Financial Aid Counselor #14785

POSITION OBJECTIVE

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. A financial aid counselor will serve 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, providing equal treatment, without regard to race, religion, age, sex, color, disability, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Analyze and evaluate financial aid applications to determine financial need. This process involves reviewing financial aid applications for all programs. In evaluating each aid application, the financial aid counselor will work under general supervision to verify receipt and evaluate all required documentation, i.e., federal income tax return and/or tax transcripts, W-2 statements, school of medicine financial aid application, FAFSA and CSS Profile. Determine the applicant's cost of attendance for the individual program of study, which involves direct contact with key graduate and professional school personnel and knowledge of the school of medicine tuition and fee schedules. Interpret federal, state, and university policies and regulations to ensure compliance and consistency in the equitable distribution of financial assistance. Responsible for needs assessment through the analysis and evaluation of individual financial circumstances and their ability to pay the student's cost of attendance in the School of Medicine's professional programs. Exercise professional judgment daily when making decisions about family circumstances that do not fall within documented federal, state, or university policies. (33%)
2. Advise applicants and their families how best to utilize and leverage their funds to maximize resources, minimize educational debt, facilitate the student's attendance, and support students' overall retention within the MD, PA, and MSA professional programs. Explain, compare, and contrast the terms and conditions of different financing programs available to the applicant and family. Serve as an advisor to the university community. Meet with and counsel students, parents, counselors, and university personnel daily. (28%)
3. Assist with special projects, which may include coordinating debt management programs, assisting in the student refund process, processing outside scholarship checks, and reconciliation of accounts. (18%)
4. Stay appraised and be knowledgeable about the 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 the Association of American Medical Colleges¿ financial aid professional organizations, i.e., COSFA, FAME, LASOR. Initiate and maintain dialogue with other MD, PA, and MSA programs to remain current and obtain information about new developments within the financial aid industry. (13%)
5. Instrumental in the recruitment of prospective students to the School of Medicine professional programs by assisting the School of Medicine offices of admissions by providing financial aid presentations to prospective students and their families. These presentations focus on the cost of the MD, PA, and MSA programs, application procedures, and available scholarships. In addition to student recruitment, meet with and talk to parents, pre-health advisors, MD, PA, and MSA alumni, and other relevant constituents. (7%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties, tasks, and responsibilities as assigned. (1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous contact with departmental staff to collaborate on special projects and meet daily needs of the office.

University: Frequent contact with graduate and professional school personnel to collaborate on projects and in relation to the specific needs of students.

External: Regular contact with state and federal agencies, scholarship and foundation organizations, and financial aid professional organizations to exchange information.

Students: Regular contact with current and prospective students in relation to financial aid.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 1 to 2 years of professional work experience required, preferably in financial aid.

Education: Bachelor's degree required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Must demonstrate high-quality customer service orientation and ability to effectively collaborate with students, parents, staff, and outside organizations.
2. Strong written and oral communication skills required. Must be able to interpret and explain university and federal policies to students and parents.
3. Demonstrated capacity to work both autonomously and collaboratively within a team setting
4. Ability to work efficiently and maintain accuracy under tight deadlines and shifting priorities
5. Demonstrates maturity, professionalism, and discretion, with a high level of awareness and care when handling sensitive and confidential information.
6. The individual must have strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in a dynamic environment.
7. Ability to identify exceptions to normal policies and practices.
8. Ability to develop, enhance, and nurture relationships with prospective and current students and their families while providing consistent, accurate, and usable information.
9. Creativity and energy are highly valued.
10. Proficient with personal computer office applications, e-mail, and internet. (I.e., Google Suite, Microsoft)
11. Ability to learn software applications specific to admissions and enrollment management, as well as customer service and customer relations management applications.
12. Familiarity with financial aid software packages is preferred.
13. Ability to quickly learn and maintain awareness of university functions, policies, and available resources
14. 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.
15. Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
16. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
17. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers in multiple facets. (i.e., face-to-face, via Zoom, and over the phone)