Peer Counselor - FWS

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

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.

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.

• 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…