Category: Professional/Executive Subscribe: Department: FINANCIAL AID Locations: Westfield, MA Posted: Feb 2, 2023 Closes: Open Until Filled Type: Full-time Position ID: 158633 Share

About Westfield State University:

In 1839, Horace Mann founded Westfield State University as the first public higher education institution without barrier to race, gender or economic class. Westfield State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination, equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action. We are dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people including minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities and other protected persons, or individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds.

Westfield State is the most residential of the state universities in Massachusetts, with over 60% of our 5600 full-time undergraduate students living on campus. The campus is ideally situated on the edge of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts just 30 minutes from the thriving cultural centers of Northampton and Amherst, and 1.5 hours from both Boston and Albany.

Job Description:

Campus Title: Financial Aid Counselor
State Job Title: Staff Assistant
Department: Financial Aid
Job Code: HA5600
FLSA Status: Exempt
Funding: 7115-0100
Bargaining Unit: APA
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Timeframe: 52 weeks
Shift: Monday-Friday, 9:00A.M.-5:00P.M.
Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
Supervision Received: The Staff Assistant/Financial Aid Counselor reports to the Assistant Director of Financial Aid.
Supervision Exercised: None.
Salary: $46,000-$48,000 (To be commensurate with education and experience).

General Statement of Duties: The Financial Aid Counselor assists in the planning and organization of the student financial aid programs offered at Westfield State University.  This person is responsible for assisting with the processing of financial aid forms and completing verification on files for the undergraduate population.  Additional responsibilities include managing the main Financial Aid email account and assisting with the coordination of a federal or state program.  Additionally, this position will be responsible for conducting outreach to current and prospective students and families on all aspects of financial aid.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties include but not limited to:
Essential:

• Meets with and counsels student aid applicants and their families on all aspects of financial aid, including application procedures, processes, eligibility, costs, disbursements and loan repayment.
• Maintains and answers emails sent to the main Financial Aid email address.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for all outreach activities, including hosting in-person and online sessions with students and families.
• Assists in counseling students who are not making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), including follow-up with students on SAP probation.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for students enrolled in the Urban Education Program.
• Serves as a point of contact for students who are looking for a Dependency Override.
• Assists in the processing of Federal Direct Loans.
• Manages a state program, such as the Massachusetts State Grant fund, or a Federal Financial Aid Program as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid. 
• Manages the Financial Aid page(s) of the Westfield State University website.
• Develops and implements financial literacy programming for current and prospective students.
• Responsible for outreach to community organizations and local high schools.
• Manages a caseload of enrolled and prospective students.
• Participates in verification of student financial aid files.
• Utilizes Banner and other financial aid software platforms as needed to complete job responsibilities.
• Participates in open house programs and new student orientation.
• Responsible for special projects as assigned by the Assistant Director of Financial Aid or Director of Financial Aid.
• Attends training sessions and financial aid meetings to learn about regulations and best practices.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree
• Ability to accurately process a high volume of detailed work within specific time constraints
• Ability to quickly shift between tasks
• Knowledge of principles and methods of counseling
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service excellence
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting an environment of equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Ability to provide information to supervisors, co-workers, students and their families by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person
• Strong presentation, interpersonal, networking, and organizational skills
• Display adaptability, dependability, the capacity to work within a team as well as autonomously, and the ability to take initiative in the workplace

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• 1-2 years of Financial Aid administration experience
• Familiarity with Federal Student Aid systems and regulations
• Experience with Ellucian Banner Software

Additional Information:

Salary:
For the majority of new employees, the minimum starting salary will apply. Specific salary for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining and state policies and procedures.

State job specifications for this position may be found at the department of higher education website: http://www.mass.edu/foremployees/classificationspecs/classspecs-pers.asp

Disability Accommodations:
Westfield State University understands that persons with disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance regarding disability accommodations, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (413) 572-8106.

Background Check:
Employment at Westfield State University is contingent upon a background check that is satisfactory to the University. Failure to provide written authorization for a background check will nullify the offer of employment.

Application Instructions:

An on-line application is required. The successful candidate must submit an official transcript at the time of hire. Interested candidates should electronically attach the following documents: 

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for three references *
• Copy of unofficial transcript of highest degree

* Provide the contact information for reference providers in the reference section of the online application. 

Deadline: The job posting will be open a minimum of ten days and, if needed, will remain open until finalists have been selected. 

NOTE: If you need assistance completing your application please contact our online Help Desk. The link to the help desk can be found at the top of the page via Contact Us.

Covid-19 Requirements:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to complete an initial series of COVID vaccination (2 doses of Pfizer/Moderna or 1 dose of J&J) prior to coming to campus. Initial booster doses are strongly encouraged for everyone who is eligible. New employees will be required to provide proof of vaccination to Human Resources prior to onboarding. Employees who require a medical or religious exemption should email Tina Bones, Benefits Manager in Human Resources, at lbones@westfield.ma.edu.