Title: Financial Aid Counselor
Employee Classification: Other Professionals
Institution: TCAT-Knoxville
Department: Financial Aid
Campus Location: TCAT Knoxville
Job Summary
The Financial Aid Counselor is a full-time, student-focused professional position at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology responsible for administering and supporting all aspects of the college’s financial aid programs. This role combines regulatory compliance, technical award processing, and one-on-one student advising ensuring eligible learners receive timely and accurate financial assistance. Working collaboratively with the TBR financial aid department, campus teams, and external partners, the counselor helps students navigate federal, state, and institutional aid systems, supports veteran certification and scholarship processes, and contributes to recruitment and orientation efforts that promote student access and success.
This is a full-time, on-campus exempt position housed at the TCAT Knoxville main campus that will work a minimum 37.5 hours per week, 7.5 hours per day Monday – Friday. This position may require travel between TCAT Knoxville satellite campus locations.
Job Duties
Minimum Qualifications
• A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum of two years’ work experience in financial aid, customer service, recruitment, marketing, or related
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs, including Pell, TSAA, SEOG, TN Lottery Scholarship, TN Promise, and TN Reconnect.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working in a Financial Aid office
• Experience in Banner, SLATE, or other higher education information systems
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Strong customer service skills; must possess effective oral and written communication skills to convey college information accurately and to present information to large groups and individuals effectively
• Must have the ability to utilize Microsoft Office programs, audio/visual equipment, and software; and working knowledge of maintaining student records and/or sensitive information
• Must have the ability to multitask with good organization and planning skills
• Passionate belief in the power of education along with the desire to help students achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals
• Ability to relate to a diverse faculty, staff, and student population
• Ability to represent the College and division professionally with internal and external constituents to further the purpose, values, and mission of the College
Physical Demands / Working Conditions
This position often involves a combination of the following potential physical demands:
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Sedentary desk work - Sitting for extended periods while performing computer-based tasks, reading, writing, etc.
Ability to navigate campus environments - Walking up/downstairs, traversing uneven surfaces, etc.
SALARY: Commensurate with education and experience according to the Tennessee Board of Regents guidelines within the range of $42,353 - $55,065.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION & REVIEW: To be considered for a position at TCAT Knoxville, you must create and submit an online application online that includes your required documents. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated using what is recorded on your application. Please be sure to include the complete beginning and end dates under your employment history. Scan and attach the required documents to the online application in Word or PDF format.
Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Resume and Educational transcripts/diploma
Applications are accepted until 04/17/2026.
EMPLOYMENT DOCUMENTS: Current federal law requires identification and eligibility verification prior to employment. Only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States may be employed. A criminal/financial background check will be required for the applicant selected.