Financial Aid Counselor

ABOUT SIMMONS

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles.

Simmons University was one of the first higher education institutions to prepare women to become leaders and has evolved to become a university offering a women’s undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all.

You’re joining our community at an especially exciting time as one of our strategic goals is to become the most inclusive campus in New England.

You’ll find that people who work here are truly committed to our mission of preparing students to become champions of social justice and leaders in their professions and their communities.

This commitment and pride make for a dynamic workplace. Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual’s community experience.

As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups.

Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices at all levels, for all positions ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience.

Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Counselor provides financial aid counseling to students and families for federal, state, and institutional programs in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations.

This role is responsible for providing superb customer service consistent with the Simmons value of being student centered in all of our functions.

Financial Aid Counselors will have a high level of contact with students and families as well as being responsible for file review, awarding / processing, and participating in recruitment activities.

Financial Aid Counselors are responsible for serving both our graduate and undergraduate populations.

The ideal candidate will : maintain a strong customer focus, foster mutual respect, support Simmons University’s commitment to diversity, practice and promote teamwork, perform independently, maintain confidentiality, adhere to high standards of personal conduct and maintain and enhance professional / job competency.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Counsel students and parents regarding financing an education at the University; advise students and parents about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, available financial aid programs, costs and financial management strategies including loans, financing options, and other financial-aid related matters;
• Manage a student caseload and reviews student applications for accuracy to determine financial need and award aid in accordance with applicable federal, State, and University regulations;
• Analyze various reports to verify continued compliance and eligibility of students receiving aid under federal, state and institutional guidelines;

notify students of changes in their awards and offers alternatives, if applicable

• Receive, review, and process student documents including student and parent confidential tax and income information, for accuracy and completion;
• Participate in various recruitment and retention activities (new student orientations, Admitted Student days, Open house, etc.

on an as-needed basis.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish and maintain professional relationships with other University departments including, but not limited to, Student Financial Services, Admissions, Registrar and Student Life;
• Assist with other projects and initiatives that may be assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required;
• Ability to perform complex calculations; analyze situations accurately, be able to solve problems and offer solutions in order to adopt an effective course of action;
• Demonstrated ability to clearly interpret, apply and convey rules, regulations, policies and procedures while maintaining a high level of professional courtesy;
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to a diverse constituency while maintaining successful performance in a high-volume, fast pace, and confidential service environment;
• Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with FERPA regulations;
• Strong problem-solving abilities and the ability to use sound judgment for decision-making
• Team and service-oriented and able to effectively manage time;

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of one year of work experience in a Financial Aid office having solid knowledge of federal and state financial regulation principles is strongly preferred;
• Experience with PowerFaids is preferred but not required;

COMPETENCIES

• Problem Solving
• Analytical and Strategic
• Customer Service Oriented
• Communication (Written, Verbal, Presentation)
• Teamwork

WORK ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Hybrid eligible
• Year-round position within an office environment
• 40 Hours / week
• Requires some nights and weekends and / or other local travel during peak season.

Salary Grade