Financial Aid & Scholarship Navigator (Evenings/Weekends)

Springfield-Public-Schools,-Ma; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Springfield Public Schools seeks a Financial Aid Advisor to serve district-wide, helping students and families navigate FAFSA, scholarships, and financial aid options. The FAA will guide students through needs analysis, verification, and award letter appeals, coordinating with partner organizations when needed.

Based in Springfield, MA, the role requires evening/weekend availability and a 7.5-hour day, 52 weeks per year with paid vacation. Immediate start.

Qualifications

• 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.

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. 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.

Skills

Financial aid experience

Microsoft Office

Youth development experience

Diversity experience

Education

Bachelor degree preferred

Job description

Springfield Public Schools seeks a Financial Aid Advisor to serve district-wide, helping students and families navigate FAFSA, scholarships, and financial aid options. The FAA will guide students through needs analysis, verification, and award letter appeals, coordinating with partner organizations when needed.

Based in Springfield, MA, the role requires evening/weekend availability and a 7.5-hour day, 52 weeks per year with paid vacation. Immediate start.