Financial Aid Technician (Full-time)

Ocean County College; Toms River (NJ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time

Sick leave

Holidays

Health benefits

Dental insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Tuition reimbursement/waiver

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Ocean County College is seeking an on-site Financial Aid Support role to assist students and parents with the financial aid process. The position involves handling a high volume of inquiries and making processing decisions in line with federal/state requirements and office procedures.

Candidates should have an Associate’s Degree, customer service experience, and proficiency with Microsoft Office. The role includes duties such as FAFSA workshops, verifications, and assisting with online financial

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree or higher required.
• Experience in a busy customer service environment.
• Ability to handle a high volume of tasks and inquiries.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to prepare reports.

Responsibilities

• Determine 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; conducts routine interviews and advises students seeking financial aid according to established guidelines; elevates unique inquiries to the appropriate staff member.
• Participates in the application review process that includes: verification, C-Code resolution, NJ state changes.
• Reviews student files verifying application for accuracy and completeness; requests additional information in compliance with federal and state laws.
• Provides customer service to students and parents; ensures inquiries requiring further assistance or attention are forwarded to appropriate staff.
• Assists with college events such as FAFSA Workshops, Open Houses and Student and Parent Orientations.
• Participates in training to maintain knowledge of current processes, procedures and regulations.
• Assists students with accessing various online Federal and State Financial Aid portals required to facilitate the Financial Aid application and verification process; provides limited assistance with loan processing.
• Provides support and assistance in all other Financial Aid Office procedures and works collaboratively with other team members.
• Related projects and duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Problem solving

Prioritization

Microsoft Office

Education

Associate's Degree

Tools

Ellucian Colleague

Job description

The Position

This position provides technical support and assistance to students and parents with all tasks related to financial aid. This position is responsible for a high volume of inquiries and requires making processing decisions in accordance with federal and state requirements and established office procedures.

Classification: Non-Affiliated Hourly

Staff Duration: Full Time 12 months

What You Will Do

• 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; conducts routine interviews and advises students seeking financial aid according to established guidelines; elevates unique inquiries to the appropriate staff member.
• Participates in the application review process that includes: verification, C-Code resolution, NJ state changes.
• Reviews student files verifying application for accuracy and completeness; requests additional information in compliance with federal and state laws.
• Provides customer service to students and parents; ensures inquiries requiring further assistance or attention are forwarded to appropriate staff.
• Assists with college events such as FAFSA Workshops, Open Houses and Student and Parent Orientations.
• Participates in training to maintain knowledge of current processes, procedures and regulations.
• Assists students with accessing various online Federal and State Financial Aid portals required to facilitate the Financial Aid application and verification process; provides limited assistance with loan processing.
• Provides support and assistance in all other Financial Aid Office procedures and works collaboratively with other team members.
• Related projects and duties as assigned.

The Successful Candidate Must Have

• Associate's Degree
• Prior work experience, preferably in a busy customer service environment.
• Ability to handle a high volume of tasks and inquiries as well as utilize problem-solving and prioritizing skills.
• Prior experience with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to create standard reports and professional documents.

Even Better If You Have

• Experience with a student database such as Ellucian Colleague
• One or more years or related experience in a college Financial Aid and/or Student Services Office.

Benefits

Personal Time Off

• Vacation: Thirteen (13) Days
• Sick: Twelve (12) Days
• Holidays: Fifteen (15) College Recognized Holidays

Pension Benefits

Participation in the New Jersey State Pension System is a requirement of eligible employees. This position is eligible for the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) For more information visit: https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/pension-info-active.shtml

Health Benefits

• Medical: OCC offers its employees several health insurance options through the NJ State Health Benefit Program as a local education employer. Coverage is effective after a 2-month wait period. All employees are required to contribute to the cost of their health benefits under Chapter 78, P.L. 2011. To view the cost of contribution calculator, plan coverage, and more information visit: https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/hb-active-sehbp.shtml
• Dental: The College offers dental insurance through Horizon Dental with three plan options. All single coverage levels are at no cost to the employee. Coverage is effective the first of the month after a 60-day wait period

Flexible Spending Accounts

Our generous flexible spending program allows you to deduct pre-tax dollars which can be used for co-pays, deductibles, dental, and dependent care.

Tuition Reimbursement/Waiver

OCC offers tuition reimbursement to accredited credit and certificate programs, as well as OCC credit tuition waiver and non-credit course reimbursement for employees and their eligible dependents.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Ocean County College is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligible employer. Go to: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more information.

Employee Assistance Program

OCC offers all employees to take advantage of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health support. This is a free and completely confidential service where EAP counselors provide assessment, support, and if needed referrals to additional services.