Clerk V-Financial Aid Clerk

Company Description:

Framingham State University is a vibrant comprehensive liberal arts institution located in the MetroWest suburbs of Boston, which integrates an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs. Founded in 1839, FSU enrolls about 4,000 undergraduates and 1,200 graduate and professional students. FSU offers 35 bachelor's degrees with 55 specialized concentrations, 63 minors, and 26 master's degree programs, in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our community takes pride in empowering student success by providing a superior education, leading research and innovation opportunities, and a strong first-year experience.

At FSU, we are deeply committed to inclusive excellence, encouraging a supportive, diverse and collaborative learning environment, and providing culturally relevant education. We are honored that our commitment earned FSU six Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards from INSIGHT Into Diversity and that we are the only public institution in Massachusetts recognized in 2018, 2019, and 2020. FSU is designated as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and also belongs to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence community, providing national leadership in science education and exploring strategies that will lead to more inclusive science education. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Principal Bagnall found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers.

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Helps to manage the reception area for the Financial Aid Office within the Student Services Center, responding to inquiries, processing financial aid paperwork, assists with the management of the Federal Work Study program and payroll, and handles other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Supervises student employee personnel assigned to the area at the discretion of the Director of Financial Aid.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Reports directly to the Director of Financial Aid

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides front-line, exceptional customer service for the Financial Aid Office within the Student Services Center in person and via phone
• Manages the Financial Aid Office email account, responding to inquiries and forwarding them as necessary
• Processes financial aid application documents, including data entry into PowerFAIDS
• Hires, trains, and supervises student employees
• Assists with office mailings (award letters, loan exit interviews, satisfactory academic progress mailings)
• Assists with management of the Federal Work Study program, including payroll reconciliation
• Assists with yield activities and "Operation Zero Melt" by providing outreach to incoming students and assisting at Admissions and Orientation events
• Provides phone outreach to financial aid applicants during peak periods
• Assists the Director with reporting and analytics needed to determine financial aid packaging proposals for incoming students.
• Covers extended hours for the Financial Aid Office within the Student Services Center during certain times of the year
• Orders office supplies and assists with purchasing and the Financial Aid Office departmental budget
• Assumes responsibility for special projects as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed on-site in the Financial Aid Office within the Student Services Center. Office environment, prolonged periods of time spent sitting and/or standing, frequent work at fast pace with unscheduled interruptions. Frequent computer and telephone use at workstation throughout shift. Responsibilities occasionally may require an adjustment work schedule, overtime, and evening/weekend hours. Public contact position requiring appropriate business-like apparel.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in office work, of which (B) at least one year must have been in a supervisory or administrative capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A diploma as evidence of graduation from the commercial or business course of a recognized high school or vocational/technical high school may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.*

II. A diploma as evidence of graduation from a course other than the commercial or business course of a recognized high school or vocational/technical high school or possession of a Massachusetts high school equivalency certificate may be substituted for a maximum of eight months of the required (A) experience.*

III. A diploma for completion of a one-year, full-time, or equivalent part-time, program in a recognized, non-degree granting business or secretarial school above the high school level may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.*

IV. A diploma for completion of a two-year, full-time, or equivalent part-time, program in a recognized, non-degree granting business or secretarial school above the high school level may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.*

*Education toward such a degree or diploma will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience. No substitutions will be permitted for the required (B) experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Customer service experience
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to express oneself effectively in written and oral communication.
• Proficient with PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerFAIDs, and Banner
• Financial aid experience

Candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish or English and Portuguese are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Information:

FOR AFSCME: This is a full-time, non-exempt, benefits-eligible position in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) bargaining unit with a title of Clerk V. The bi-weekly pay rate is $1,820.73 (grade 15, step 1).

It is the policy of Framingham State University that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including booster if eligible, before they begin employment. Proof of the COVID-19 vaccine is required of all individuals hired by FSU, to be verified after a verbal offer of employment has been accepted, and before employment begins. Prospective employees may submit a request for a medical or religious exemption to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement to Human Resources. Furthermore, FSU employees must wear a mask inside campus buildings.

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Members of underrepresented groups, minorities, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter,
• Resume/CV,
• Equity and Inclusion Statement
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

*The Equity and Inclusion Statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss professional skills, experience and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the university's efforts to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidate application materials.

For full consideration, application materials must be received by July 26,2022. However, applications may continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.

Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.

Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu.

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