Financial Aid Specialist

Connecticut State Community College•Middletown, CT

20h•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 an appropriately related field together with one (1) or more years of related experience in financial aid in higher education or related field; or a combination of education, training and experience which would lead to the competencies required for successful performance of the position’s essential duties.
Ability to relate favorably to students, parents, and college staff.
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.
Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, including individuals with disabilities
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)

Nice To Haves

Two (2) or more years of financial aid experience, preferably in a community college setting.
Expertise in student information systems, preferably Banner.

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 which may occur during evenings and weekends.