Financial Aid Specialist

$58,550 - $58,550/Yr

Connecticut State Community College - Norwalk, CT

Full-time - Entry Level

Onsite - Norwalk, CT

About the position

The Financial Aid Specialist at Connecticut State Community College plays a crucial role in supporting the Financial Aid Office by assisting with the review and processing of financial aid paperwork. This position focuses on providing information and guidance to students and their families regarding financial aid, payment plans, and eligibility for student aid. The specialist will ensure accurate processing of financial aid applications and student loan materials in a highly automated environment, while also delivering excellent customer service to a diverse student population.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the front counter for all student-facing, in-person activity.
• Provide excellent service to students, their families, outside agency personnel, and members of the college community.
• Assist students with the completion of all aspects of the application for financial aid, ensuring completion through the receipt of a financial aid package.
• Respond in a timely manner to student inquiries through a variety of communication techniques.
• Facilitate in-person and online workshops to assist with FAFSA completion.
• Provide information on financial literacy and other associated topics.
• Counsel and assist prospective and currently enrolled students and their families on the FAFSA application process and eligibility for financial aid.
• Provide information on eligibility requirements, application processes and procedures, status of financial aid application and award, and required additional documentation as needed.
• Determine if the student's inquiry requires further follow-up and direct the inquiry to the appropriate source for resolution, as necessary.
• Prepare or assist in the review of student aid applications, including verification, c-flags, and rejects.
• Responsible for the quality assurance and document linking within the imaging system.
• Monitor the academic performance of student aid recipients in accordance with Satisfactory Academic Progress regulations.
• Maintain current and complete knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.
• Review and process student loan requests in accordance with federal law and regulations.
• Maintain an alpha caseload to ensure necessary documents are received and conflicting information resolved to ensure aid can be disbursed.
• Run reports as needed.
• Read and interpret federal and state financial aid regulations and guidance.
• Adhere to all office policies and procedures.
• Interact favorably with any third-party vendors.
• Work with grant, loan, and reporting functions within all federal systems, including COD, CPS, and NSLDS, as needed.
• Communicate effectively with supervisor and other office staff to ensure successful departmental operations.
• Perform other duties and tasks to support the overall success of the division.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an appropriately related field.
• One (1) or more years of related experience in financial aid in higher education or related field.
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge and abilities in relating 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.
• Ability to multi-task with complex subject matter in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal, written, oral, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to effectively work with culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse faculty, staff, and students.

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.

Benefits

• Excellent State of CT medical insurance
• Retirement plans
• Generous leave policies
• Comprehensive health insurance options
• Tuition reimbursement may apply if applicable