Financial Aid Counselor

The Office of Financial Aid is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor I to join our team! The Financial Aid Counselor I performs need assessments for students requesting financial aid. Provides counseling and assistance in matters pertaining to financial aid packaging. Conducts need analysis to determine student financial aid packaging options based on individual case circumstances. Reviews student applications for consistency and completeness, verifies accuracy of student and family reported information, and certifies applications.

Maintains accurate and thorough file documentation. Provides interpretation of financial aid policies and assists in problem-solving. The selected candidate will be expected to maintain currency on financial aid packages, state and federal regulations related to financial aid, and University policies and procedures.

The hourly range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00.

When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

Minimum Experience:

0 - 6 months Minimum Field of Expertise:
Financial analysis and evaluation.

• Determine when documents were submitted to the Financial Aid Office (FAO)
• Understand how documents are received and processed

• Understand information provided on FAFSA, CSS PROFILE federal income tax returns and W2s, and USC forms
• Become proficient at processing both Tier 1 and Tier 2 files
• Review Special Circumstances letters/information presented by families
• Process Tier 1 Budget, Late, Housing and Computer appeals

• Analyze the cost of attendance and budget for a student
• Differentiate between types of aid used to create a financial aid package
• Add awards to a student’s package as directed by a manager

• Identify the different loan programs on SIS
• Originate Stafford and PLUS loans
• Troubleshoot issues regarding disbursement of loan funds
• Assist with SAP or R2T4 as directed by a manager

• Participate on phone contact shifts
• Attend FAO events as needed (both on and off campus)

• Use the FSA Handbook, Dear Colleague Letters, NASFAA resources, etc. to research federal regulations
• Identify student and program eligibility issues
• Assist with audits and self‑assessments as needed
• Draft policies and procedures for the Knowledgebase

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy.

USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety.

Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the…