Financial Aid Generalist

POSITION SUMMARY

This position provides support and assistance with all tasks

related to the financial aid application review process while

adhering to federal and state requirements and makes processing

decisions in accordance with established office procedures.

Educates and counsels students and parents on financial aid

opportunities. Performs verification review and database match

resolution.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to

• 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; advises students seeking

financial aid according to established guidelines; elevates unique

inquiries to the appropriate staff member.

• Maintains current knowledge in all aspects of financial aid

including changes to federal and state regulations, participating

in annual training, professional organizations, and conferences to

keep abreast of new information and program changes to be

implemented.

• Represents the Financial Aid department at various on and

off-campus events, including orientation, open house programs, and

FAFSA workshops.

• Prepares, organizes, processes, and maintains office and

students’ financial aid documents, records, and files; requests

additional information in compliance with federal and state

laws.

• Supports development of content for the Financial Aid website

and ensures content is accurate and current.

• Prepares all forms, consumer information disclosures and

student communication to inform students of program eligibility

requirements, their rights and responsibilities and institutional

procedures related to the program or services.

• Performs federal verification, C-codes and rejects

resolutions.

• Educates students on the information required for completing

financial aid applications and assists them with accurate data

input as required by Federal and State financial aid websites.

• Provides outstanding customer service to students, parents,

staff, and community. Responds promptly to requests for service and

assistance.

• Counsels students and parents on financial aid opportunities,

Direct Loan entrance and exit procedures, application process and

status, delivery of funds and managing college costs and debt.

• Assists students with accessing various online Federal and

State Financial aid portals required to facilitate the Financial

Aid application and verification process.

• Provides support and assistance in all other Financial Aid

Office procedures and works collaboratively with other team

members.

• Performs additional tasks or duties as assigned by the

Assistant Vice President of Financial Aid and Compliance or

Assistant Director of Financial Aid or other designated

management.

SPECIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Associate’s Degree required. Bachelor’s Degree

preferred.

Experience: 2 or more years of progressively responsible

financial aid experience preferably at a community college.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Demonstrates understanding

of the community college mission and practices an open-door policy.

Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of state and federal laws

and regulations of agencies governing the student aid programs

assigned to the position. Has basic proficiency in the use of the

Microsoft Office suite. Full knowledge and understanding of FERPA

is preferred. Proficiency with Ellucian Colleague or other similar

higher education information systems is preferred. Must possess

excellent customer service skills and have the ability to

multi-task assignments. Exhibits strong skills in:

• Communication
• Customer and Student Focus
• Building Relationships
• Organizing
• Planning

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Annual Salary is $45,000-$50,000
• NJ Educator's Health Plan with Free Dental and Vision. NJ State

Pension Plan.

• 15 vacation days, 15 sick days, 4 personal days, 2 floating

holidays, all designated holidays and 5 non-designated holidays a

year. 3 Partial Sick Days.

Bergen Community College provides equal employment

opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and

prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard

to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability

status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation,

gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic

protected by federal, state or local laws.