Description
As you take your first step onto a Western University of Health Sciences campus, each path, each person, each structure comes with a transformative story. WesternU is more than the practice of medicine. We are defined by character and culture. At WesternU, you will discover humanism at the heart of every interaction: a warm welcome, a sincere smile, a positive word, a kind deed, a thoughtful gesture. You will see students work together on case studies; a parade of pets in campus parks; student clubs offering opportunities for career growth and community involvement; and faculty, staff and students designing their future and the future of WesternU. We display a collaborative mindset in how we operate, educate, and serve others.
Although, geographically, we are two campuses - as humanists, we are one: to enhance and extend the quality of life in our communities and achieve excellence in everything we do. We attract diverse, professional faculty, staff and students that thrive in an environment of humanistic health care education. Join our team of faculty and staff and make a difference.
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.
Key Responsibilities
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.
Serve as Program Lead Administrator for one of the following programs
Alternative Loans
Default Management
Direct Federal Loans
Federal Work-Study (FWS)
Scholarships
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.
Collaboration & Outreach
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–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. This position is eligible for telework up to 1–2 days per week, based on operational needs.
Requirements
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
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.
Preferred Qualifications
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.
Working at WesternU
We believe in making an impact in the lives of our employees, personally, and professionally. Every employee has different individual and/or family needs. We offer benefits that are both comprehensive and flexible to address your unique needs. We believe work-life harmony is positive and achievable.
We offer competitive salaries, generous paid time off, insurance plans, reimbursements, and retirement benefits. Additionally,
Our faculty, staff, and administrators are 100% focused on student success.
Our University culture creates the context for a nurturing and supportive environment.
Faculty, staff, and students can expect to make deep, personal relationships within the University community.
As a Faculty, Staff, or Student at WesternU, you can focus on work that you love, be your authentic self, and lead to the future with innovation in health sciences.
WesternU’s core value of humanism encourages all to bring their whole self in all that they do.
We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, equity, collaboration, and fun at all levels for all people!
Please apply by clicking on this link: https://jobs.westernu.edu
Western University of Health Sciences is an equal opportunity employer.
