Financial Aid Specialist

$58,550 - $58,550/Yr

Housatonic Community College - Norwalk, CT

Full-time - Mid Level

Onsite - Norwalk, CT

Educational Services

About the position

The Financial Aid Specialist at CT State Norwalk is responsible for providing operational support to the Financial Aid Office, focusing on the review and processing of financial aid paperwork. This role involves assisting students and families with financial aid inquiries, ensuring accurate processing of applications, and maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations. The position requires excellent customer service skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.

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.
• Prepare or assist in the review of student aid applications, including verification, c-flags, and rejects.
• 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.
• 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.
• Communicate effectively with supervisor and other office staff to ensure successful departmental operations.

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 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

• Generous leave policies
• Several retirement plans
• Comprehensive health insurance options
• Tuition reimbursement
• Access to supplemental benefits for family protection and retirement savings