Financial Aid Specialist

Position Summary :

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.

Example of Job Duties :

Under the direction of the Campus Supervisor for Financial Aid Services, the Financial Aid Specialist provides operational support to the Financial Aid Office through these essential job duties :

• Maintains the front counter for all student-facing, in-person activity.
• 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 in a timely manner to student inquiries through a variety of communication techniques. Additionally, makes outgoing communication efforts.
• Facilitates in person and online workshops to assist with FAFSA completion.
• 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 in accordance with Satisfactory Academic Progress regulations.
• Maintains current and complete knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.
• Reviews and processes student loan requests in accordance with federal law and regulations.
• Maintains an alpha caseload to ensure necessary documents are received and conflicting information 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.
• In addition to the accountabilities listed above, the incumbent is required to carry out the essential duties of : 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.

This posting includes qualifications, experience and skills but is not limited to the full specifications stated in the job description.

Minimum Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree in 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.

Incumbents are required to have demonstrated advanced knowledge and abilities in the following :

• Demonstrates an 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.
• Proficiency with office technology, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• The ability to multi-task with complex subject matter in a fast-paced environment.
• Must possess strong interpersonal, written, oral, and presentation skills.

Candidates must possess proven ability to effectively work with culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse faculty, staff, and students.

They are expected to have excellent oral and written communication skills along with strong Information technology literacy skills such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams etc.).

Preferred Qualifications :

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

Starting Salary :

Minimum Salary; $58,550 approximate annual plus excellent State of CT medical insurance, retirement, and related fringe benefits.

The salary will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications such as education and job-related experience, and internal equity.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future.

Benefits include generous leave policies; ; and many choices for . You also have access to many additional benefits to save for retirement, protect your family & more with Tuition reimbursement may apply if applicable.