Financial Aid Counselor #14785

About the role

Working under general supervision, the Financial Aid Counselor will administer financial aid for the School of Medicine Medical Degree (MD) program, Physician Assistant (PA) program, and Master of Science in Anesthesia (MSA) Program in accordance with general plans. The counselor serves as a financial aid advisor to these three programs and is instrumental in the recruitment of prospective students for these professional programs offered by the School of Medicine. This position interacts with parents, students, and university officials as a representative of the financial aid office.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and evaluate financial aid applications to determine financial need, reviewing applications, verifying receipt of required documentation (federal income tax returns/tax transcripts, W-2 statements, School of Medicine financial aid application, FAFSA, CSS Profile).
• Determine the applicant's cost of attendance for the individual program of study, involving direct contact with graduate and professional school personnel and knowledge of tuition and fee schedules.
• Interpret federal, state, and university policies and regulations to ensure compliance and consistent, equitable distribution of financial assistance.
• Perform needs assessment through analysis of individual financial circumstances and ability to pay the cost of attendance.
• Exercise professional judgment daily when making decisions about family circumstances not covered by documented policies.
• Advise applicants and families on how to best utilize and leverage funds to maximize resources, minimize educational debt, facilitate attendance, and support retention within MD, PA, and MSA programs.
• Explain, compare, and contrast terms and conditions of different financing programs available to applicants and families.
• Serve as an advisor to the university community; meet with and counsel students, parents, counselors, and university personnel daily.
• Assist with special projects such as coordinating debt management programs, assisting in the student refund process, processing outside scholarship checks, and reconciliation of accounts.
• Stay apprised of various methods of refinancing student debt and counsel students about these methods.
• Act as an official representative to federal and state agencies, scholarship and foundation organizations, and financial aid professional organizations (COSFA, FAME, LASOR).
• Initiate and maintain dialogue with other MD, PA, and MSA programs to stay current on financial aid industry developments.
• Instrumental in recruitment of prospective students by assisting the School of Medicine admissions office with financial aid presentations to prospective students and families, covering cost, application procedures, and available scholarships.
• Meet with and talk to parents, pre-health advisors, MD, PA, and MSA alumni, and other relevant constituents.
• Perform other duties, tasks, and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience: 1 to 2 years of professional work experience required, preferably in financial aid.
• Education: Bachelor's degree required.

Skills

• High-quality customer service orientation and ability to effectively collaborate with students, parents, staff, and outside organizations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to interpret and explain university and federal policies to students and parents.
• Demonstrated capacity to work both autonomously and collaboratively within a team setting.
• Ability to work efficiently and maintain accuracy under tight deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Maturity, professionalism, and discretion with a high level of awareness and care when handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to identify exceptions to normal policies and practices.
• Ability to develop, enhance, and nurture relationships with prospective and current students and their families while providing consistent, accurate, and usable information.
• Creativity and energy are highly valued.
• Proficient with personal computer office applications, e-mail, and internet (e.g., Google Suite, Microsoft).
• Ability to learn software applications specific to admissions and enrollment management, as well as customer service and customer relations management applications.
• Familiarity with financial aid software packages is preferred.
• Ability to quickly learn and maintain awareness of university functions, policies, and available resources.
• Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers in multiple facets (face-to-face, via Zoom, and over the phone).