Financial Aid Office Assistant

Cecil College; Bay View (MD); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Cecil College is seeking an Office Assistant in the Financial Aid Office to greet students and families, answer inquiries about the aid process, and help maintain accurate student records. This role includes clerical duties, appointment scheduling, and discreet handling of confidential information.

Position supports staff during peak processing periods and provides opportunities to expand knowledge through online and on-campus trainings, with a schedule of 25 hours per week and on-site work.

Qualifications

• Experience in a fast-paced customer service environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with discretion.
• Proficient with student databases and standard office software.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Greets students and families and answers inquiries related to the financial aid process and status of records.
• Provides clerical support: answer phones, relay messages, schedule appointments, digital imaging/file creation.
• Assist staff during peak processing; respond to inquiries from enrolled, prospective, and former students about financial aid programs and benefits.
• Manage mail and log confidential documents to support timely aid processing; maintain confidentiality and follow regulations.
• Increase knowledge through online and on-campus training; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Teamwork

Multi-tasking

Written communication

Verbal communication

Attention to detail

Database skills

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s degree preferred

Job description

The Financial Aid Office Assistant greets and assists students and their families by answering inquiries related to all facets of the financial aid application process and the status of students’ financial aid records.

• Provides related clerical support to assist in daily operations and departmental efficiency including answering telephones, relaying messages, scheduling appointments, and digital imaging/file creation.
• Assist office staff with tasks as needed especially during peak processing time. Respond to inquiries from enrolled, prospective, and former students regarding financial aid programs including foundation scholarships, MD State and Federal programs, and veterans educational benefits.
• Manage mail and log in confidential documents in support of timely processing of aid application. Must maintain confidentiality, good judgment, and discretion, and follow applicable federal, state, and college regulations and practices.
• Increase financial aid knowledge through on-line and on-campus educational opportunities. Other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma required; associate’s degree preferred.
• Experience in higher education, preferably in financial aid is highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience working on a team and relating effectively with student, staff, and the general public in a fast-pasted customer service environment.
• Ability to multi-task and be detailed oriented. Proficiency working with student databases.
• Evidence of strong verbal and written communication skills. Requires an exceptional degree of accuracy and possession of analytic skills.

Scheduling Requirements:

25 hours per week - Mon/Wed 1pm to 6 pm; Tue/Thur/Fri 11:30am to 4:30pm Work schedule may vary during critical periods. This position is not eligible for telework.

Physical Demands:

This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as sedentary work involving lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally, and other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment:

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as office or meeting and training rooms, e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire and building safety regulations, and traffic signals when driving.

Other:

Based upon the budgeted hours of a position, contribution to the Maryland State Retirement Pension System may be required.