Financial Aid Generalist

This position provides support and assistance with all tasks related to the financial aid application review process while adhering to federal and state requirements and makes processing decisions in accordance with established office procedures. Educates and counsels students and parents on financial aid opportunities. Performs verification review and database match resolution.

POSITION SUMMARY 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Determines eligibility for federal, state, institutional, and other aid programs in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, guidelines, and other governing criteria.
• Explains financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations to enrolled and prospective students; advises students seeking financial aid according to established guidelines; elevates unique inquiries to the appropriate staff member.
• Maintains current knowledge in all aspects of financial aid including changes to federal and state regulations, participating in annual training, professional organizations, and conferences to keep abreast of new information and program changes to be implemented.
• Represents the Financial Aid department at various on and off-campus events, including orientation, open house programs, and FAFSA workshops.
• Prepares, organizes, processes, and maintains office and students’ financial aid documents, records, and files; requests additional information in compliance with federal and state laws.
• Supports development of content for the Financial Aid website and ensures content is accurate and current.
• Prepares all forms, consumer information disclosures and student communication to inform students of program eligibility requirements, their rights and responsibilities and institutional procedures related to the program or services.
• Performs federal verification, C-codes and rejects resolutions.
• Educates students on the information required for completing financial aid applications and assists them with accurate data input as required by Federal and State financial aid websites.
• Provides outstanding customer service to students, parents, staff, and community. Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance.
• Counsels students and parents on financial aid opportunities, Direct Loan entrance and exit procedures, application process and status, delivery of funds and managing college costs and debt.
• Assists students with accessing various online Federal and State Financial aid portals required to facilitate the Financial Aid application and verification process.
• Provides support and assistance in all other Financial Aid Office procedures and works collaboratively with other team members.
• Performs additional tasks or duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid and Compliance or other designated management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

Demonstrates understanding of the community college mission and practices an open-door policy. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of state and federal laws and regulations of agencies governing the student aid programs assigned to the position. Has basic proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office suite. Full knowledge and understanding of FERPA is preferred. Proficiency with Ellucian Colleague or other similar higher education information systems is preferred. Must possess excellent customer service skills and have the ability to multi-task assignments. Exhibits strong skills in:

• Communication
• Customer and Student Focus
• Building Relationships
• Organizing
• Planning

Education: Associate’s Degree required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Experience:  2 or more years of progressively responsible financial aid experience preferably at a community college. Ability to interact with a diverse population, including students, parents, faculty, staff, and external agencies’ personnel.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Annual Salary is $45,000-$50,000
• NJ Educators Health Plan with free Vision and Dental. NJ State Pension plan.
• 15 vacation days, 15 sick days, 4 personal days, 2 floating holidays, 3 Partial Sick Days. All designated holidays and 5 non-designated holidays a year.

Bergen Community College is committed to excellence in diversity and equity and creating an inclusive learning and working environment.  We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider applicants for all positions regardless of race, color, religion, creed, gender, age, national origin, marital and veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status.