Financial Aid Counselor

Tiffin University•Tiffin, OH

3h•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid Counselor assists students and parents with the financial aid process and provides information about financial aid procedures and eligibility requirements. The role follows institutional, state, and federal compliance guidelines, takes initiative to resolve problems, and supports the day-to-day processing of financial aid matters. The counselor advises students, parents, alumni, and employees on aid eligibility, application procedures, programs, packaging policies, costs, billing, and indebtedness. The role determines eligibility and awards aid under applicable guidelines, processes paperwork, reviews student financial data, and follows up on missing or deficient documents. It also supports FAFSA verification and corrections, presents financial aid information to campus and prospective student groups, and collaborates with university departments. The position is full-time and on campus in Tiffin, Ohio.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
Meticulous attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills.
Experience providing quality customer service, with patience, energy, enthusiasm for helping others, and a positive attitude during stressful and peak periods.
Ability to organize and manage multiple projects in a high-pressure, fast-paced, frequently changing environment.
Experience working with diverse populations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
Familiarity with complex federal and state financial aid regulations.
Experience with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and an email program.
Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes office hours and potential extended hours and weekends; some travel may be required.
Must be in good standing with Federal Student Loans.

Nice To Haves

Preferred minimum of 1–3 years of experience in financial aid or at a college or university.
Working knowledge of a student or financial aid information system.

Responsibilities

Counsel and advise students, parents, alumni, and employees about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, packaging policies, costs, billing processes, and indebtedness.
Provide information through email, phone, and personal contact.
Determine eligibility and award financial aid to new and returning students in accordance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
Process financial assistance paperwork and collect or analyze student financial data.
Follow up with students and families about missing or deficient information and documents.
Support FAFSA verification, submit corrections to the Department of Education, evaluate eligibility, and adjust awards when necessary.
Help prepare and present information about financial aid, scholarships, employment, and grants to campus groups, high school students, and parents at meetings, discussions, workshops, recruitment sessions, and orientations.
Work with student accounts, the business office, admissions, advising, human resources, and the international office.
Provide information about loan sources and payment options, including Master Promissory Notes and Entrance Counseling through the Department of Education.
Perform other tasks as assigned.