Financial Aid Counselor- Student Employment

POSITION TITLE:

COMPENSATION RANGE: 53,045.00 – 55,000.00 USD per year

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Professional Administrative

DEPARTMENT: Office of Financial Aid

TARGET HIRE DATE: 8/3/2026

BENEFITS: UNC’s Career Hub

Candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; UNC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 07/15/2026.

Position Summary:

The Office of Financial Aid provides high-quality services to students and their families by delivering clear guidance on financial aid opportunities to support access, persistence, and completion of their academic goals. The office administers federal, state, institutional, and private funding in accordance with program eligibility requirements and provides counseling to students, prospective students, and families on the financial aid process and responsible use of funds.

This position supports the administration of the Student Employment program within the Office of Financial Aid. The role is responsible for processing and maintaining student employment records, including data entry and updates within the Banner payroll system for both Work-Study and Non-Work-Study positions. Key responsibilities include processing Student Employment Action Forms (EPAF) (e.g., pay rate changes, FOAP updates, and terminations), monitoring work-study allocations, and communicating updates to both on- and off-campus employers to ensure compliance with institutional policies and applicable regulations. It also serves as a resource for campus departments and community partners by supporting and facilitating student employment processes, including connecting partners with appropriate operational areas and providing guidance to help resolve questions and concerns effectively. The role also assists with the coordination of the annual Student Employment Job Fair and supports the development and delivery of annual training for student employers.

The position works in collaboration with the Coordinator of Outreach and Student Services to hire, train, and supervise student employees who assist with the daily operations within the Office of Financial Aid. The position supports students throughout the student employment process by responding to work-study inquiries, maintaining the work-study waitlist, and providing guidance on job search and hiring steps.

In addition, this position supports broader financial aid and customer service functions as needed. A strong commitment to empathy, community building, civility, recognition, and exceptional customer service is essential. The position may also provide guidance to students and families regarding scholarships, financial aid options, and the application process.

Job Duties:

Student Employment Administration – 45% (Essential Function)

Supports the administration of the Student Employment program within the Office of Financial Aid. Responsible for processing and maintaining student employment records within the Banner payroll system for both Work-Study and Non-Work-Study positions.
Processes, reviews, and approves Electronic Personnel Action Forms (EPAFs) for all student hourly and salaried positions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with institutional, state, and federal requirements. This includes auditing FOAP numbers, verifying wage rates, and confirming employment start and end dates for approximately 1,100 student employment records annually. Identifies and resolves processing errors in a timely manner and ensures data integrity across systems. Completes required Human Resources documentation to facilitate the hiring and onboarding of off-campus student employees.

Supports compliance with federal and state student employment regulations by monitoring program activity and identifying potential issues. Running reports to track work-study allocation usage, monitor students working during class time, and review leave reporting (e.g., sick leave) to ensure proper allocation. Assists with reconciling work-study allocations and provides notifications and guidance to departments as needed.

Collaborates with campus partners-including the Center for Career Readiness, Payroll, Human Resources, and the Office of Global Engagement-to support student employment operations and ensure alignment with institutional processes. Facilitates the publication and maintenance of the Student Employee Handbook and ensures student employment website content is accurate and up-to-date by coordinating and communicating required updates.

Coordinates and supports annual student employer training in partnership with key campus offices to communicate program updates, reinforce compliance expectations, and prepare supervisors to effectively hire and support student employees.
Partners with the Center for Career Readiness to support the planning and execution of the annual Student Employment Job Fair at the start of the academic year. Contributes to event planning and coordination to ensure representation of the full scope of UNC student employment opportunities and to promote strong student and employer engagement.

Student Peer Supervision – 30% (Essential Function)

Provides direct supervision and support to student peer employees working within the Office of Financial Aid in collaboration with the Coordinator of Outreach and Student Service. Participates in the hiring, training, and supervision of student peers to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery across front-line operations. Serves as the first point of contact for escalated calls or complex questions from student peers and actively monitors communication channels-including Microsoft Teams-to provide timely guidance and ensure accurate, student-centered responses.

Supports the recruitment and onboarding of student peer employees by developing and maintaining up-to-date training materials, coordinating orientation activities, and ensuring student staff understand office procedures, service standards, and operational expectations. Provides ongoing coaching, task delegation, and performance feedback-shared with the Coordinator-to promote professional development and reinforce accuracy, efficiency, and customer service excellence in daily work. Actively monitors peer interactions with students and families to ensure information is communicated clearly, consistently, and in alignment with institutional policies.

Manages student peer schedules, approves timesheets, and ensures compliance with Work-Study and hourly employment regulations. Monitors workload distribution and adjusts assignments as needed to support office priorities and maintain smooth operations. Fosters a supportive, development-focused work environment that encourages accountability, growth, and strong communication among student staff.

Financial Aid Advising – 20% (Essential Function)

Provides advising and support to students and families on financial aid topics related to both general financial aid eligibility and Student Employment/Work-Study participation. Responds to inquiries regarding financial aid requirements, application procedures, award adjustments, and the interaction between financial aid and student employment. Offers guidance to students on maintaining eligibility, understanding enrollment impacts, navigating Work-Study, and interpreting award changes, including those related to satisfactory academic progress and responsible use of funds.

Communicates regularly with students, families, and campus partners through office email account, ensuring timely, accurate, and student-centered responses. Drafts and sends clear, compliant, and supportive email communication regarding Work-Study status, waitlist updates, hiring timelines, documentation needs, and general financial aid questions. Maintains thorough documentation of advising interactions and ensures confidentiality in all communications.

Exercises professional judgment consistent with federal, state, and institutional policies when evaluating student circumstances related to financial aid or Work-Study eligibility. Provides individualized support to help students understand how financial aid policies impact their academic progress, employment options, and overall financial planning, and connects them to appropriate campus resources when additional assistance is needed.

Collaboration, Outreach, and Policy Development – 5% (Essential Function)

This position collaborates with the Registrar, Bursar, and other campus offices to ensure consistent and compliant administration of financial aid and student employment programs. The role contributes to process improvement initiatives, assists with staff training across the Office of Financial Aid, and represents the office at recruitment, orientation, and outreach events-particularly those involving Student Employment. The position also supports the development and maintenance of internal policies and procedures related to student employment, compliance, and operational workflows. Duties may evolve based on the changing needs of the office.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• At least one year of professional experience in financial aid administration, student services, or a related field
  demonstrating transferable skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience supervising student employees, student advising, or financial aid counseling.
• Understanding of financial aid or related processes.
• Experience supporting student employment, payroll processes, onboarding, timesheets, or personnel records.
• Demonstrated success managing high-volume, detail-oriented processes while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners, communicate clearly and professionally in writing, and manage high-volume inquiries.

Application Instructions:

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a resume and cover letter that address their qualifications and interest in the role.

Benefits:
Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.

About UNC
The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC’s commitment to education began in 1889 and continues to be a transformational force for our students. Recognized as a top university for social mobility, UNC is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution and to serve more than 44% of our undergraduates who are the first in their family to attend college. UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub, to learn more about UNC’s strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!

EEO Statement
The University of Northern Colorado offers an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the UNC community. In accordance with federal and state law, UNC prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. UNC also prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure UNC’s compliance with this policy.

ADA Accommodations
The University of Northern Colorado is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 970-351-2718 or human.resources@unco.edu.

Background Check
Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.

This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.

Clery Act
In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.

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