Financial Aid Coordinator - Counselor

Financial Aid Coordinator – Counselor

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by July 2, 2026. The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

This position will carry an internal title of Financial Aid Counselor; it is a part of the student services team that has the primary responsibility of direct to student services for the office. The highest quality of customer service and administrative compliance required by federal, state and other funding sources is of primary importance. While not expected to know the specific administration details of programs, Counselors are expected to maintain the level of administrative knowledge needed to guide and assist students in every aspect of and with the more complex technical levels of applying for through receipt of financial aid and scholarships. Financial Aid processed exceed $400 million. Counselors are empowered to represent every area of the office in their interactions and service to students. Counselors will assist in the development and implementation of specific office programs/initiatives. Counselors will take an active role in office and University outreach as needed. Financial Aid Counselors report to the Sr. Assistant Director of (Direct) Student Services.

Requires a bachelor's degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Ability to learn and maintain knowledge of federal/state/institutional/office/other-related law, regulations, policies, procedures, and practices required for responsible and compliant administration. Demonstrates responsible discretion in providing service and maintaining professional relationships. Communicates effectively and professionally with a diverse service population. Possesses knowledge of general counseling skills, general enrollment management responsibilities, and public relations, along with a strong desire for ongoing professional and leadership development.

Provides thorough documentation of all action related or information sharing contacts with students.

Maintains a thorough and current working knowledge of federal, state, and other resources by reading professional publications, reviewing other forms of guidance, by participating in ongoing staff professional development and training, and by attending externally provided training opportunities needed to assure compliance in the successful completion of #'s 1 and 2.

Participates in the development and delivery of special programs that contribute to the University's recruitment and retention of students such as New Student Orientation.

Provides professional oversight to students in designated programs that demand special attention and reports to the Director as appropriate.

Participates in and contributes to the administration of special circumstances/professional judgment reviews of student applications.

Provides thorough and accurate individualized counseling and advisement regarding available financial aid resources, application processes, eligibility requirements, awarding, and aid delivery. Assist with specific administrative responsibilities such as satisfactory academic progress review and application verification. Assists with the office's responsibilities with areas associated with financial aid such as admissions, housing, academic advisement and scheduling, academic support opportunities, and fees payment.

Participates in student file review to assess application information accuracy and to assess particular situations and needs. Initiates follow-up to resolve inconsistencies and potentially inaccurate information. Performs or initiates all related procedural responsibilities. Initiates student award adjustments to assure compliant coordination of financial aid to every applicant.

Assists in office outreach activities and supports other office administrative efforts when needed.