Financial Aid Counselor - RVU
For Rocky Vista University Employees: Please message Alyssa Cottone, Manager, HR Business Partner & Talent Acquisition on Microsoft Teams indicating your application submission. The Financial Aid Counselor provides direct financial As part of the student journey, the Counselor acts as a This position reports to the Associate Director, Financial Aid. Student Counseling & Advisement Application Processing & Aid Packaging Financial Literacy & Student Journey Integration Collaboration & Compliance Operational Support & Reporting Other Duties This description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Qualifications Education Experience Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Physical Demands and Working Conditions
aid counseling and support to students enrolled at Rocky Vista University. This
role is responsible for guiding students through the entire financial aid
lifecycle—from initial application and loan packaging to enrollment
adjustments, ongoing financial literacy, and repayment preparation—ensuring
compliance with federal and private loan regulations.
trusted advisor to students and families, helping them understand eligibility
requirements, borrowing responsibilities, creditworthiness, and long-term
financial planning. The Counselor plays a pivotal role in debt management,
credit counseling, and private loan counseling, equipping students with the
tools to make informed borrowing decisions, budget effectively, and prepare for
successful repayment after graduation.
Essential Functions
prospective, current, and graduating students on all aspects of federal
and private loan programs, including eligibility, application processes,
disbursements, and renewal requirements.
individualized credit counseling to help students understand credit
scores, creditworthiness, and their impact on loan approval and repayment.
private loan counseling, ensuring students fully understand loan terms,
lender requirements, and repayment responsibilities.
debt management counseling, helping students and graduates understand
responsible borrowing, repayment options, and long-term financial impact.
students through entrance and exit loan counseling, ensuring compliance
with federal requirements.
students on budgeting, credit management, and meeting financial
obligations to the University and their lenders.
a primary point of contact for assigned caseload of active and prospective
students, providing proactive outreach and timely responses.
to all student inquiries within 24–48 hours, escalating complex cases to
leadership or appropriate departments as needed.
and evaluate financial aid applications, including ISIRs, to determine
eligibility and resolve conflicting information.
federal and private loans in accordance with DOE regulations and lender
requirements.
budget adjustments, cost of attendance recalculations, and aid revisions
for students with curriculum or enrollment changes.
private loan eligibility and ensure compliance with lender and federal
requirements.
and deliver financial literacy education for students through one-on-one
sessions, group workshops, and presentations.
at orientations, webinars, and class meetings to support student awareness
of financial aid processes and responsibilities.
ongoing outreach throughout the student journey, ensuring students
understand financial aid at pre-matriculation, enrollment, mid-program,
and graduation milestones.
and track loan counseling completion, ensuring timely compliance with
federal and lender requirements.
with Admissions, Registrar, Bursar, and Student Affairs to ensure seamless
integration of aid with enrollment, billing, and student services.
strict compliance with federal regulations, FERPA, Title IV, and lender
policies.
unusual or extenuating circumstances submitted by students for
professional judgment consideration and prepare recommendations for
leadership.
training seminars and stay up to date on changes in financial aid
regulations, loan servicing, and best practices.
daily, weekly, and monthly financial aid reports to ensure accuracy of
disbursements, enrollment status, and loan eligibility.
in audit preparation by ensuring files and student communications are
accurate, documented, and accessible.
administrative support for office-wide initiatives, including
communication campaigns and compliance reporting.
as a liaison to loan servicers and lenders to support students’ aid and
repayment experience.
other duties and special projects as assigned by the Associate Director of
Financial Aid
coverage for core functions as needed to ensure uninterrupted service to students.
other duties and special projects assigned by leadership.
This position may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing
needs of the department/institution.
degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
combination of education and related work experience may be considered.
(2) or more years of experience in financial aid, higher education,
banking, or loan counseling required.
with federal and private loan processing, packaging, and regulatory
compliance preferred.
with financial aid systems such as PowerFAIDS, Jenzabar, Banner, or
similar platforms preferred.
knowledge of federal and private financial aid regulations, programs, and
processes.
to explain complex financial aid information clearly and effectively to
diverse audiences.
organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team
environment.
oral and written communication skills; ability to present to groups of
students and faculty.
attention to detail and accuracy in data management.
proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced
environment.
to diversity, equity, inclusion, and supporting students from all
backgrounds.
ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
The anticipated salary range for the Financial Aid Counselor is $50,000 to $60,000 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.
is primarily performed in an office environment with standard office
equipment.
be able to sit or stand for extended periods, occasionally lift up to 20
pounds, and perform repetitive motions.
travel between campuses may be required.
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.