Financial Aid Counselor

Position: Financial Aid Counselor - The College of Wooster
Job Category:

Staff

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Job Description:

Location:

Wooster, OH Category:
Staff Posted On:
Fri Mar 6 2026

Job Description:

The Financial Aid Counselor supports students and families by providing guidance throughout the financial aid process and ensuring a positive, service-oriented experience. This role combines financial aid advising, administrative processing, and regulatory compliance. The counselor assists with determining aid eligibility, managing documentation, and communicating financial aid information clearly and accurately. The position partners closely with campus departments to address student financial concerns, support recruitment and retention efforts, and represent the Financial Aid Office at events.

Essential Departmental

Duties and Responsibilities:

Office Administration & Operations

* Provide direct assistance by answering phone calls with accurate information and maintaining timely, organized communication through the office email account.

* Organize, track, and maintain all documents received by the Financial Aid Office.

* Coordinate processing, saving, and mailing of financial aid letters and support daily office operations.

Financial Aid Counseling & Student Support

* Counsel students and families on aid processes, eligibility, aid offers, financing options, and required documentation.

* Support recruitment and retention initiatives by meeting with prospective and current students and families to review aid offers, financing strategies, and financial literacy topics.

* Conduct proactive outreach to ensure timely completion of financial aid requirements.

Financial Aid Processing & Compliance

* Review and analyze financial aid applications to determine eligibility, award aid, and manage document flow throughout the awarding cycle.

* Assist with audit preparation and maintain compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations through ongoing professional development.

Campus Partnerships & Communications

* Collaborate with campus departments regarding student financial concerns, retention, and student success, and represent the office at key campus events.

* Compile and communicate financial resource information across campus and support special projects or initiatives as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or

Experience:

* Bachelor's degree or equivalent or 2-3 years' relevant experience

* Familiarity with relevant federal and state regulations.

Knowledge

Skills and Abilities:

Skills:

(Language, communication, reading and reasoning)

* Strong communication skills.

* Ability to explain complex financial aid concepts in a clear and understandable manner.

Knowledge: (Math, Computer/Tech, May list soft skills)

* Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs

* Strong interpersonal skills

* Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks

* Excellent customer service orientation and a commitment to helping students succeed.

* Proficiency in computer applications and data entry.

Abilities: (Safety, Mission, Ethics and Code of Conduct)

* Positive work ethic and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

* Ability to uphold and adhere to the College's handbooks, policies, and mission.

Work Environment: (Describe the working environment)

* On campus, office setting. Frequent interactions with students, families, and campus partners through in?person meetings, phone calls, and email.

Physical Demands: (Described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This is not part of the job posting but is needed for ADA compliance.)

* Primarily, sedentary office work, requiring the ability to sit for extended periods while meeting with students or working at a computer. Occasional walking around campus, standing during events, and light lifting may be required for transporting materials or setting up for programs. The role also requires sufficient hand-eye…