Working Title: Peer Counselors - 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 Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $12.77

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: 1/5/2026

About JMU:

Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

General Information:

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is seeking an outstanding student to assist our Customer Service Team. The potential candidate should be willing to help students and parents navigate the difficult financial aid process in a fast-paced environment.
The Peer Counselor must be available to work 10 hours per week between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is also the potential for full-time summer employment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide students, parents, and the general public with professionally and courteously accurate information and instructions regarding the financial aid process. Refer such inquiries to appropriate financial aid staff and other university departments. Respond to all phone and in-person inquiries and maintain positive customer relations using independent judgment and professional discretion. Maintain proficiency in Windows OS, PeopleSoft, and Microsoft Office Suite. Maintain a thorough and accurate knowledge of all federal, state, and outside aid program availability, regulations, and eligibility
requirements. Maintain a thorough knowledge of university departments and services.
Provide general office support as customer traffic permits. This can include updating financial aid and student information in PeopleSoft and performing any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Ability to work on a team
• Willing to work up to 10 hours per week during office hours, as well as the potential for summer employment
• Must be Federal Work Study eligible

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:  

Students must be degree-seeking students, enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 credits for undergraduate and 5 credits for graduate).

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: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at (540) 568-6705 or disability-svcs@jmu.edu. 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.