Job Description

Financial Aid Advisor

DEPARTMENT OR SCHOOL:  Office for Student Services/Serving the following Schools:  Alternative Campuses, Central, Conservatory of the Arts, Commerce, Putnam, Renaissance, Sci-Tech, Springfield International, Discovery, Baystate Academy, and Phoenix Charter.  School assignment(s) will be determined.

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.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:
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.

DUTIES:
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. Make 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:
Bachelor's degree
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.

Reach out to Valerie Williams, the Senior Administrator of Talent and Diversity Development at williamsv@springfieldpublicschools.com.  She will be happy to answer any questions that you have.

Job Contact Information:
Name Dr. Rose Boulay
Title   Springfield Promise Program Administrator
Phone (413) 787-7100
Email: boulayr@springfieldpublicschools.com

Springfield Public Schools
1550 Main Street
Springfield MA 01103
(413) 787-7100 ext. 55390
(413) 787-7211
www.springfieldpublicschools.com