Financial Aid Counselor

Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED); Rootstown Township (OH); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or HSA

Disability and life insurance

Job summary

NEOMED in Ohio is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor to advise students and families on funding options and to process financial aid applications for a full-time role in the Admissions and Financial Aid Department.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree and at least one year in a higher education financial aid office or customer-facing role, with knowledge of federal aid systems and compliance. A hybrid work arrangement is available, with a starting salary range and generous benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• At least one year of experience in a higher education financial aid office or customer-facing role.
• Working knowledge of Federal financial aid websites and software (FAA CPS Online, EdConnect, NSLDS, COD Mainframe).

Responsibilities

• Advise students and families on financial aid programs, eligibility, and applications.
• Process and review financial aid applications, ensuring compliance with policies.
• Assist with returns of Title IV calculations and loan counseling.
• Support compliance and office operations with knowledge of aid regulations.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

FAA Access to CPS Online

EdConnect

NSLDS

COD Mainframe

Job description

Position Type: Admin/Professional

Department: Admissions and Financial Aid

Full or Part Time: Full Time

Pay Grade: MN6

Summary

Responsible for advising students and families on financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, and application processes. This role involves reviewing and processing financial aid applications, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies, and providing exceptional customer service to assist students in achieving their educational goals.

Principal Functional Responsibilities

Student Advising and Support: Provide personalized financial guidance to both prospective and continuing students, ensuring they understand and secure funding for their education. Using a case-management approach, collaborate with financial aid and admissions teams to develop tailored financing plans. Upon a student's commitment to NEOMED, assist with financial planning and matriculation tasks to support enrollment. Lead financial wellness initiatives, scholarship education, and loan counseling while partnering with stakeholders to maximize available aid and promote responsible debt management.

Financial Aid Processing: Manage financial aid awarding for an assigned caseload, collaborating with senior staff to ensure accuracy and compliance. Responsibilities include verifying application materials, packaging aid using federal and institutional methodologies, resolving discrepancies in applications and loan origination, and completing Return of Title IV calculations. Counsel students on Satisfactory Academic Progress, assess their academic standing, and communicate with those not meeting university requirements. May be required to process requests for funding through the Veterans Affairs Administration.

Financial Aid Compliance and Office Support: Support compliance and office management by staying informed on federal, state, and institutional aid regulations through professional development. Assist in maintaining the Financial Aid Policy and Procedures Manual, participate in annual quality improvement efforts to enhance operations and student experience, and work in alignment with the university's Strategic Plan.

Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum one year of experience in a higher education financial aid office (this requirement may be fulfilled through employment as a graduate assistant) or financial institution in a customer-facing capacity.
• Working knowledge of Federal financial aid websites and software, including but not limited to FAA Access to CPS Online, EdConnect, NSLDS, and the COD Mainframe.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree.
• Experience with Ellucian Banner, financial aid, and billing module, and extensive computer experience with Microsoft Office Suite software.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to utilize a phone, computer, and other office equipment. Ability to work nights and weekends during peak seasons and to travel for conference training opportunities.

Department Specific Information

Join Northeast Ohio Medical University's (NEOMED) Office of Admissions and Financial Aid

NEOMED is a mission-driven, community-based medical university committed to educating health professionals, advancing discovery, and improving the health of our region. We are seeking an Financial Aid Counselorwho wants to contribute to meaningful work in a collaborative academic environment.

At our organization, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and team-oriented environment that is essential to fulfilling our mission. We believe every employee should feel appreciated, valued, and empowered. To maintain a supportive organizational culture, we seek individuals whose values align with our mission and who thrive in a team-based approach. We encourage individuals whose values align with this collaborative approach to apply.

Starting Salary Range: $38,811 – $40,000, commensurate with experience

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance through Medical Mutual
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Short-and long-term disability coverage, Long-term care coverage options, and Life insurance
• State retirement plan with 14% employer matching to help you plan for the future
• Generous vacation and sick leave, in addition to 11 paid holidays each year
• Hybrid work environment (up to two remote days per week after six months) (Policy#3349-7-151)
• Educational benefits with our partner universities (Policy#3349-07-45)
• Ongoing investment in your professional growth through on-site training and Lean Six Sigma certification
• Employee wellness activities and initiatives that support a healthy work-life balance

NEOMED is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, status as a parent during pregnancy and immediately after the birth of a child, status as a parent of a young child, status as a foster parent, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable state or federal law. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, NEOMED also affirms its commitment to nondiscrimination in its employment policies and practices. In compliance with Title IX (20 U.S.C Sec. 1681 et seq.), NEOMED prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment.