FWS Student Assistant - Financial Aid

The New School; Lowell (MA); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

The New School in Lowell, MA is seeking Federal Work-Study Student Assistants to guide students and families through the financial aid process. You will serve as a first responder, provide accurate information, and support data collection, research, and reporting.

Responsibilities include handling inquiries, assisting with applications, triaging questions to appropriate offices, and supporting operations and meetings both on campus and via Zoom.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a professional office setting.
• Customer service and visitor experience are a must.
• Interest in higher education and office experience a plus.
• Friendly and kind demeanor, attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong understanding of The New School’s programs.
• Familiarity with campus (i.e., offices, computer centers, location of departments, etc.).
• Ability to manage in a diverse population.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• An ability to perform multiple tasks.
• Must be able to work a minimum of 10-15 hours per week on campus.
• This is a Federal Work-Study position.
• Only apply if you are eligible for Federal Work-Study.

Responsibilities

• Respond to phone calls & emails from prospective/returning students and their families, providing friendly, accurate, and timely information about their financial aid.
• Develop knowledge of the different colleges within The New School, degree programs, and majors.
• Assist students with the application process, providing information on application deadlines and requirements.
• Escalate calls and email inquiries appropriately.
• Provide prospective/returning students and families with Financial Aid information.
• Assist newly/returning admitted students and appropriately triage inquiries within the FA department and to other university departments (admissions, student accounts, registrar, open campus, housing).
• Provide research support on various operations projects.
• Light filing, distribution of emails, and forms to financial aid representatives.
• Additional projects and ad hoc reports as needed.
• Assist in managing our Virtual Zoom Meeting Room and in-person traffic.

Skills

Professional office experience

Customer service

Verbal and written communication

Multi-tasking

Diversity and inclusion awareness

Campus familiarity

Interest in higher education

Attention to detail

Knowledge of The New School programs

Hours availability 10–15 per week

Federal Work-Study eligibility

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid, the Federal Work-Study Student Assistants will work collaboratively with other colleagues within Enrollment Management to guide students and their families through the financial aid application process and their status regarding financial aid. The Financial Aid Student Assistant will act as a first responder for the financial aid office, providing welcoming, courteous, prompt, and accurate information, as well as providing support with data collection, research, and reporting. Students in this position must have received a Federal Work Study award.

Responsibilities:

• Respond to phone calls & emails from prospective/returning students and their families, providing friendly, accurate, and timely information about their financial aid
• Develop knowledge of the different colleges within the new school, degree programs, and majors
• Assist students with the application process, providing information on application deadlines and requirements
• Escalate calls and email inquiries appropriately
• Provide prospective/returning students and families with Financial Aid information
• Assist newly/returning admitted students and appropriately triage inquiries within the FA department and to other university departments (admissions, student accounts, registrar, open campus, housing)
• Provide research support on various operations projects
• Light filing, distribution of emails, and forms to financial aid representatives
• Additional projects and ad hoc reports as needed
• Assist in managing our Virtual Zoom Meeting Room and in-person traffic

Qualifications:

• Experience working in a professional office setting
• Customer service and visitor experience are a must
• Interest in higher education and office experience a plus
• Friendly and kind demeanor, attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong understanding of The New School’s programs
• Familiarity with campus (i.e., offices, computer centers, location of departments, etc.).
• Ability to manage in a diverse population
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• An ability to perform multiple tasks
• Must be able to work a minimum of 10-15 hours per week on campus
• This is a Federal Work-Study position.
• Only apply if you are eligible for Federal Work-Study.

Hourly Rate: $17.00-$19.00

Work Mode: Hybrid/Split - Employees hired for this position have regularly scheduled, consistent percentage of time on campus and also work some of the time remotely.#LI-DNI

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

Please Note: This is a Federal Work Study Position for students who were awarded a Federal Work Study (FWS) award.

Responsibilities:

This role assists prospective and returning students with financial aid, application questions, and university resources through phone, email, Zoom, and in-person support. Responsibilities include providing accurate information, directing inquiries to the appropriate departments, and supporting student services. The position also involves administrative tasks, research projects, and other operational support as needed