Financial Aid Assistant
Job Description
Financial Aid Assistant
Department: Student Financial Services
Location: Wellesley Hills/Framingham
MassBay fosters educational excellence and academic success to prepare students for local and global citizenship, to meet critical workforce demands of communities, and to contribute to the region’s economic development.
Massachusetts Bay Community College values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. We strongly encourage members of underrepresented communities to apply to join our community.
Located in Greater Boston, MassBay is a comprehensive, open-access community college offering associate degrees and certificate programs on three campuses in Wellesley Hills, Framingham, and Ashland, Massachusetts.
Position Summary:
The ideal candidate will join a vibrant and inclusive educational community, and have a desire and ability to work with a diverse population.
The Financial Aid Assistant oversees front desk operations and handles correspondence related to financial aid requests from students and agencies. They also support students in completing their FAFSA applications and advises them on financial aid requirements and eligibility. This role also assists Financial Aid Coordinators and Counselors, manages front-line inquiries, and processes Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals and federal and state aid.
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
- Assist students with completing their FAFSA;
- Support Financial Aid Coordinators and Financial Aid Counselors;
- Support front-line staff with financial aid inquiries;
- Advise students and families on financial aid application requirements, aid eligibility, cost of attendance, award eligibility, loan process requirements, unusual circumstances, satisfactory academic progress, etc.;
- Support Financial Aid staff with managing & processing:
-Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals,
-Federal and state aid processing, reconciliation, and reporting;
- Assist with counseling student virtually;
- Assist with managing front desk operations including phone, email, fax and other correspondence for the FAO. Other duties include data entry, organization, and the processing of materials provided by financial aid applicants;
- Assist with managing requests for financial aid and enrollment information from students, state agencies, and other 3rd party agencies including but not limited to:
-MA Dept. of Transitional Assistance,
-MA Rehabilitation Commission,
-U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development;
- Other duties as assigned.
Commitment to Equity:
- Support MassBay’s commitment to the Equity Agenda; collaborating with faculty, staff, and students on the College’s strategic initiatives dedicated to closing the equity gap related to student outcomes;
- Support MassBay’s commitment to being anti-racist; embracing a community free of bias and inequality;
- Contribute to discussion and review of applicable College policies with a critical lens toward diversity, equity, and inclusion;
- Engage with the Office of Diversity on issues related to underserved student success;
- Further the examination of pertinent practices that are culturally responsive and reflective of inclusive perspectives; and
- Engage in conversations with colleagues and students regarding best practices within the discipline or programmatic related to equity and inclusion.
This list is not to be considered all-inclusive. A supervisor may assign other duties as required to meet the needs and foster the mission of the College.
All employees of MassBay are expected to work collegially and collaboratively within a community that values and celebrates diversity.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Services, Sociology, or closely related field; with six (6) months experience and/or training involving financial aid operations or loan processing; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Sensitivity and commitment to the goals of Affirmative Action and workforce diversity;
- Experience working in a diverse environment;
- Demonstrated commitment to working with underserved students;
- Customer service oriented;
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office software, and PC applications;
- Ability to work with confidential student financial, academic, and personal information and comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA);
- Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively advise students and respond to inquiries;
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff and engage positively with students and families;
- Attention to detail;
- Ability to work occasional flexible hours/shifts preferred and willingness to travel to all campuses (Wellesley Hills, Framingham and Ashland);
- Financial Aid knowledge or experience, preferred (not required).
Additional Information:
Salary Range: $48,329 - $54,048, in accordance with one's education and experience as dictated by the collective bargaining agreement classification compensation structure.
As a Massachusetts State Employee, you are offered an outstanding suite of benefits adding value to your salary.
- Array of choices for health insurance plans to meet individual/ family needs
- Affordable Dental Insurance and vision discount program
- 12 paid State/ Federal holidays
- Generous sick, vacation, and personal time
- Telework option depending on the role/department
- Flexible Spending Plans to reduce your taxable income
- Low-cost basic and optional life insurance
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan, providing a fixed, pre-established benefit for employees at retirement
- Thinking to save more money towards retirement: consider Deferred Compensation plans i.e., 457(b) or 403(b).
- Tuition Benefits for employees and dependents at state colleges and universities
- Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Eligibility towards Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Free gym and parking on campus
Need more info: https://www.massbay.edu/employment/benefits
Position Type: MCCC-Professional Grade 2
Application Deadline: November 30, 2024, or thereafter until filled.
To Apply: Please include a letter of interest and resume with your online application.
Staff
Hiring is subject to state appropriation funding.
Final candidates are required to provide sealed transcripts and/or certifications.
Hiring is contingent upon a successful CORI clearance.
Massachusetts Bay 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 (Lisa MacDonald, lmacdonald@massbay.edu (781) 239-3147), the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission or the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.
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