Berkshire Community College Senior Financial Aid Counselor
Location: Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Position Summary: The One Stop Enrollment Center is seeking a Senior Financial Aid Counselor to work in a fast-paced, high-energy, and service-oriented environment. Reporting to the Director of Student Financial Services, this position will serve as a member of the enrollment services team and focus on enrollment and financial aid processes and services. The Senior Financial Aid Counselor's primary duties are with Student Financial Services but will be cross-trained in Admissions.
Financial Aid Responsibilities:
- Support customer service operations by counseling students and families on enrollment and the financial aid applications and processes.
- Assist with reviewing student aid application files, determining eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid, managing computerized financial aid records, and communicating electronically with related agencies.
- Provide excellent administrative support to the Student Financial Services office by performing duties such as responding to phone inquiries, compiling data, reviewing and analyzing data related to assigned activities, and communicating with students, staff, and community agencies including the preparation and maintenance of work-study contracts.
- Interact with various agencies; advise students and parents related to financial aid application procedures, available resources, eligibility guidelines, regulations, and loans; communicate with other departments, students, parents, faculty members, schools, libraries, community organizations, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals to coordinate activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems; act as liaison with outside agencies to resolve student issues involving coordination of benefits and financial aid.
- Organize and administer Institutional and Federal Work-Study (FWS) programs and Service Learning stipends; develop/locate on and off-campus job sites; prepare and maintain work-study contracts; recruit/award/place/terminate student employees; provide support for supervisors of student employees.
- Responsible for processing of third-party payments, tuition waivers, and external resources.
- Assist with state-aid certifications and monitoring eligibility, including but not limited to MassEducation and MassReconnect.
Admissions Responsibilities:
- Meet with prospective students and assist with the enrollment process.
- Assist prospective students with applying to the college.
- Provide information to prospective students and applicants via phone, email, walk-in visits, or scheduled appointments.
- Provide guidance and assistance to prospective students regarding college programs and financial and academic planning.
- Facilitate the enrollment process for new students to create a seamless matriculation experience.
- Provide campus tours as needed.
General Responsibilities:
- Conduct enrollment services (admissions and financial aid) presentations to various internal and external constituencies.
- Participate in college, division, and department meetings, events, and training as recommended and approved by supervisor.
- Participate in professional development opportunities, college committees, work groups, task forces, and other professional organizations as approved by supervisor.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities related to those listed above which do not alter the basic level of the position.
- Cover the One Stop front desk as needed.
- Occasional work on weekends and evenings is required.
Qualifications: Master’s Degree and a minimum of 2 years’ experience and/or training involving financial aid operations, or loan processing; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
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