Financial Aid Technician (Full-time)

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

Job summary

Ocean County College is seeking a Financial Aid Support Specialist to assist students and families with financial aid tasks on a high-volume basis. You will determine eligibility, explain policies, and guide applicants through the review process while maintaining compliance with federal and state requirements.

You will also support workshops, orientations, and office operations, ensuring accurate file reviews and timely information for students and parents.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree is required or preferred.
• Experience in a busy customer service environment is preferred.
• Ability to handle a high volume of tasks and inquiries.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and creating standard reports.

Responsibilities

• Determines eligibility for federal, state, institutional, and other aid programs according to laws and policies.
• Explains financial aid policies to students; conducts routine interviews and advises accordingly.
• Participates in the application review process including verification and NJ state changes.
• Reviews student files for accuracy; requests additional information per laws.
• Provides customer service to students and parents; escalates complex inquiries.
• Assists with FAFSA Workshops, Open Houses and Orientations.
• Participates in ongoing training to maintain knowledge of processes and regulations.
• Assists students with accessing Federal and State portals for Financial Aid; provides limited loan processing assistance.
• Supports other Financial Aid Office procedures and works with the team.
• Performs related projects and duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Problem solving

Prioritization

MS Office

Reports

Education

Associate's Degree

Tools

Ellucian Colleague

Job description

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

• 1. Determines eligibility for federal, state, institutional, and other aid programs in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, guidelines and other governing criteria.
• 2. 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.
• 3. Participates in the application review process that includes: verification, C-Code resolution, NJ state changes.
• 4. Reviews student files verifying application for accuracy and completeness; requests additional information in compliance with federal and state laws.
• 5. Provides customer service to students and parents; ensures inquiries requiring further assistance or attention are forwarded to appropriate staff.
• 6. Assists with college events such as FAFSA Workshops, Open Houses and Student and Parent Orientations.
• 7. Participates in training to maintain knowledge of current processes, procedures and regulations.
• 8. 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.
• 9. Provides support and assistance in all other Financial Aid Office procedures and works collaboratively with other team members.
• 10. Related projects and duties as assigned.

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

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