Financial Aid Counselor

Job Summary

The Financial Aid Counselor at Western University of Health Sciences provides individualized counseling and support to graduate professional students regarding financial aid programs, including federal and private loans, scholarships, Federal Work-Study (FWS), and budgeting strategies. The Counselor ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, completes federal verification processes, and serves as a trusted resource for students navigating complex financial decisions.

This position requires a professional with experience in financial aid administration and a demonstrated commitment to serving graduate professional students with empathy, accuracy, and integrity.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with students, staff, and faculty.
• Good computer skills enabling employees to utilize various web editing tools and setting up documents in Word, Excel, Outlook, and any other software programs required for this position.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Must be able to effectively interact with administration, faculty, students, staff, and outside contacts.
• Demonstrate a commitment to working in an organization that values and promotes humanism.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• Experience: Minimum 2–3 years of professional financial aid experience, preferably with graduate/professional students.
• Strong counseling and communication skills.
• Knowledge of federal verification, Title IV programs, and private loan processes.
• Ability to balance compliance with compassionate advising.
• Passion for supporting graduate professional students.
• Commitment to equity, access, and student success.

• Proficiency with student information systems (Ellucian Banner preferred).
• Prior experience managing Federal Work Study program.
• Prior experience calculating and processing R2T4.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively interact with administration, faculty, students, staff, and outside contacts.
• Familiar with People Admin.

Student Counseling & Advising:

• Provide one‑on‑one and group counseling sessions for graduate professional students.
• Explain financial aid eligibility, loan repayment obligations, scholarship opportunities, and budgeting strategies.
• Support students in making informed financial decisions aligned with their academic and professional goals.
• Review and process financial aid applications, including federal verification of student files.
• Evaluate eligibility for federal, state, institutional, and private aid programs.
• Ensure timely and accurate disbursement of aid.

Service as Program Lead Administrator:

• Alternative Loans
• Default Management

Compliance and Regulatory:

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Stay current on legislative and regulatory changes affecting graduate financial aid.
• Prepare reports and assist with audits as needed by the Director.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Partner with admissions, registrar, and student accounts offices to coordinate aid.
• Participate in orientations, workshops, and outreach events.
• Develop and update resources (handouts, presentations, FAQs) to enhance student understanding.

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday; 8 AM
-5 PM

Hybrid schedule; flexibility may be required during peak financial aid seasons (e.g., Final date to receive applicationss, award disbursements). Occasional evening or weekend hours may be needed for outreach events, workshops, or special projects.

Benefits:
We offer competitive salaries, generous paid time off, insurance plans, reimbursements, and retirement benefits. Faculty, staff, and administrators are 100% focused on student success. Our culture encourages a nurturing and supportive environment.

Pay Transparency Act:
Western University of Health Sciences is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. Minimum $70,304.00 Annually, Maximum $70,304.00 Annually. Salary offers…