Counselor, Financial Aid

Counselor, Financial Aid

Summary of 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.

Position Information

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• The scope of these responsibilities is commensurate with current Steubenville location operations and will be reviewed and updated as programs and services expand.
• 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.

Other Functions and Responsibilities

• 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.
• Work Schedule: Typically, Monday through Friday.
• Location: Steubenville
• Supervision Exercised: May exercise supervision over student employees.
• Reports To: Director

Qualifications and Competencies

Required Certifications, Training, and/or Licensures: None

Sponsorship and/or Work Authorization Status: This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of: University policies and procedures; office practices and procedures; department/division goals and objectives; department/division policies and procedures; workplace safety practices and procedures; English grammar and spelling; records management; office management; project management.

Skill in: Use of office equipment; typing, data entry; computer operation; 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; deal with problems involving several variables within familiar context; define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; determine material and equipment needs; calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages; compile and prepare reports; use proper research methods to gather data; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications; prepare accurate documentation; maintain records according to established procedures; travel to and gain access to work site; effectively interact with personnel and public to answer routine questions; train or instruct others; move quickly and effectively from one task to another; work independently and in a team environment; 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.

(*) Developed after employment.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least a bachelor’s degree; and six months or more of related experience (college internship or co-op experiences included).

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Physical Requirements

• In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this position will perform light work.

• At Youngstown State University we are committed to a comprehensive employee benefit program that helps our employees live healthy, feel secure, and maintain a work/life balance. YSU offers two options for medical plans, optional dental and vision insurance and life insurance. These plans are reviewed annually to maintain competitiveness while being cost effective. In addition, YSU offers tuition remission, 403(b) and 457 retirement planning options, as well as state pension programs and optional voluntary life insurance benefits.

• Medical Mutual of Ohio Medical plans

• Dental Benefits

• Vision Benefits

• Group Life Insurance (University Sponsored and Voluntary)

• Group Long Term Disability (University Sponsored and Voluntary)

• Flexible Spending Account

• Health Savings Account

• Tuition remission

• Employee Assistance Program

• Wellness Initiatives

• Sick Leave

• Vacation Accrual

• Paid Holidays

• State Retirement Programs

• 403b and 457b Voluntary Retirement Options