Peer Counselor - FWS

Peer Counselor - FWS

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. 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.

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 People Soft, 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.

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.

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.

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…