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Financial Aid Specialist

Housatonic Community College

Job Description

Connecticut State Community College (CT State) provides access to academically rigorous and innovative education and training focused on student success. The College supports excellence in teaching and learning, makes data-informed decisions, promotes equity, advances positive change for the students, communities, and industries it serves, and awards associates degrees and certificates.

CT State Community College Vision:

CT State will be recognized for exceptional student success, educational leadership, and transformative collaboration with business and industry, government, educational, and key stakeholders while advancing diverse opportunities for Connecticut’s citizens and communities.

CT State Community College Equity Statement:

The CSCU system commits to bold and disruptive change by actively identifying, naming, and dismantling structural racism, systemic poverty, and other barriers; establishing equitable and anti-racist policies and practices; and empowering students, faculty, staff, and administrators to advance racial, social, and economic justice. Our core collective responsibility is to continuously assess practices and policies and transform the world we live in by eliminating inequities.

Anticipated Start Date: 

Summer 2022

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. This position is located on ground at a campus location.

Incumbents must possess proven ability to effectively work with a culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse faculty, staff, and student. 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.)

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.

Successful Candidate must have or must possess:

  • Experience working with students, parents, and college staff.
  • Knowledge of state and federal financial aid rules and regulations.

Substitutions Allowed:

Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications as stated are encouraged to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them for the responsibilities of this position and by providing appropriate references. Exceptions to the degree requirements may be made for compelling reasons.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Three (3) or more years of financial aid experience, preferably in a community college setting.
  • Expertise in student information systems, preferably Banner.

Example of Job Duties:

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

  • Assists students with the completion of all aspects of the application for financial aid, ensuring completion through the receipt of a financial aid package.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Works with grant, loan, and reporting functions within all federal systems, including COD, CPS, and NSLDS, as needed.

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.

Starting Salary:

Anticipated Salary; $55,728 approximate annual plus excellent State of CT medical insurance, retirement, and related fringe benefits. 

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; several retirement plans; and many choices for comprehensive health insurance. You also have access to many additional benefits to save for retirement, protect your family & more with supplemental benefits. Tuition reimbursement may apply if applicable. 

Application Instructions:

To apply you must submit a cover letter and resume.

Incomplete applications or those submitted after the closing date will not be considered and links to other sources to view resumes are not acceptable.

Selection Procedure:

Following the closing date, application materials will be evaluated by a selection committee. Candidates selected for further consideration will be limited to those applicants who are best qualified based on the minimum and preferred qualifications and who have submitted all the required documents by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Candidates who have been selected and approved to Interview will be contacted, and finalists will be recommended for further consideration by the Hiring Manager for final selection and recommendation for employment. The selection process may also include practical exercises (i.e., teaching demonstration and/or other written, technical, manipulative, or simulation exercises) to evaluate candidates' qualifications.

Background Screening:

All employment, if offered, is contingent upon proof of citizenship or employability under the requirement of the Immigration and Control Act (IRCA) and the successful passing of a background check. CSCU is committed to providing a safe campus community. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check and, when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Continuing Notice of Nondiscrimination

CSCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or criminal record. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Nicholas D'Agostino Manager of Affirmative Action, Diversity, and Inclusion Ndagostino@commnet.edu

CSCC IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, M/F

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