Financial Aid Advisor

Hudson County Community College
Position Vacancy Notification
Financial Aid Advisor
Reposting Date: March 26, 2025

Union Affiliation: Academic Administrative Association

Pay Grade: 109

Reports to: Dean of Financial Aid

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Hudson County Community College (HCCC) seeks a Financial Aid Adviser for the Office of Financial Aid to join its award-winning and nationally recognized institution. This is an exciting time to be a part of the HCCC community. This year the College will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. HCCC has recently been named one of 101 recipients, 1 of only 7 community colleges to be distinguished, for the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. HCCC’s Culinary Arts Institute was ranked as the #6 Culinary Arts program in the United States by Best Choice Schools. HCCC is a 2024 Bellwether College Consortium Legacy Award winner, a 2024Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction, and a 2024 National Inspiring Programs in Business from INSIGHT Into Diversity. Also, HCCC has been named a 2024 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges award winner.

Position Summary:
Performs various activities of a routine to complex nature regarding the determination of financial assistance to eligible students in support of the College’s commitment to provide educational opportunities to a diverse and multi-cultural community.

Summary of Duties

Essential Responsibilities:
1. Independently performs various review, verification, processing, and student support activities of a routine to
complex nature for assigned alphabetical student list to determine individual eligibility for Federal financial
assistance:

o Follows and explains Federal and State financial assistance rules and regulations, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) compliance regulations, Financial Aid Office policies and processes, as well as established College policies and procedures, to students and parents;

o Provides counseling, assistance, and support to students and parents through in-person interviews, written communication, and via telephone conversations to ensure that students have the information they need to successfully progress through the financial assistance application process up to the determination and granting of financial awards;

o Reviews student financial aid applications and assesses eligibility for financial assistance. Performs required verification of student information and pertinent financial data as required for selected Federal audits. Identifies and processes necessary data corrections for further review by Federal agencies; upon approval, determines student award based on Federal coding system and financial aid index chart, posts award in the financial assistance component of the Student Information System (SIS), and generates notification letter to student;

o Properly utilizes the financial assistance component of the Student Information System (SIS) and accesses the Federal financial assistance website; e.g., Electronic Data Exchange, to input data and data corrections online to ensure the completeness, accuracy, and currency of financial assistance data and related student information. Prepares and generates various system reports;

o Assists in the implementation of process improvement systems specifically related to student financial assistance operations, services, and administrative activities to contribute to the identification and quick resolution of problems, enhancement of existing procedures and equipment, implementation of special policies, etc.;

2. Supports a student-friendly environment in addressing student financial assistance issues. Promptly identifies and resolves student problems, provides advice and guidance, etc.

In addition to performing the assigned review, processing, and award determination for the awarding of Federal financial assistance for assigned students, also coordinates and performs similar review and award determination activities for one of the following specific financial aid or administrative programs, as determined by the Dean, Financial Aid:

o NJ. State-funded financial assistance programs to review and determine eligibility for State financial assistance in addition to or in lieu of Federal assistance;

o Subsidized and unsubsidized student loan programs in the event students are determined to be ineligible for Federal and/or State financial assistance; e.g., PELL grants, Stafford loans, etc.;

o Class withdrawals to review, recalculate, and process prorated refunds for students originally granted financial assistance.

3. Serves in a lead capacity to other Financial Aid Office Aides and Assistants; provides work direction, guidance, and training as necessary. May also provide back-up support to the Associate Director, as necessary.

4. Interacts regularly with Admissions, Counseling and Advisement, Bursar Office, and various Academic Affairs Departments staff to facilitate the student financial assistance and award determination process.

5. Continues to develop professional skills through independent research, networking, attending seminars and workshops, etc., to maintain awareness of current and changing trends in education and specific to student financial assistance. Remains knowledgeable of regulatory issues specific to student financial assistance and related administrative activities.

6. Projects a positive self-image of professionalism, appearance, confidentiality, courtesy, conduct, honesty, fairness, and personal integrity at all times.

7. Performs other student financial assistance activities, as required. Actively participates in special projects, as required: "Remains flexible and adaptable in work schedules and work assignments as defined by College and departmental needs.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:
Minimum of a Bachelor degree in Accounting/Finance, Business, or a related field with a minimum of three years of related work experience required.

Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of student financial assistance review, processing, and award determination activities required. Knowledge of current and changing Federal and State rules and regulations regarding financial assistance required. Knowledge of accounting practices and familiarity with tax returns helpful. Effective verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal, and customer service skills required to effectively collaborate with prospective, new and existing students, faculty, advisors, counselors, and all levels of employees and management. Effective organization and time management skills required with a keen attention to detail. Computer proficiency and knowledge of automated financial assistance and student information systems also required.

HCCC EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
We value and appreciate all employees and acknowledge the importance of a comprehensive benefit program. Below is a brief glance of HCCC benefits, perks, and discounts offered to employees. For more detailed information about employee benefits please visit: https://www.hccc.edu/administration/hr/benefits-pensions.html

As a New Jersey First Act Employer, new employees must establish a primary residence in New Jersey within one year unless an exemption applies.

HCCC is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment. Decisions on employment are made on the basis of the qualifications of an individual for the particular position being filled. Women, veterans and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $48,335.80 - $62,836.54 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Ability to Commute:

• Jersey City, NJ 07306 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Jersey City, NJ 07306: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Jersey City, NJ 07306

Salary : $48,336 - $62,837