Financial Aid Counselor

Description

Financial Aid Counselor

POSITION: Financial Aid Counselor

SUPERVISOR: Director of Financial Aid

DEPARTMENT:  Financial Aid

Tiffin University (TU) was founded in 1888 and offers accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration, criminal justice, social sciences, creative and media arts, humanities, education, sciences, technology, and health. The University's campus in Tiffin, Ohio, blends traditional historic and modern buildings, creating a vibrant and welcoming educational community for its students, faculty, and staff. Students can pursue associate, undergraduate, and graduate programs both on campus and online, as well as at Terra State Community College. In addition, TU offers Bachelor in Business Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees in Bucharest, Romania, and educational opportunities for students from Switzerland and Latin America. The University also provides an online Ph.D. program in Global Leadership and Change. 

The main campus in Tiffin is a beautiful 153-acre blend of traditional historic and modern buildings that create a vibrant and warm home for an educational community.  We offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in business in Bucharest, Romania. From academic programs in sports and recreation management to homeland security/terrorism, communication, and management, TU offers more than 40 majors through on-campus and online learning, resulting in real advantages for our students.

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The Financial Aid Counselor assists students and parents with the financial aid process and provides information on financial aid procedures and eligibility requirements. Adhere to institutional, state, and federal compliance guidelines and take the initiative to resolve problems and assist with the overall day-to-day activities associated with processing all the items related to financial aid. 

Requirements

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Counsel and advise students, parents, alums, and employees about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, packaging policies, costs, billing process, and indebtedness.      
• Provide information via email, phone, and personal contact.
• Determine financial aid eligibility and award financial aid within federal, state, and/or institutional guidelines to new and returning students; process financial assistance paperwork and collect or analyze financial data on students. 
• Interact with students and/or families to follow up on missing or deficient information and documents.
• Know the verification process of a FAFSA on selected financial aid applications; Submit corrections to the Department of Education, evaluate eligibility, and change awards if necessary.
• Assists in preparing and presenting information regarding federal, state, and institutional financial aid, scholarships, employment, and grants for various campus groups, high school students, and parents at meetings, group discussions, workshops, and recruitment sessions and orientations.
• Work closely with internal constituents: student accounts, business office,      admissions, advising, human resources, international office.
• Provide sources of loans and payment options; knowledgeable about Master Promissory Notes and Entrance counseling done through the Department of Education. 
• Other tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/ABILITIES FOR THE JOB

Education

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience

• Preferred minimum of 1-3 years experience in financial aid or at a college/university.

Other

• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation).
• Exhibits meticulous attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience providing quality customer service, patience, high energy, enthusiasm for helping others, and a positive attitude, even during stressful and peak times.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects in a high-pressure, fast-paced, and frequently changing environment.
• Demonstrate experience working with diverse populations.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• A “team player,” as well as the ability to work independently.
• Familiar with the complex regulations of federal and state financial aid programs.
• Prefer working knowledge in a student/financial aid information system.
• Experience with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and any email program.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include office hours and potential extended hours and weekends; some travel may be require