The entry level counselor position assists on the front line of the aid office to counsel students, parents and the general public about financial aid policies and procedures. They are empowered to make decisions and solve problems balancing the needs of the student with federal, state and institutional policies and regulations and provide input and advisement on processes, policies and regulations.

The counselor will help students achieve their educational goals by advising them on financial aid options and resources. They will support the mission of Salem State by creating a superior student experience; reducing barriers to success and support strategic priorities around equity, inclusion, and diversity.

Located just 15 miles north of Boston, Salem State University’s mission is to provide a high quality, student-centered education that prepares a diverse community of learners to contribute responsibly and creatively to a global society, and serve as a resource to advance the region's cultural, social and economic development. It is one of the largest state universities in Massachusetts Attracting, hiring and retaining a highly engaged workforce that reflects and supports the diversity of our student body are central to the importance of our work.

Salem State works to foster a university-wide culture of inclusion, accountability, collaboration, and stewardship and was selected as a recipient of the 2017 INSIGHT into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award for our commitment to diversity and inclusion across our campus.

Salem State strives to provide an experience where community members feel supported as they explore, learn, and celebrate their identities, similarities, and differences. Salem State’s employee resource groups provide a forum for staff to share common interests, concerns and support one another with the goal of advancing a respectful and caring community (Asian, Black, Family & Caregivers, Latinx, LGBTQ and Women’s ERG).

Please Note: Salem State University and the APA union (this position is a member of this bargaining unit), have come to an agreement on a furlough program for fiscal year 2021. As such, APA and NUP (non-unit professional) employees will take up to one (1) week of furlough in FY21. Employees will work directly with their hiring managers to determine the timing of furlough weeks based on operational needs. Depending on the date of hire, furloughs may be reduced on a pro-rated basis. If you have questions about the furlough program, please contact the human resources department.

1. (E) Process and maintain PLUS, Alternative, Massachusetts No Interest and Federal Nursing loans ensuring that all loans are completed and processed in a timely manner according to written procedures. When necessary, acts as liaison between family and students participating in these loan programs
2. (E) Counsel students, parents, employees, and the general public, via phone, e-mail or in person, regarding the status of financial aid applications according to the policies and procedures governing the financial aid process
3. (E) Provide service assistance with FAFSA and other applicable university financial assistance
4. (E) Retrieve and verify financial aid information via university’s enterprise systems as well the US Department of Education’s various systems
5. (E) Perform calculations of eligibility for, and awarding of, federal, state, university aid, in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies
6. (E) Apprise the director of any issues encountered that do not comply with laws, regulations, and policies
7. (E) Provide timely, knowledgeable and courteous responses to all internal and external service requests
8. Regularly utilizes reporting systems in support of student success
9. Assist in program management as required
10. Represent the financial aid office at activities including admissions events, high school nights, FAFSA filing events, classroom visits and local receptions; this work requires occasional evening and weekend work
11. Assist with the administration and reconciliation of financial aid programs and program management
12. Serve on committees as assigned by the President and Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management
13. Demonstrate sensitivity to students, faculty, and staff of varying racial, ethnic, and religious, gender, cultural, disability, sexual orientation and socioeconomic backgrounds
14. Adhere to the Family Education Rights of Privacy Act (FERPA) and the requirements of the Federal Privacy Act of 1974
15. Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree
2. Minimum of one to two years' experience in a financial aid office, higher education or closely related field
3. Background and/or experience working and communicating with diverse individuals
4. Experience in exercising discretion and handling confidential information

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Knowledge of and experience with Federal rules and regulations
2. Knowledge of federal, state, and university financial aid laws, regulations, policies, and procedures
3. Ability to acquire and exhibit comprehensive knowledge of complex Federal, State and Institutional financial aid regulations, procedures and directives in a remote setting
4. Fluency in another language(s)

Working Conditions:

Salem State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. For accommodation information or requests please email eo-hr@salemstate.edu.

Office activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and interaction with computer equipment; occasional bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 5-10 pounds.

Ability to work a flexible schedule according to departmental needs, which may include occasional evenings and weekends.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please apply online and attach resume and cover letter.

Employment is contingent upon a completed background and CORI check satisfactory to the university. Internal candidates are not subject to background check.  

EEO Statement:
Salem State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Persons of color, women and persons with disabilities are strongly urged to apply.

Please Note: If there is no application deadline associated with a position, it may be removed at any time. Once a position is removed, additional applications will not be accepted.