Peer Counselor - FWS

James Madison University; Harrisonburg, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 18,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, seeks a Peer Counselor I under Federal Work Study to assist students and families with financial aid information, deadlines, and resources. The role offers up to 10 hours weekly during office hours, with possible summer options.

You will gain experience in customer service, data handling, and higher education operations while developing professional communication and teamwork skills in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Must be a current JMU student eligible for Federal Work Study.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication.
• Strong customer service orientation and teamwork.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information professionally.
• Willingness to learn financial aid policies and university systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and university software.
• Reliable, dependable, and able to meet deadlines.
• Able to work up to 10 hours per week, with summer opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a first point of contact for students, families, prospective students, and visitors seeking information about financial aid.
• Provide accurate, professional information regarding applications, deadlines, documentation, awards, and resources.
• Respond to phone, email, and in-person inquiries with excellent service.
• Monitor and respond to the Financial Aid inbox under staff guidance.
• Refer complex questions to counselors and staff as needed.
• Maintain knowledge of federal, state, institutional, and private aid programs and procedures.
• Develop proficiency with PeopleSoft, Microsoft Office, Windows and other systems.
• Participate in orientation, trainings, staff meetings, and professional development.
• Meet with staff to gain broad understanding of operations.
• Complete regular self-evaluations and scheduled check-ins to support growth.
• Provide administrative support and data entry as workload permits.
• Assist with special projects and additional duties as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records per FERPA and policies.
• Demonstrate professionalism and commitment to a welcoming environment.
• Accurately submit timesheets by deadlines and comply with employment policies.

Skills

Communication

Customer service

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Discretion

Learnability

MS Office

PeopleSoft

Availability

Tools

MS Office

PeopleSoft

Job description

Working Title: Peer Counselor - FWS

State Role Title: Institutional Employment / Federal Work Study

Position Type: Federal Work Study

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Financial Aid and Scholarships

Department: 100179 - Financial Aid and Scholarships

Pay Band: N/A

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $13.77

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A

Beginning Review Date: 10/12/2026

About JMU:

Situated in the heart of Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.
JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.
JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information:

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is seeking motivated, customer-focused students to join our Customer Service Team as a Peer Counselor I. This position provides an excellent opportunity to develop professional communication, customer service, problem-solving, and leadership skills while helping students and families navigate the financial aid process.
The Peer Counselors serve as a first point of contact for students, families, prospective students, and campus visitors seeking information about financial aid and university resources. Students in this role receive ongoing training and professional development while gaining valuable experience in higher education and student services.
The Peer Counselor must be available to work up to 10 hours per week during office hours, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Opportunities for summer employment may also be available.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as a first point of contact for students, families, prospective students, and campus visitors seeking assistance with financial aid processes and services.
• Provide accurate, professional, and courteous information regarding financial aid applications, deadlines, documentation requirements, awards, and university resources.
• Respond to phone, email, and in-person inquiries while maintaining excellent customer service.
• Assist with monitoring and responding to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships general email inbox under staff guidance.
• Exercise sound judgment and appropriately refer complex questions to financial aid counselors, office staff, and other university departments.
• Maintain working knowledge of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, and application procedures.
• Develop proficiency with university systems and software, including PeopleSoft, Microsoft Office Suite, Windows operating systems, and other assigned technologies.
• Participate in orientation, required trainings, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities.
• Meet with staff members across the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships to gain a broad understanding of departmental operations and services.
• Complete regular self-evaluations, weekly reflection journals, and scheduled check-ins with supervisors to support professional growth and development.
• Provide administrative support, data entry, record maintenance, document processing, and other office support functions as customer traffic permits.
• Assist with special projects and additional duties as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and sensitive information in accordance with FERPA, university policies, and departmental procedures.
• Demonstrate professionalism, dependability, integrity, ethical conduct, and a commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and student-centered environment.
• Accurately complete and submit timesheets by established deadlines and comply with all Student Employment policies.

Qualifications:

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation and desire to help others.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism when working with confidential information.
• Willingness to learn financial aid policies, procedures, and university resources.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office applications and learn university software systems.
• Dependable, responsible, and committed to meeting work expectations and deadlines.
• Available to work up to 10 hours per week during office hours, with potential opportunities for summer employment.

Additional Posting Information:

Students in this position will develop valuable career-readiness skills, including:

• Professional communication
• Customer service
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Technology proficiency
• Professionalism and workplace accountability
• Ethical decision-making and confidentiality
• Career and self-development

This position provides meaningful work experience that supports future academic, professional, and career goals.

Conditions of Employment:

You must be a current JMU student (enrolled in at least 6 credits) who qualifies for Federal Work Study. Verification of FWS eligibility must be provided with your application. You can log on to your MyMadison and under Finances click 'View My Financial Aid.' Click on the current Aid Year. Copy and paste your award information into a Word document, and save. This document must be sent electronically along with your application when applying for FWS jobs.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: [phone].

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at [phone] or [e-mail]. You may also visit the Office of Disability Services, located in the Student Success Center, Suite 1202 and they will be happy to assist you.