Financial Aid Advisor at University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida

Job Description:

The Financial Aid Counselor provides comprehensive financial aid counseling and advising services to current and prospective students, as well as their families, guiding them through educational financing options, budgeting, and resource management. The counselor ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies, resolves eligibility and disbursement issues, and exercises professional judgment regarding adjustments to aid eligibility.This position requires a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate field with a minimum of one year of progressively responsible experience in advising or related academic functions within higher education, Work experience may not be substituted for the Bachelor's degree requirement for this position.The University of South Florida is a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report's national university rankings than USF. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is designated as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, placing it in the most elite category among the state's 12 public universities. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference.
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Working at USF
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With more than 16,000 employees at USF, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay region. At USF you will find opportunities to excel in a rich academic environment that fosters the development and advancement of our employees. We believe in creating a talented, engaged and driven workforce through on-going development and career opportunities. We also offer a first class benefit package that includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, tuition program and generous leave programs and more.
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To learn more about working at USF please visit: Work Here. Learn Here. Grow Here .Provide comprehensive financial aid counseling to students and parents regarding educational financing, budgeting, and resource planning, utilizing detailed knowledge of financial aid processes, eligibility, financial literacy, and exceptions due to extenuating circumstances. Anticipate and resolve problems that may delay the disbursement of financial aid funds. Deliver exceptional customer service through direct lobby interactions, phone calls, and email communication, ensuring clarity and accuracy in responses, while managing and supervising lobby services to maintain adequate staffing during peak periods and a professional environment.

Interpret federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies, regulations, and procedures; ensure compliance by analyzing student financial aid records, adjusting awards and loans accordingly, conducting thorough research to formulate clear and accurate responses for complex financial aid inquiries via phone, email, and written correspondence, and maintaining compliance with privacy guidelines when handling student information and financial records.

Develop, coordinate, and present outreach initiatives, including orientation sessions, recruitment events, high school presentations, and community workshops. Activities may require after-hours availability and occasional travel. Advisors will also collaborate with other departments (e.g., Registrar, Student Account Services) to support student success.

Evaluate and process professional judgment requests by verifying and recalculating financial need analysis data to adjust student aid eligibility. Make independent, informed awarding decisions based on demographic and financial data. Assist with reviewing various student appeals, such as Satisfactory Academic Progress and Scholarship appeals, to render decisions consistent with applicable regulations.

Support and participate in special projects and additional financial aid or higher education-related tasks as assigned by supervisors.

Performs other duties assigned.