Counselor, Financial Aid - Steubenville

Youngstown State University•Steubenville, OH

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Counsels students regarding financial aid matters and conducts outreach services. Provides verification/documentation of Federal Student Aid and utilizes professional judgment to initiate overrides of data used in federal methodology. Assists in the processing of federal financial aid including loan and grant funds. Works alongside and collaborates with site leadership at the Steubenville location to promote, further, and ensure the effective and efficient operation of the YSU Steubenville location. The scope of these responsibilities is commensurate with current Steubenville location operations and will be reviewed and updated as programs and services expand.

Requirements

At least a bachelor’s degree
Six months or more of related experience (college internship or co-op experiences included)
Knowledge of University policies and procedures
Knowledge of office practices and procedures
Knowledge of department/division goals and objectives
Knowledge of department/division policies and procedures
Knowledge of workplace safety practices and procedures
Knowledge of English grammar and spelling
Knowledge of records management
Knowledge of office management
Knowledge of project management
Skill in use of office equipment
Skill in typing, data entry
Skill in computer operation
Skill in use of computer software and other programs applicable to the assigned department/division
Excellent communication and customer service skills
Effective organizational skills with attention to detail
Ability to maintain an even temperament in stressful situations and communicates effectively on an individual and group basis
Ability to deal with problems involving several variables within familiar context
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
Ability to determine material and equipment needs
Ability to calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages
Ability to compile and prepare reports
Ability to use proper research methods to gather data
Ability to understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications
Ability to prepare accurate documentation
Ability to maintain records according to established procedures
Ability to travel to and gain access to work site
Ability to effectively interact with personnel and public to answer routine questions
Ability to train or instruct others
Ability to move quickly and effectively from one task to another
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships
Must be able to maintain even temperament in stressful situations and have ability to communicate on individual and group basis

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Counsels students and parents concerning financial aid, financial aid planning, debt management, federal methodology, and student problem resolution.
Assists students and/or parents in completing federal financial aid application (FAFSA), completing verification, and adjusting income or other pertinent data on the FAFSA.
Evaluates and processes student requests for professional judgment according to established criteria; ensures appropriate documentation is obtained to support professional judgment decisions for audit and regulatory purposes.
Provides financial aid information to students regarding all aspects of financial aid, including Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, and special programs.
Provides estimates of financial aid eligibility; collaborates with university constituents to resolve student enrollment/registration issues.
Counsels students regarding federal Title IV refund policy and subsequent financial consequences of doing complete withdrawal from classes.
Conducts outreach activities including off-campus presentations such as high school financial aid nights as well as University programs; represents office as required.
Conducts mandated verifications of Institutional Student Information Records in accordance with US Department of Education guidelines, State guidelines, and University policy.
Assesses adequacy of documentation provided by students and resolves conflicting information.
Tracks files and follows-up with additional requests or phone calls when necessary.
Assists in development of office policy and procedure analysis as needed.
Assists in developing office guidelines for professional judgment, satisfactory academic progress, and loans, if needed.
Analyzes students’ financial needs to determine eligibility for financial aid.
Assists with training new hires.
Performs other duties as assigned and/or required that are within the level of responsibility for this classification at the discretion of the supervisor.