This entry-level counselor position assists their colleagues in the operations of a financial aid office and occasionally assist the front line service staff  to counsel students, parents, and the general public about financial aid policies and procedures. They are empowered to make decisions and solve problems by balancing student needs 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 supporting strategic priorities around equity, inclusion, and diversity. 

(E) - Essential Function

1. Assists with yearly processing and reconciliation of the Massachusetts state financial award programs including but not limited to Mass State Scholarship (MASS grant and Mass Grant PLUS), ECE scholarship, Paraprofessional Prep Grant, Mass Part-Time Grant, Commonwealth Commitment, Mass High Demand Scholarship, Gear UP, DCF Fee & Tuition Waivers, Adopted Fee & Tuition Waivers, Foster Grants and Mass Transfer Tuition Waiver (E) 
2. Perform verification and other calculations of eligibility for, and awarding of, federal, state, and university aid, in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies (E)
3. Retrieve and review financial aid information via the university’s enterprise systems as well as the US Department of Education’s various systems (E)
   
4. 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 (E)
5. Provide service assistance with FAFSA and other applicable financial assistance (E)
6. Apprise the director and associate director of any issues encountered that do not comply with laws, regulations, and policies  
7. Provide timely, knowledgeable, and courteous responses to all internal and external service requests (E)
8. Assist with the administration and reconciliation of financial aid programs and program management (E)
   
9. 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 
10. Serve on committees as assigned by the President and Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management 
11. Demonstrate sensitivity to students, faculty, and staff of varying racial, ethnic, religious, gender, cultural, disability, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic backgrounds
12. Adhere to the Family Education Rights of Privacy Act (FERPA) and the requirements of the Federal Privacy Act of 1974 
13. Regularly utilizes reporting systems in support of student success
14. Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree 
• Minimum of one or more years experience in a financial aid office, higher education or closely related field
• Background and/or experience working and communicating with diverse individuals
• Experience working independently and as part of a team
• Experience in exercising discretion and handling confidential information 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years of experience in a comprehensive financial aid office 
• Experience processing financial aid  
• Knowledge of federal, state, and university financial aid laws, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Bachelor’s degree
• Skill in interpreting and effectively communicating rules and regulations to a diverse audience 
• Ability to acquire and exhibit comprehensive knowledge of complex Federal, State, and Institutional financial aid regulations, procedures, and directives in a hybrid work setting 
• Fluent in other languages (preferably Spanish) 

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.

Candidate must be able to work a semi-flexible schedule according to departmental needs, which may include occasional evenings and weekends. 

Ability and willingness to work both in person and remotely as the university is currently engaged in a hybrid work environment model, which could change.  

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.  

This position is not eligible for H1B visa sponsorship.

Please note all newly hired staff and faculty, will need to be in compliance with Salem State University’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Requirement.

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 and additional applications will not be accepted.