Financial Aid Counselor

Position Summary

The Office of Financial Aid at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science invites applications for a full-time Financial Aid Counselor position. The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for coordinating all aspects of financial aid for students including processing financial aid, file management, and counseling students on loan options, scholarship opportunities, and debt management.

Our generous benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision plans; paid parental leave; short-term and long-term disability plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and a 403(b) retirement plan which includes an 8% employer contribution after two years of service. RFUMS is committed to employee well-being and work-life balance. Full-time staff members are eligible for three weeks of vacation, 15 sick days, and 13 holidays plus two floating holidays. That is a minimum of 30 paid days off each year!

Who We Are

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA.

Today, the university's 6 colleges continue Dr Franklin's legacy through rigorous academics, pioneering research, and innovative community service. Our unique interprofessional education model allows students to learn from and with each other in a variety of settings, including our simulation labs, the student-led Interprofessional Community Clinic, and through partnerships with area hospitals and clinics. RFU is a national leader in interprofessional research and practices, and is nationally recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, proteomics, cancer cell biology and immunology, cardiac resuscitation, and gait and balance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Analyze and evaluate student financial aid data.
• Provide in-person and/or virtual counseling for students, parents and others seeking information and assistance with all aspects financial aid including application, eligibility, disbursement, and repayment.
• Occasional speaking engagements related to financial literacy, debt management, orientation, and loan exit interviews.
• Assisting students with financial considerations related to taking a leave of absence or withdrawing from their program of study.
• Utilize professional judgment to accommodate and counsel students regarding special circumstances experienced while enrolled at the university.
• Process financial aid applications and forms.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Federal Student Aid and Department of Education policies and regulations.
• Create and develop financial aid publications, applications and calendars.
• Responsible for assisting in development of SFA policy and procedures.
• Conduct presentations related to financial literacy and debt management to specific populations of students. (i.e. Medical, Podiatry, etc.)
• Demonstrate a high level of integrity, ethical behavior while working with confidential information.
• Maintain effective communication with university partners.

Conditions of Employment

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check
• Compliance with the current COVID19 vaccination policy

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor Degree or equivalent experience
• (2) years of relevant experience working in a higher education setting.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative
• Effective organizational skills
• Editing and proofreading skills
• Ability to make timely decisions and determine priorities
• Exceptional skills in written, telephone, and personal communications
• Ability to show respect and sensitivity for cultural differences, work/interact with a variety of internal and external constituents
• Analytical skills with the ability to collect, compile, and organize facts, figures, and to triage information to identify appropriate persons for contact and follow through
• Ability to meet continuous deadlines
• Ability to compose correspondence and create computerized reports
• Ability to handle detailed job tasks with accuracy and to coordinate multiple projects and tasks simultaneously
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (i.e. spreadsheets, word processing, etc.
• Ability to learn how to operate software associated with the processing of financial aid (Colleague)
• Develops and presents financial literacy content for a broad range of health profession programs
• Strong customer service orientation
• Strong, positive work ethic
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information appropriately

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree
• Experience working in Higher Education

Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

EOE, Including Disability / Vets