Financial Aid Specialist

Connecticut State Community College • Manchester, CT

17d • Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid Specialist provides operational support to the Financial Aid Office, with a focus on assisting with the review and processing of financial aid paperwork and providing information to a variety of individuals regarding financial aid, payment plans, and student aid eligibility. The incumbent will assist with the accurate processing of all financial aid application and student loan materials within a highly automated environment. The Financial Aid Specialist provides student service in person and other communication channels to assist with the financial aid process for students and families.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Higher Education, Business Administration, Human Services, or a closely related discipline or a combination of education, training, and experience which would lead to the competencies required for successful performance of the position’s essential duties.
• Knowledge of state and federal financial aid rules and regulations.
• Strong organization and analytical skills.
• The ability to multitask with complex subject matter in a fast-paced environment.
• Candidates must possess proven ability to effectively work with culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse faculty, staff, and students.
• Excellent interpersonal oral and written communication skills along with strong Information technology literacy skills such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams etc.).

Nice To Haves

• Two (2) or more years of financial aid experience.
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as Banner student information system.
• Bilingual proficiency (e.g., Spanish–English) to effectively support a diverse student and family population.

Responsibilities

• Maintains the front counter for all student-facing, in-person activities.
• Provides excellent service to students, their families, outside agency personnel, and members of the college community.
• Assists students with the completion of all aspects of the application for financial aid, ensuring completion through the receipt of a financial aid package.
• Responds promptly to student inquiries through various communication channels. Additionally, makes outgoing communication efforts.
• Facilitates in-person and online workshops to assist with completing the FAFSA.
• Provides information on financial literacy and other associated topics.
• Counsels and assists prospective and currently enrolled students and their families on the FAFSA application process and eligibility for financial aid.
• Provides information on eligibility requirements, application processes and procedures, status of financial aid application and award, and required additional documentation as needed.
• Determines if the student’s inquiry requires further follow-up and directs the inquiry to the appropriate source for resolution, as necessary.
• Prepares or assists in the review of student aid applications, including verification, C-flags, and rejects. This includes the review of all documentation needed to complete a student’s file for packaging.
• Responsible for the quality assurance and document linking within the imaging system.
• Monitors the academic performance of student aid recipients by the Satisfactory Academic Progress regulations.
• Maintains current and complete knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.
• Reviews and processes student loan requests according to federal law and regulations.
• Maintains an alpha caseload to ensure necessary documents are received and conflicting information is resolved to ensure aid can be disbursed.
• Runs reports as needed.
• Reads and interprets federal and state financial aid regulations and guidance.
• Adheres to all office policies and procedures.
• Interacts favorably with any third-party vendors.
• Works with grant, loan, and reporting functions within all federal systems, including COD, CPS, and NSLDS, as needed.
• Communicates effectively with supervisor and other office staff to ensure successful departmental operations.
• Performs other duties and tasks to support the overall success of the division.
• May involve occasional evening or weekend work.
• Attendance and participation at convocation and commencement ceremonies; Service on assigned committees and task forces; Attendance and participation at committee, staff, informational and professional meetings. These may involve attendance at evening or weekend events.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include generous leave policies; several retirement plans; and many choices for comprehensive health insurance. You also have access to many additional benefits to save for retirement, protect your family & more with supplemental benefits.
• Tuition reimbursement may apply if applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees