

Department:

LSUAM AA - EM - Rec - FAS - FA - LSU Online (Abby Spires (00314883))

Work Location:

1144 Ruffin G. Pleasant Hall

Pay Grade:

Professional

Job Description:

The Online Financial Aid Counselor position within Louisiana State University’s Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will play a key collaborative role in advancing the university and meeting the student access objectives.  The individual, with general oversight from the Senior Online Financial Aid Coordinator, will be responsible for maintaining financial aid communication with current and prospective students and families.  

Financial Aid Counseling (60%)

• Counsels and advises prospective and enrolled students in all matters pertaining to federal and state financial aid programs, including but not limited to Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, TEACH Grants, Federal Work-Study, and Direct Loan Programs.  This interaction may include phone, in-person, virtual or written contacts. 

• The employee must be accurate in describing financial aid policies, criteria and procedures. Individual must be responsive to prospective students’ concerns and needs by providing excellent customer service.

• Performs detailed and personalized outreach to prospective and continuing students such as: phone calling, emailing, and other communications as needed. 

• Responsible for assisting students in resolving problems associated with the application processes for federal and state programs, the electronic loan transmission process and the correction process. 

• Evaluates and processes requests for “special circumstances” and “petitions for independent status” presented by students in determining eligibility for the federal programs.  

Financial Aid Operations (30%)

• Resolves overaward situations, which involves reducing one or more aid programs because of receipt of additional resources or conflicting financial information.  Must inform students, contact appropriate agencies, and return proceeds.
• Serves as a rotating member of the satisfactory academic progress appeals committee.
• Assist with the examination, review and certification of direct plus loan request.
• Reviews daily correspondence and award letters in their respective alphabetical breakdown to ensure accuracy and perform quality assurance. 
• Aid in the retention of students through direct outreach to at risk populations, providing students with a thorough understanding of resources and polices. 

Special projects as assigned (10%)

• Serves as the secondary liaison to Digital and Continuing Education, responding to all inquiries student’s needs are met in a timely manner.

• Including, but not limited to assigned committees and outreach projects. 

• Represent LSU and the Office of Enrollment Management at professional functions and recruiting events. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply— a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.
• Meets eligibility to obtain National Student Loan Database System access and must not be in default on a student loan.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in financial aid or equivalent student service setting higher education. 

Our ideal candidate possesses the following qualities:

• Knowledge of best practices in financial aid
• Strong team orientation, effective interpersonal skills, and superior written and verbal communication skills

• Demonstrated commitment to data-driven decision-making, including effective analytical skills and proven results in achieving objectives and goals.

As with all LSU employees, due to this position title and/or responsibilities, this position has an obligation to assist students in the acquisition of necessary services. Should a student appear in need of or seek assistance with issues of an emotional, behavioral, or mental health related matter they should be referred to the proper service within the Student Health Center. In situations where the student creates an impression that they are a danger to themselves or others, the advisor should immediately contact the Care Team, the Dean of Students or the appropriate law enforcement agency. The employee outside of those rights contained within FERPA should create no impression of client or patient confidentiality.

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

The location of this position is LSU-BR and is not eligible for remote work.
To be considered, qualified candidates will submit a complete application which includes a cover letter explaining their specific interest in the position and how their skills and experiences prepare them for success in this role, a resume, and three professional references.
Please provide resume and transcripts, if applicable. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Abby Spires at [email protected].

Skills Needed:

Active Listening, Communication, Confidentiality, Critical Thinking, Customer-Focused, Decision Making, Policy Knowledge, Time Management

Preferred Skills:

Posting Date:

September 3, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

January 1, 2027

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information: