Technical Specialist, Financial Aid Service Center - Onondaga Community College

Job Description:

POSITION FUNCTION

The Financial Aid Service Center Technical 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. Maintains student financial obligation records. Provides technical assistance and information to students, staff and the public.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists students with the financial aid process, from start to finish, in a manner aligned with best practices in customer service.

• Assists students and families with any and 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 verification, 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 Assistant Director of the FASC, 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 the Assistant Director of the FASC in order to create strategic plans for the advancement of the FASC and to continue to evolve to best meet the needs of students and families.

• Helps 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.

• Performs financial aid related back-office duties as assigned.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university or foreign equivalency

• At least two (2) 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 AND 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:

Onondaga Community College offers an excellent benefit package including health, vision and dental insurance. Qualified domestic partners may participate. The employee will be a member of the NYS Retirement System.

This is a CSEA grade 7, non-test civil-service position. The salary range is $47,114 (Step A)-51,878 (Step Z).

Please contact hr@sunyocc.edu if you have questions.

Application Instructions:

Please attach a cover letter and resume to application.