Financial Aid Counselor I - Financial Aid/Scholarships

Position Announcement

At Utah Valley University, Financial Aid Advisors play a vital role in helping students access higher education by guiding them through the financial aid process and connecting them with resources that support their academic goals. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by advising students and families, reviewing complex financial aid situations, processing appeals, and helping ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. Through personalized support and problem-solving, advisors help students navigate challenges and remain on track toward degree completion.

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy serving others, analyzing complex information, and working in a dynamic environment where attention to detail and customer service are equally valued. Team members gain expertise in financial aid administration, federal and state regulations, training and outreach, and student support while collaborating with colleagues across the university. At UVU, you will join a student-centered institution committed to opportunity and success, where your knowledge and contributions help remove barriers and open doors for students and their families.

Summary Of Responsibilities

• Advise students and parents in person, by 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. Researches and resolves questions about the 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 about federal aid eligibility and awarding.
• Assists co-workers when needed to ensure the successful operation of the department. Performs 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.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or Behavioral Science.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of federal regulations about 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, PowerPoint, 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 communication skills, including tact, diplomacy, understanding, compassion, and valuing all contributions, while maintaining adherence to policies.
• Effectively uses organizational and planning skills, with acute attention to detail, exacting accuracy, and follow-through.
  
  

Abilities

• Ability to work effectively with individuals from various backgrounds.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems effectively and professionally.
• Ability to show initiative and can effectively prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Ability to learn quickly.
• Ability to effectively provide knowledge and expertise to students, parents, and staff.
• Ability to gain and maintain access to federal student aid databases.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality about all student records in compliance with federal and state regulations (i.e. FERPA, GRAMA, etc.).
• Ability to effectively create, compose, and edit written materials.