Job Details

5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

Position Announcement

Position Details

• Proposed Start Date: 11/03/2025
• Classification: Advising and Student Services
• Title: Financial Aid Counselor
• Rank: N - No Rank
• Working Title: Financial Aid Counselor
• Department: 331241 - FAO Financial Aid
• Position Number: D94601
• Representation: AU - AAUP Renewable Renewable End date, if applicable
• FTE: 1.0
• Tenure Status: F - Fixed Term

Position Summary

Be a part of Portland State University, Oregon's most affordable public research university located in the heart of Portland. Our mission "let knowledge serve the city" reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action—on campus and around the world. More than 27,000 students from all backgrounds benefit from a vibrant cultural scene, state‑of‑the‑art science labs, and community partnerships that enrich learning experiences.

Financial Aid Counselors conduct needs analysis of student aid applications, review IRS tax documents for federal verification, and determine aid eligibility and award packages within federal, state, and institutional guidelines. Counselors counsel students on financial aid policies and procedures, evaluate unusual and mitigating circumstances, and exercise independent judgment when adjusting a student's record. Counselors maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of federal, state, and institutional requirements regarding student financial aid and participate in outreach, annual planning, and committee work within the office.

Each Financial Aid Counselor is assigned one or more programmatic responsibilities such as grant administration, loan administration, R2T4 processing, etc., and serves as liaison to campus partners for programmatic related processing and inquiries.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university with 1+ years of related experience.
• Thorough and current knowledge of federal student aid administration.
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of federal aid regulations and guidelines.
• Strong communication skills to provide concise, high‑quality counseling to students in‑person, over the phone, and via email.
• Effective time‑management skills and the ability to self‑direct and manage dynamic re‑prioritization of tasks to best serve student needs.
• Ability to work comfortably in a highly computerized environment.
• Flexibility and adaptability to new/changing circumstances.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment that requires attention to detail despite high volume of interruptions.
• Many hours required working on a computer (i.e., keyboarding and looking at a computer monitor).
• Cannot be in default on a federal student loan or in “owes repayment of a federal grant” status. This is required so they can receive and maintain access to Dept of Education resource sites such as NSLDS, CPS and COD.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 1‑3 years Financial Aid counselor‑level experience such as file verification, professional judgment, program responsibilities, outreach presentations, etc.
• Experience using SCT Banner (Ellucian) Financial Aid program or similar software.
• Bilingual Spanish, both written and spoken.

Key Cultural Competencies

• Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adhere to all of PSU's policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long‑term sustainability goals.

Work Days/Hours

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Total Compensation and Benefits

The starting annual salary for this position will be $54,072 but may be negotiated above this range dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.

Excellent benefits include 95% premium‑paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.

Please visit the total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package.

Application Instructions

Additional Information (deadlines, etc.): Please include the names, email addresses and phone numbers for 3 professional references. Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No. Background Check Required: Yes. Position End Date (if applicable): If you have questions, contact the department.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Professional References

Optional Documents

Optional documents may be submitted to strengthen your application.

Portfolio and other supporting materials are welcome.