Financial Aid Counselor

Northeastern Ohio Medical University • Rootstown, OH

40d • $37,680 - $42,105

About The Position

Responsible for advising students and families on financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, and application processes. This role involves reviewing and processing financial aid applications, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies, and providing exceptional customer service to assist students in achieving their educational goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum one year of experience in a higher education financial aid office (this requirement may be fulfilled through employment as a graduate assistant) or financial institution in a customer-facing capacity.
• Working knowledge of Federal financial aid websites and software, including but not limited to FAA Access to CPS Online, EdConnect, NSLDS, and the COD Mainframe.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree.
• Experience with Ellucian Banner, financial aid, and billing module, and extensive computer experience with Microsoft Office Suite software.

Responsibilities

• Student Advising and Support: Provide personalized financial guidance to both prospective and continuing students, ensuring they understand and secure funding for their education. Using a case-management approach, collaborate with financial aid and admissions teams to develop tailored financing plans. Upon a student's commitment to NEOMED, assist with financial planning and matriculation tasks to support enrollment. Lead financial wellness initiatives, scholarship education, and loan counseling while partnering with stakeholders to maximize available aid and promote responsible debt management.
• Financial Aid Processing: Manage financial aid awarding for an assigned caseload, collaborating with senior staff to ensure accuracy and compliance. Responsibilities include verifying application materials, packaging aid using federal and institutional methodologies, resolving discrepancies in applications and loan origination, and completing Return of Title IV calculations. Counsel students on Satisfactory Academic Progress, assess their academic standing, and communicate with those not meeting university requirements. May be required to process requests for funding through the Veterans Affairs Administration.
• Financial Aid Compliance and Office Support: Support compliance and office management by staying informed on federal, state, and institutional aid regulations through professional development. Assist in maintaining the Financial Aid Policy and Procedures Manual, participate in annual quality improvement efforts to enhance operations and student experience, and work in alignment with the university's Strategic Plan.
• Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees