Financial Aid Counselor 3

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Job Duties

This Financial Aid Counselor position reports to the Assistant Director of Processing and Verification. This position will be a functional expert for Professional Judgement appeals, Citizenship issues and Verification of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to comply with regulations mandated by the U.S. Department of Education.

This position is responsible for understanding and applying complex annual updates and changes to federal methodology and requirements to ensure continued compliance with regulations. They also assist with setting Verification and Citizenship policy and procedures. The individual consults with the Assistant Director on federal, state, or institutional changes as it pertains to job functions.

Additionally, this individual evaluates a high volume of confidential tax and citizenship documents, applies professional judgment to appeals per federal regulations. They work directly with students, families, and other departments on campus to resolve issues in addition to providing training to OSF and One Stop Student Services related to job functions. They may also assist system campus financial aid staff regarding regulatory changes, policy changes and requirements

Academic Support Resources supports hybrid and flexible working arrangements. Work arrangements are determined in coordination with supervisors depending on the nature of the unit and position. The arrangement for this position will be determined upon hire between employee and supervisor.

Essential Job Functions

Federal Verification Process and SAI (Student Aid Index) Changes (25%)

• As the functional expert, assist in creating, implementing, and revising verification procedures to comply with federal regulations. Includes but not limited to, policy, forms, communications.
• Maintain a fundamental understanding of federal tax forms, the FAFSA formula, and how tax data impacts the calculation for federal financial aid.
• Review foreign tax returns and determine the U.S. dollar value based on corresponding fields on the U.S. federal tax return.
• Functional expert on the Identity Verification process, including collecting, reviewing, and verifying documentation, and completing the federal process confirming a student's identification.
• Assist with setting up training for the verification and SAI change teams and review tools they need to analyze documents, review for conflicting information, and determine whether additional information is required to complete verification or confirm the accuracy of SAI changes.
• Assist with training sessions for OSF staff and One Stop Student Services counselors on verification updates based on changes in federal regulations and University procedures.
• Assist in reviewing checklist assignment for verification, identity verification, and SAI changes, and other post-ISIR processing.
• Assist with ensuring that Federal Tax Information (FTI) regulations are followed when teams are communicating with students and/or parents regarding FAFSA data.
• Run daily queries to monitor the verification process and to detect anomalies or situations that require a resolution.

Professional Judgment Appeals (25%)

• Serve as a functional expert for professional judgment appeals and committees related to the FAFSA, including but not limited to, the Special Circumstance Appeal committee.
• Assist in the development of a standardized process for committees in order to evaluate appeals and invoke professional judgment to determine if exceptions can be made in re-evaluating a student's financial aid record.
• Assist in ensuring that appeal committees are following current federal regulations and notifying the committee when regulations change.
• Assist with updating forms for parents and students and ensure that electronic versions function.
• Use professional judgment and individual discretion in both simple and complex issues throughout the entire appeal process. Assist committee members with decision-making where applicable.
• Analyze and manage a large volume of records quickly and accurately.
• Thoroughly investigate appeals as well as supporting documentation to make decisions; contact appropriate parties for further information when needed.
• Accurately counsel students on the impact to their record based on the type of appeal submitted.
• Understand and utilize financial aid professional judgment guidelines to recalculate student eligibility for financial aid; award additional aid according to all state, federal, and University regulations.
• Communicate results of appeal to students and parents in a professional manner.

Citizenship Status Verification (25%)

• Functional lead for federal citizenship verification.
• Comprehensive and in-depth understanding of citizenship status codes and acceptable citizenship documentation for federal financial aid.
• Advise students on questions and documentation requirements.
• Utilize the SAVE system to update citizenship and stay current on regulations.
• Develop and maintain the business processes to meet compliance requirements.

Advising Students and Parents (20%)

• Advise students and parents on the FAFSA application process and documentation required for verification and professional judgment appeals.
• Discuss complex financial situations with families, referring the student or family to the special circumstance or dependency override committee. This process requires an understanding of complicated circumstances that meet the criteria for an appeal.

Attend and participate in meetings and OSF committee work as assigned: (5%)

• Regularly attend scheduled meetings.
• Participate in unit and OSF committee activities.
• Update unit colleagues with regard to new knowledge; initiate and distribute information to colleagues that may affect and enhance their work.
• Implement new information into job functions where appropriate.
• Identify and attend training sessions needed to ensure knowledgeable and accurate job performance.
• Provide input in a positive manner.

*The employer reserves the right to change or add duties to this position as long as the changes and/or additions are consistent with the job classification.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree and four years of progressively responsible full-time work experience in counseling, financial aid, and/or student services, or a Master's degree with two years of full-time relevant work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven effective communication skills with a variety of audiences (individual and large group), strong customer service focus, time management skills, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of University, state, and federal financial aid regulations and procedures.
• Technology experience with PeopleSoft Campus Solutions, Google/Microsoft suite (specifically spreadsheets), and CRM platforms.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action.

The mission of Academic Support Resources (ASR) is to make a positive difference in students' lives. This mission includes the entire UMN system, of which ASR provides significant support to each campus and values their collaboration to improve the student experience. ASR is committed to cultivating and sustaining an environment that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We are better able to serve and represent our University community by ensuring we value differences and individuality.

The knowledge, skills, and abilities of all ASR employees include job knowledge, communication, problem solving/analysis, development, leadership, teamwork, and customer service.

The Office of Student Finance (OSF) manages the initial components of the student finance lifecycle for all University of Minnesota students. OSF calculates financial aid eligibility and manages the awarding, origination, disbursement, recalculation, and return of financial aid. This compliance-forward unit also manages the student finance portion of internal and external audits and partners closely with other Academic Support Resources (ASR) units with billing, accounts receivable, and loan/account collections work.

Pay Range: $56,000- $61,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please include the following required application materials:

• Resume
• Cover letter

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.