Financial Aid Advisor

About the role

The Financial Aid Advisor (FAA), under the direction of the Office for Student Services, provides financial aid services to students on a district-wide basis. The FAA supports students and parents in the financial aid and scholarship process. The FAA will help students and parents understand student needs analysis and facilitate problem solving with students and parents.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that all students complete the FAFSA, Post Secondary Plan surveys, CSS/Financial Aid Profile, verification, and school specific/institutional financial aid applications, and receive counseling to evaluate their financial aid award letters and appeals.
• Research and help students apply for scholarships.
• Conducts verification of student and parent application data in compliance with federal criteria.
• Provides financial aid counseling to students and parents regarding all aspects of the financial aid process.
• Makes necessary referrals to other work with high-quality partner organizations to support the FAFSA process where necessary.
• Provides support to students experiencing financial crises which may impact school performance and college attainment.
• Specific focus on working with special needs populations to identify unique needs and coordinate appropriate services i.e. questions regarding citizenship.
• Interacts with appropriate outside entities in order to facilitate the student eligibility process or to conduct the duties associated with an assigned area of specialization.
• Maintains appropriate database systems and generates reports.
• Participates in annual training and professional organizations to keep abreast of new information and program changes to be implemented.
• Provide support to students and parents over the summer to improve fall matriculation.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associates degree required, Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Experience in financial aid.
• Proficient in computer/technical skills with Microsoft Office.
• Experience in a youth development model and experience working with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of Springfield community is highly desired.
• Possess strong group facilitation skills.
• Initiative, judgment and ability to deal with confidential matters; strong problem solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with collaborative teams.
• Excellent interpersonal skills needed to work effectively with students, parents, administrators and staff.
• Ability to work flexible hours that will include evenings and some weekends.
• Ability to communicate goals and financial aid philosophy to a wide variety of individuals.
• Positive attitude and desire to help students and the college obtain their goals.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must have reliable transportation other than public transportation to travel from school to school in a timely fashion.

School assignment(s)

School assignment(s) will be determined.

Salary

$43,650- $57,737

Work schedule

Effective Immediately; 7.5 hours per day – 52 weeks per year including paid vacation time (2 weeks). Evenings and weekends are required and determined by the Springfield Promise Program Calendar of Events.

About the Springfield Public Schools

The Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence. Join a team that Empowers Educators

Contact Information

If you BELIEVE, we have a place for YOU on our team! Come work for us!

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, or military service, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

Sex Nondiscrimination

The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.