Financial aid service center technical specialist

Company Description:

Onondaga Community College, located in Syracuse, NY, is a college of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and one of 30 locally sponsored community colleges throughout New York State. Onondaga County is our sponsor. We offer two-year degree programs that serve as transfer opportunities to baccalaureate degree programs at four-year campuses or for direct entry to the workforce. We also offer certificate programs that can generally be completed in one year. Onondaga is a diverse educational learning community. We are committed to creating and maintaining an atmosphere where individuality is not only recognized - but encouraged - to contribute to the fabric of the campus environment. We continue to serve the educational and economic development needs of the region and proudly boast more than 40,000 alumni.

Job Description:

The Financial Aid Service Center Tech Specialist position serves as the first point of contact for interdepartmental staff and both prospective and current students, with focus on the financial aid needs of students. Performs specialized clerical and technical duties related to processing and storing information for student financial aid programs. Provides technical assistance and information to students, staff and the public.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists students with the financial aid process, from start to finish, aligned with best practices in customer service.
• Assists students and families with all questions, related to the financial aid process, including follow-up as needed and when prudent.
• Explains the different types of financial aid programs, processing procedures, and interprets policies of the funding organizations as well as SAP eligibility, requirements for program qualification and compliance, and program options so that students make informed decisions about their obligations.
• Instructs students in correct procedures for completion of forms and applications, special requirements and restrictions, and supporting documentation such as tax returns, income and housing verifications, and transcripts.
• Reviews completed forms for accuracy and completeness.
• Performs basic troubleshooting of problems associated with financial aid accounts, student status, and computer-aided files.
• May prepare standardized correspondence for/to students, verifying status and other information.
• Under the direction of the AVP of Enrollment Services, develops and independently implements new or revised goals and objectives for the Financial Aid Service Center.
• Collects and submits any student feedback regarding the services provided by the Financial Aid Service Center to AVP of Enrollment Services, to create strategic plans for the advancement of the Center and to continue to evolve to best meet the needs of students and families.
• May help to evaluate the effectiveness of Financial Aid Service Center to develop and implement improved methods.
• Confers with and advises staff, students and others to provide technical advice, problem solving assistance, answers to questions regarding goals and policy interpretations; refers to appropriate department or person when unable to respond.
• Performs continued research/training on best practices, related to financial aid, including changes in local, state and federal regulations as well as continual learning in the area.
• Maintains innovative means of assisting students through the process of financial aid and is instrumental in creating ways to improve student retention/completion efforts.
• Participates in cross-departmental functions, throughout the college community, at times outside of normal business hours.
• Interacts and maintains liaison with students, faculty, staff and outside/community agencies in facilitating department objectives.
• Other duties as assigned within scope of the position.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's degree from a regionally accredited college, university or foreign equivalency
• At least 3 years of experience working in a high paced customer service-related environment where multi-tasking is necessary

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual in English and Spanish. English and another language will be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of issues pertaining to student service/enrollment functions.
• Knowledge of best practices in customer service.
• Knowledge of organizational practices.
• Ability to learn about and use the tools necessary to support the financial aid needs of students.
• Ability to work independently in an effective and efficient way.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated skill and ability with technology, including software applications.
• Ability to effectively work with others to create a welcoming and supportive environment for students.
• Requires exceptional human relation skills to relay information, exercise patience when dealing with students and staff, resolve confrontations, and convey a positive image for the Financial Aid Service Center and OCC.
• Ability to work efficiently in a high demand, team-oriented, and fast paced environment.
• Knowledge of conflict resolution techniques and the ability to manage stressful situations.
• Ability to lead and manage projects.

Additional Information:

• CSEA position grade 7, anticipate salary is $48,528. Person hired for the position must meet the minimum qualifications listed here as this hire is approved through Onondaga County Civil Service.
• Onondaga Community College offers a generous and competitive benefits package including:
  • New York State Local Retirement System (pension)
  • Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Onondaga Community College participates in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for eligible borrowers.

Application Instructions:

• Please submit resume and cover letter to be considered.
• Three professional references are required, at least one of which must be a current or former supervisor. Finalists will be notified prior to references being contacted.

Please contact [email protected] for questions.