"Student Financial Assistant"

Job Details

State Title: Program Assistant (A)

Bargaining Unit: CWA

Employment Type: 35 hours per week (Full-time)

Internal salary: Range 16 - Salary steps 1-11 ($51,479.83 - $74,754.23)

External salary: Range 16 - Salary steps 1-4 ($51,479.83 - $58,462.15)

The internal salary range is used for applicants who are current NJ state employees with underlying classified status for promotional calculations who meet the requirements below. The external salary range is used for candidates who are not NJ state employees who meet the requirements below.

About TCNJ

Founded in 1855, TCNJ offers a highly personalized and collaborative liberal arts education with over 7,400 undergraduates and 700 graduate students. The college is consistently ranked among the top comprehensive colleges in the nation, offering small classes, a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and an immersive living-learning experience. With a 4-year graduation rate ranked #1 in New Jersey and #9 among U.S. public institutions, TCNJ is a model for public higher education.

The Financial Aid Office provides assistance to students who, without such aid may be unable to attend college.

The Financial Aid Office is responsible for providing information, services, and assembling financial resources that are available to and/or needed by students who are attending The College of New Jersey in order to obtain an undergraduate or graduate degree. Financial aid may be resources that are provided by both internal (College and/or endowment funds), governmental (federal and state) and private agencies or organizations, they are available in the form of grants, scholarships, part-time employment, and federal student and parent loans. The Financial Aid Office is an integral partner in carrying out and actualizing the College's overall Vision and Mission Statements as well as the College's purpose and Strategic Plan for Excellence. It has been our experience that students and families who understand the financial aid process benefit by receiving the maximum amount of financial aid for which they are eligible, and experience less stress associated with funding their education.

The Student Financial Assistant provides professional administrative support to the Director, Associate Directors, Assistant Director and Financial Aid Manager in the management of the Office of Student Financial Assistance. This position is responsible for, but not limited to, assistance in data analysis for statistical summaries; providing excellent customer services to internal and external clients regarding all aspects of the Financial Aid Office; assistance with electronic certification of various state aid programs; validation of student ISIR information in PAWS; assist with the process of awarding transfer and matriculated Pathway students; and other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities:

• Provide professional support in assistant both internal (staff) and external (students, families, lenders, vendors) clients with excellent customer service. Answer all questions regarding a student's financial aid and student's account via phone, email or in-person.
• Provide professional support with the electronic certification of various State aid programs as well as providing administrative support for the management team while serving as a back up for any of the processing positions in the office, as needed.
• Provide professional support in the completion of data analysis in order to provide information, reports and statistical summaries related to the operations of the Office.
• Handle special applicant or administrative problems by investigating the situation and taking appropriate corrective action.
• With the support of the management team, maintain knowledge and understanding of Financial Aid policies, processes and procedures.
• Using the established Business Process Guide (BPG), provide professional administrative support with validating that student ISIR information in PAWS is current and accurate.
• Assists with the processes for awarding both the mid-year transfer and spring matriculated Pathway student populations.
• Maintain working knowledge of all Financial Aid systems, including but not limited to, PAWS, EDExpress, E-Administrator, Zimbra and all the Microsoft Office Suite products.
• Provide professional administrative support to the Associate Director in preparing for Veterans Compliance Audits (ensuring the files are accurate and complete) as well as reviewing the catalogs for the Veterans Program Approval Process.
• Effectively utilizes Google documents for reporting.
• Must be able to work independently.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree. Individuals who do not possess a terminal degree may substitute experience on a year for year basis.
• 3-5 years of financial aid experience.
• Position requires extended periods of sitting and viewing of a computer terminal.

Preferred:

• Knowledge, experience, and interest in financial aid.
• Effective time management and ability to handle stress.
• Ability work work independently as well as with other staff members as part of a team.
• Must be able to deal effectively with a variety of different publics who have different needs, questions and concerns.
• Exposure to processing student records supporting by computerized systems.

Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations in order to perform the essential functions of the position. If the requested accommodation(s) cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, the applicant may not be eligible for the position.

Employer Qualifications

Employment at TCNJ is contingent upon the successful completion of an applicable background check, reference checks, and verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States (Form I-9).

Residency Requirement: In accordance with the New Jersey First Act P.L. 2011 c.70, effective September 1, 2011, new public employees in certain positions (faculty exempt) are required to obtain New Jersey residency within one (1) year of employment. Applicants must meet the requirements listed.

Accommodation: Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview should contact hr@tcnj.edu.

Employee Benefits

As a member of The College of New Jersey Community, you will be a part of an exciting and rewarding public university career. Eligible full-time employees will be able to take advantage of a generous benefits package that includes health, welfare, and retirement benefits, including:

• Comprehensive benefit plans covering medical, dental and prescription plans
• Generous leave entitlements program and Energy Savings Program
• Employee and dependent Tuition Waiver and Reimbursement Program
• Pension, retirement, and deferred compensation plans, group life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee affinity groups
• New Jersey State Employee Discount Program (Pet insurance, cell phone plan discounts, discounted amusement park tickets, etc.)
• Access to extensive learning opportunities

To view a comprehensive list of benefits available to employees, visit our Health Benefits Plans and Programs page to learn more!

SAME Applicants

If you are applying under the New Jersey "SAME" program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), resume (CV), as well as the names and contact information for three professional references by the closing date listed above to: same@tcnj.edu. For more information on the SAME program visit their website at: https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email: SAME@csc.nj.gov, or call CSC at: 833-691-0404.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should apply online and submit a letter of interest, resume (CV), as well as the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be considered until a viable finalist has been found.

The College is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus community that respects and uplifts individuals from all backgrounds. We value the varied perspectives, experiences, and talents of all members of our community and strive to create an environment where everyone has equitable access to opportunities for success. As an equal opportunity employer, we comply with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. We encourage applications from individuals whose lived experiences and professional interests align with our institutional mission of academic excellence, access, and integrity.