Financial Aid Counselor - Higher Ed. jobs in New Bedford, MA

POSITION TITLE: Senior Financial Aid Counselor

DEPARTMENT: Financial Aid

PRIMARY LOCATION: Fall River

REPORTS TO: Director of Financial Aid Counseling

STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Senior Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for processing student financial aid files and determining student eligibility for federal and state financial aid funds. Typical duties will include, but are not limited to, meeting with students to provide information about financial aid programs and assisting students to complete necessary applications and forms. The Senior Financial Aid Counselor conducts workshops on and off campus, presenting pertinent information in regards to the availability of financial aid. They will work collaboratively with the Financial Aid staff, as well as other college personnel to deliver student centered services, with an emphasis on customer service and the use of technology to facilitate access to and encourage student retention.  This position will be primarily based in Fall River, and may offer support at other Bristol locations as needed.   

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Review, evaluate, and assess student financial aid application data to determine eligibility by verifying income and ensuring compliance with other U.S. Department of Education and MA Board of Higher Education eligibility guidelines. 
• Represent the Financial Aid office at evening and weekend enrollment events.
• Review student files for financial aid award package.
• Coordinate federal, state, and institutional grant/scholarship and loan programs.
• Counsel students and appropriate family members on available financial aid opportunities.
• Assist students and families through the FAFSA and verification process.
• Provide information and guidance to students and families regarding unique circumstances impacting financial aid eligibility.
• Reconcile various award accounts for compliance.
• Function as Subject Matter Expert for policies and procedures related to the administration, and reconciliation of Federal Pell Grants 
• Provide counseling and support to student loan borrowers related to responsible borrowing and entrance and exit counseling; coordinate activities and outreach with a focus on student and borrower success.
• Conduct workshops and present financial aid and financial literacy information at college events, high schools, and community agencies.
• Participate and present in Paloozas and other Enrollment events on- and off-campus.
• Provide a positive customer service experience to each student requiring financial aid assistance.
• Continually participate in technology upgrade training and implementation as required.
• Focus on the Commonwealth's Equity Agenda by applying related best practices throughout all job functions and work collaboratively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. 
• Perform other duties as assigned, consistent with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

One of the following education and experience requirements must be met. Please note that an equivalent combination of education, training and experience shall be considered.

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Education, Business Administration, Accounting, Human Services, or closely related field and minimum of four (4) years of experience and/or training involving financial aid operations or student loan processing.
• Minimum of a Master's Degree in Education, Business Administration, Accounting, Human Services, or closely related field and minimum of two (2) years of experience and/or training involving financial aid operations or student loan processing.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated experience working with the public in a customer service setting.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Banner, Argos, or similar student information systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Reliable transportation in order to travel to and from meetings, trainings, or campus and community locations as required. 
• The ability to work effectively with a diverse student body, faculty, and staff.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of a Master's degree.
• Demonstrated experience in a higher education setting, preferably at a community college.
• Demonstrated experience with the MA state aid programs as they pertain to financial aid.
• Familiarity with financial aid forms and procedures.
• Experience in a financial aid office.
• Ability to speak a language in addition to English.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The employee must meet the physical demands and work environment of the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable those with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

POSITION STATUS: This is an MCCC/MTA, full time, unit position with benefits.

SALARY:   Minimum hiring salary $57,249 - $68,063 - Labor Grade 4 - actual salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and in accordance with the MCCC/MTA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Please refer to the New Hire Tables in the CBA for more information

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action

Bristol Community College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, TitleVII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and college policies. The College prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence. Inquiries or complaints concerning discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or sexual violence shall be referred to the College's Title IX & Equity Compliance Officer, Emmanuel Echevarria at diversitytitleix@bristolcc.edu or 774.357.2682; the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination; the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission or the United States Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.