Counselor, Financial Aid – Steubenville

Youngstown State University•Steubenville, OH

About The Position

The Counselor, Financial Aid counsels students and parents on financial aid matters and conducts outreach services. The position verifies and documents Federal Student Aid, uses professional judgment to initiate overrides of data used in federal methodology, and assists with processing federal financial aid, including loan and grant funds. The counselor works with site leadership at the Steubenville location to support effective and efficient operations. Responsibilities are commensurate with current site operations and may be reviewed as programs and services expand. The role provides information, eligibility estimates, application and verification assistance, and support with financial aid planning and problem resolution. It conducts required verification and documentation reviews under federal, state, and university guidelines, follows up on incomplete files, and helps develop office procedures and guidelines. The counselor may also assist with training new hires and perform other duties assigned within the classification.

Requirements

At least a bachelor’s degree and six months of related experience; or an associate degree and 2.5 years of related experience; or a high school diploma/GED and 4.5 years of related experience. Related internship and co-op experience may count toward the experience requirement.
Knowledge of university and department policies and procedures, office practices, records management, office management, project management, workplace safety practices, and English grammar and spelling.
Skill in using office equipment, typing, data entry, computer operation, and applicable software; strong communication and customer service skills; and effective organizational skills with attention to detail.
Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups, maintain an even temperament in stressful situations, define problems and draw valid conclusions, prepare accurate documentation and reports, maintain records, interact effectively with personnel and the public, train or instruct others, work independently and as part of a team, and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to travel to and gain access to the work site.
The position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Degree in business, student personnel, or another related field.
Financial aid experience.
Knowledge of personal income tax and counseling experience.
Knowledge of federal financial aid programs and supporting regulations.

Responsibilities

Counsel students and parents on financial aid, planning, debt management, federal methodology, and student problem resolution.
Assist students and parents with FAFSA completion, verification, and adjustments to income or other relevant application data.
Evaluate and process professional judgment requests using established criteria, and obtain documentation supporting decisions for audit and regulatory purposes.
Provide information about financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, and special programs.
Estimate financial aid eligibility and collaborate with university constituents to resolve enrollment and registration issues.
Counsel students on the federal Title IV refund policy and the financial consequences of a complete withdrawal from classes.
Conduct outreach, including off-campus presentations such as high school financial aid nights and University programs, and represent the office as required.
Conduct mandated verification of Institutional Student Information Records in accordance with U.S. Department of Education and state guidelines and university policy.
Assess documentation provided by students, resolve conflicting information, track files, and follow up with additional requests or phone calls as needed.
Assist with office policy and procedure analysis and, as needed, develop guidelines for professional judgment, satisfactory academic progress, and loans.
Analyze students’ financial needs to determine financial aid eligibility.
Assist with training new hires.
Perform other duties assigned or required within the classification’s level of responsibility.