Financial Aid Counselor - Financial Aid Office

Job title: Financial Aid Counselor - Financial Aid Office

About the Role Ashland University's Financial Aid Office seeks a Financial Aid Counselor to provide financial aid services to undergraduate and graduate students, including correctional education programs nationwide. The counselor will conduct needs analyses, determine eligibility, package aid, resolve conflicting information and over-awards, and apply professional judgement in accordance with federal, state, and institutional policies.

What You'll Do

• Conduct needs analysis and determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
• Package types and amounts of financial aid, review verifications for accuracy, and perform Return of Title IV Funds calculations.
• Counsel current and prospective undergraduate and graduate students and their parents through the application process, personal financial planning, and money management.
• Resolve conflicting information, SARC codes, and over-awards; utilize professional judgement to adjust eligibility when warranted.
• Participate in policy development, annual training, and professional development; create, maintain, and present educational financial aid materials.
• Manage a section of students based on alphabet; support colleagues and respond to inquiries with strong customer service.
• Ensure compliance with FERPA and data confidentiality; coordinate with Ashland University staff as needed.
• Travel occasionally as required.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor of Science or Arts from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Demonstrated experience in student financial aid or a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; strong knowledge of federal and state financial aid rules and regulations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, judgement, analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.
• Effective organization and planning abilities; ability to manage a significant caseload and work with increasing independence and deadlines.
• Ability to defuse difficult situations and maintain confidentiality (FERPA) and data security.
• Authorization to work in the United States; Ashland University will not sponsor or take over sponsorship for an employment visa.