Senior Financial Aid Counselor

Company Description:

Located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site and founded in 1967, Springfield Technical Community College is a major resource for the economic vitality of Western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. Digital Multimedia, IT Security, Nursing, Robotics, Sonography, Mechanical Engineering Technology (Advance Manufacturing) and dozens of other career programs produce potential employees each year. STCC's highly-regarded transfer programs in Business, Engineering, Liberal Arts, Science and Technology continue to provide the most economical option for students pursuing a four-year degree. With an annual enrollment of over 6,500, evening, weekend and online students, STCC is a vibrant campus rich in diversity and justifiably proud of our designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution. Respect is one of the Core Values of the College and we strive to nurture mutual respect among faculty, staff, and students. With respect we embrace differences to create an inclusive environment for all . Together, we support students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Student Financial Services is currently 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 serves as a member of the Enrollment Services team and focuses on enrollment, retention and financial aid processes and services.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Financial Aid Counseling & Processing

• Counsel students and families on financial aid programs, eligibility, and application procedures
• Review financial aid applications and supporting documentation
• Determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid programs
• Package and award financial aid to eligible students
• Assist students with FAFSA/MASFA completion and verification requirements
• Conduct entrance and exit loan counseling sessions
• Support students with special circumstances and appeals

Financial Aid Operations & Compliance

• Assist with coordination of Financial Aid office operations
• Support loan processing and certification activities
• Monitor federal and state regulatory changes to maintain compliance
• Assist with development and updates to policies, procedures, and office materials
• Maintain accurate student records and confidential files
• Prepare reports, correspondence, and financial aid communications

Work Study & Student Employment

• Coordinate Federal Work Study and student employment programs
• Determine student eligibility for work study opportunities
• Coordinate campus job placements and communicate program requirements
• Monitor student earnings, timesheets, and program expenditures

Outreach & Collaboration

• Provide financial aid presentations, workshops, and informational sessions
• Serve as a liaison with students, families, faculty, and outside agencies
• Collaborate with campus departments to support student success
• Participate in meetings, committees, and professional development opportunities

Staff Coordination & Leadership

• Assist with training and onboarding of staff and student employees
• Provide guidance and support on complex student situations
• Help prioritize and coordinate workflow within the office
• Support a collaborative, student-centered office environment

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor'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.
• Knowledge of admissions, enrollment, and student financial aid processes.
• Experience working with Ellucian Student Information System Colleague, CRM Recruit, Signal Vine, and Microsoft Applications Excellent counseling and advising skills supported by effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, high-energy, service-oriented environment while also possessing attention to detail.
• Possess strong customer service, organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, inclusive and student-centered environment, and with students and prospective students of various learning styles, cultures, identities, and life-experiences.
• Ability to maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with internal and external colleagues and constituents.
• Ability to work independently, and as a team player, and be able to work under pressure.

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT

Applicants who do not meet the qualifications as stated above are encouraged to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them with the equivalent combination of education, training and experience required for the responsibilities of this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Works in an office setting. Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time. The individual needs to move about inside the office to access office machinery. Constantly operates a computer and other equipment i.e. copier. This person frequently communicates with students, faculty and staff. Must be able to exchange accurate information.

Additional Information:

Salary: $65,370 - $80,006, MCCC Grade 4
Benefits: Yes
Union: MCCC
Grant Funded: No
Closing Date: Open until filled

All candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States. Springfield Technical Community College is not sponsoring H1B Visa.

INFORMATION AWARENESS SECURITY TRAINING

Candidates for employment should be aware that all STCC employees are required to complete Information Awareness Security Training within thirty days of their orientation date and annually thereafter.

Application Instructions:

All available positions are located at: which applicants must apply online by submitting a cover letter**, resume and three (3) professional references.

**Cover letter must demonstrate how your education and experience qualifies you for this position.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

STCC conducts a pre-employment screening. Initial and continued employment is dependent upon meeting National Background Check, Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and/or Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check and if applicable, Physical and Alcohol/Drug Testing requirements. Screening also includes verification of academic credentials, licenses, certifications, and/or verification of work history. Finalist(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.

POLICY STATEMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & DIVERSITY

Springfield Technical Community College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy or related conditions, gender identity, sex characteristics, sex stereotypes 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, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and college policies. The College prohibits Sex-Based Harassment. Inquiries or complaints concerning discrimination, harassment, or retaliation shall be referred to the College's Affirmative Action Officer and/or Title IX Coordinator, Kathryn C. Senie, Ed.D, J.D. at 413.755.5642 or via email at [email protected] , the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission or the United States Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

STCC's personnel and academic decisions, programs and policies are formulated and conducted in a manner, which will ensure equal access for all people and prevent discrimination. As part of this effort, a College will ensure that employment and academic decisions, programs and policies will be based solely on the individual eligibility, merit or fitness of applicants, employees and students without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, military service, gender identity, genetic information, sexual orientation or political or union affiliation.