Job Description
The main functions of the Financial Aid Office are to effectively and comprehensively assist students and parents through the financial aid process and efficiently manage federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. The Financial Aid Counselor provides financial aid services to undergraduate and graduate students as well as correctional education students across the country. The Financial Aid Counselor will be responsible for, but not limited to, conducting student needs analysis and preparing financial aid packages, reviewing verifications, determining eligibility, resolving conflicting information, resolving over-awards, performing professional judgement regarding eligibility, and facilitating problem solving with students, families, and other Ashland University employees. Hybrid and flexible work schedules are offered that follow the institution’s policy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Conducts needs analysis in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies to determine relative eligibility of each financial aid applicant.
Determines the types and amounts of financial aid to be awarded to the student through the packaging process according to federal, state, and institutional requirements.
Counsels current and prospective undergraduate/graduate students and their parents through the application process in regards to financial aid programs, personal financial planning, and money management. Responsible for a section of undergraduate and graduate students based on the alphabet.
Resolves conflicting information, SARC codes, and over-awards.
Utilizes professional judgement to adjust a student’s eligibility based on documented mitigating circumstances in accordance with federal regulation.
Reviews completed verification for accuracy in compliance with federal regulations.
Completes return of Title IV Funds calculations.
Participates in the development of policies and procedures.
Participates in annual training and professional development.
Create, maintain, and present educational financial aid materials.
Complete other tasks as requested.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor of Science or Arts from an accredited four-year college or university
Demonstrated experience in student financial aid, or a field directly related to financial aid counseling
Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite software
Demonstrated knowledge, understanding, and research abilities regarding federal and state rules and regulations
Excellent verbal and written communication, judgement, analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking and interpersonal skills
Effective organization and planning abilities
Ability to perform assigned tasks with increasing independence and an understanding of priorities and deadlines
Ability to defuse difficult situations with other individuals
Ability to prioritize and manage a significant caseload.
Ability to adhere to data confidentially regulations, such as FERPA, and adhere to data security policies.
Preferred Qualifications
Physical Demands
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
This position operates in a professional office environment
This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear
The employee frequently is required to; stand, walk, use hands and finger, and reach with hands and arms
This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 25 pounds
This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday. From time to time working hours may be modified and exceed the standard work week
The position may require occasional travel
This position description is intended to be a general overview of major responsibilities, duties and qualifications necessary to perform the job. Other responsibilities and duties may be assigned by the supervisor