Financial Aid Counselor, RVU (CO or MT)

Financial Aid Counselor, RVU (CO or MT)

The Financial Aid Counselor provides comprehensive financial aid counseling and processing support for prospective and current students across all programs. This role manages student advising, scholarship coordination, international student financial aid support, and compliance-related responsibilities. The position ensures timely, accurate communication with students and families while maintaining strict adherence to federal, state, and institutional regulations.

This position requires close collaboration with University Registrar, Financial Aid, Admissions, Clinical Education Operations, and external lenders to deliver high-quality, student-centered service.

This position reports to the Associate Director, Financial Aid.

Essential Functions

Student Counseling & Support

• Provide one-on-one and group counseling sessions regarding federal, state, and private loan options, repayment plans, budgeting, and financial literacy.

• Deliver presentations at orientations, financial aid workshops, and other campus events.

• Conduct mandatory loan entrance/exit counseling for students who matriculate, graduate, or withdraw.

• Serve as a resource for international students (if applicable), assisting with private loan programs, scholarships, and financial aid compliance requirements.

Loan Processing & Compliance (if applicable)

• Process federal and private loan certifications, disbursements, adjustments, and reconciliation in accordance with DOE and institutional regulations.

• Review FAFSA applications, complete verification, and resolve discrepancies to ensure aid eligibility.

• Utilize COD, NSLDS, EDconnect, FAA, ELM, Banner, and PowerFAIDS systems for aid processing, monitoring, and reporting.

• Maintain strong working relationships with private lenders to ensure accurate loan servicing for students.

• Assist with centralized certification of VA benefits on VA Enrollment Manager.

Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain accurate student records in financial aid systems and enterprise databases.

• Prepare and analyze reports related to enrollment, scholarships, aid disbursements, and compliance.

• Monitor enrollment and aid status to ensure timely updates and compliance with institutional policies.

• Provide detailed reporting to internal stakeholders and contribute to compliance audits and program reviews.

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with internal departments (Registrar, Admissions, Clinical Education Operations, Bursar) to streamline processes and resolve student issues.

• Provide timely updates to leadership regarding student aid processing, compliance risks, and operational efficiencies.

• Contribute to financial literacy initiatives, presentations, and outreach programs that promote responsible borrowing and financial wellness.

Other Responsibilities

• Stay current with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.

• Maintain strict adherence to FERPA and confidentiality standards.

Scholarship & Program Coordination (if applicable)

• Coordinate institutional and external scholarship programs, including application processing, tracking, awarding, and reporting.

• Support cost of attendance (COA) surveys and assist with annual COA development and documentation.

• Collaborate with Admissions and Student Services to promote financial literacy and awareness of scholarship opportunities.

Other Duties

• Provide coverage for core functions as needed to ensure uninterrupted service to students.

• Perform other duties and special projects assigned by leadership.

This description is not intended to be all-inclusive. This position may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the department/institution.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and private loan programs, including need analysis, packaging, and repayment options.

• Familiarity with scholarship management and international student financial aid requirements.

• Proficiency with financial aid systems (Banner, PowerFAIDS, Jenzabar, ELM, COD, NSLDS, EDconnect, FAA) and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present to diverse audiences.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and providing student-centered service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

• 2–3 years of professional experience in financial aid, banking, lending, or student services.

• Direct experience with loan processing, FAFSA verification, disbursements, and electronic data transmissions preferred.

• Experience working with scholarships and/or international student financial aid preferred.

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and database systems.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Office-based environment with frequent use of computers, phones, and standard office equipment.

• Ability to remain accurate and focused in a fast-paced setting with frequent interruptions.

• Some evening or weekend work may be required during peak cycles.

Hours & Travel

• Standard work week

• Occasional evening/weekend hours during peak enrollment and aid cycles.

• Limited travel as required.

The anticipated salary range for the Financial Aid Counselor is $45,500 to $53,500 per year. The final salary offered may vary and will be determined based on factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, location, and education of the successful candidate. This information is provided per NYS local law.

We Are

· Student Centric: We approach every task with a focus on supporting our students to achieve their lifelong learning goals in a safe, vibrant and welcoming environment.

· A Global Community: We are one team with an international outlook welcoming the strength in our diversity and the value each of us brings to what we do.

· Accountable: We take responsibility for our actions by being responsive, resourceful and respectful in delivering on our commitments with integrity and the highest ethical standards.

· Collaborative: We support and empower one another through open communications, cooperation, sharing knowledge and taking time to always listen and show we care.

· Committed to Excellence: We take pride in our ongoing pursuit for continuous improvement through creativity, rigor and best practices to produce meaningful outcomes.

About University Support Services, LLC

University Support Services LLC (USS) is an affiliate of St. George's University (SGU), a leading provider of international medical education. SGU students and faculty come from 151 countries to the island of Grenada, located in the West Indies. Our purpose is to support SGU to deliver best in class education for all SGU students. We put a special focus on the growing global need for diverse high-quality medical and healthcare professionals. USS is pivotal in positioning SGU as a premiere medical degree institute through its student-facing as well as functional support teams.

USS is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is company policy to fill positions with qualified candidates regardless of race, color, sex (including sexual orientation and gender presentation), age, religion, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, pregnancy, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, status in the Uniformed Services of the United States (including veteran status) or status as a victim of domestic violence, except where there is a bona fide occupational qualification. This policy protects applicants and employees from discrimination in the hiring process.