Financial Aid Counselor
FundMiner
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Position Title:
Financial Aid CounselorJob Category:
Academic StaffEmployment Type:
RegularJob Profile:
Financial Aid OfficerJob Duties:
The Financial Aid Officer is responsible for:
- Counseling students and parents regarding financial aid matters
- Performing FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application review
- Posting aid offers
- Using professional judgment to revise student eligibility under special circumstances
- Outreach and communication with prospective and current students
- Assisting with office phone calls, e-mails, and in-person visits
- Maintaining Confidentiality
- Remaining compliant with federal, state, UWL, and Universities of Wisconsin policies
This position likely will:
- Serve as the Financial Aid partner to the Student Support Services Office
- Process aid for graduate and doctorate programs of study
- Process aid adjustments due to changes in enrollment
Travel to conferences and training events as needed. Some evening or weekend hours for financial aid related events. Potential ability for limited remote work hours after appropriate training is completed.
The review of applications starts on April 15, 2026. Applications received on or before April 15th are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus.
UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013.
Key Job Responsibilities:
Advising Students/Families Regarding Financial Aid:
Counsel prospective and current students in person, virtual, and via telephone/email on financial aid matters.
Use Federal Student Aid professional judgment to revise student eligibility, financial aid offers, and decide on appeals for additional aid based on special or unusual circumstances.
Outreach:
Represent the Financial Aid Office at various on/off campus events such as campus visit days, START (Freshmen Registration), FAFSA completion events, etc. providing presentations/materials to assist and engage students.
Financial Aid Offers:
Determine financial aid offers for applicants using the guidelines and award criteria established by the various programs, including Federal law, State law, institutional or office policy.
Revise financial aid offers when applicable (i.e., adjust offer due to receipt of scholarship/grant), depending on the financial need to remain compliant with award regulations.
Customer Service:
Assist with office phone calls, e-mails, in-person visits.
Learn campus resources to refer students and families as needed.
Other duties as assigned by the Director and Associate Director of Financial Aid.
FAFSA application review:
Per federal law, review and verify information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by comparing application information to documentation provided by the family/student.
Analyze information, resolve conflicts, make corrections and/or complete further investigation when appropriate.
Department:
Financial Aid
Compensation:
$46,000 / year
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (Bachelor’s Degree must be conferred by June 30, 2026)
- Effective customer service and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information appropriately
- Ability to problem-solve and exercise independent judgment and initiative
- Ability to make timely decisions and determine priorities
- Excellent attention to detail
- Effective time management and organizational skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Work experience with Federal student financial aid, or financial resources
- Work experience in Higher Education
- Experience with computer applications (especially student information systems such as PeopleSoft).
- Work experience with students and/or colleagues from diverse backgrounds
- Familiarity with public speaking and group presentations
How to Apply:
Required application documents
Cover letter (that addresses the required and preferred qualifications)
CV / Resume
Contact Information:
Christina Hayes chayes@uwlax.edu
Special Notes:
Application deadlines
TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.
CBC & Reference Check Policy
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.uwlax.edu/student-life/student-resources/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000.
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BENEFITS
Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university.
Highlights include:
Paid vacation for 12-month positions.
Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.
Paid holidays and paid sick days.
After 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career.
Benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation.
Benefit eligibility is determined at the point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage.
UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.