Title:
FA Advisor/Program Specialist

Department:
Student Financial Aid Services

Reports To:
Exec Dir Student Fin Aid Srvcs

Position Type:
Staff

Position Summary:
Assists and supports the director in the administration of student financial assistance, scholarship, and student employment programs in compliance with federal, state and institutional regulations. Coordinates one or more federal, state and institutional student aid programs. Serves as a student problem-solver by working in the front servicing line by offering the best customer service. The position reports to the Director of Student Financial Aid Services.

Essential Functions:
- Coordinate administrative activities involved in administering one or more student aid programs or processes.
- This includes ensuring compliance, setting and following an annual schedule of activities and deadlines required to administer the program and if appropriate, reconciling the student aid program.
- Analyze, interpret and follow federal, state and institutional regulations and guidelines in administering the various federal, state, private and institutional student aid and scholarship programs.
- Perform student aid needs analysis, verification of financial data and other criteria to confirm student aid eligibility, federal state and institutional financial aid award packaging, process and originate educational loans for students and parents, and other procedures necessary to deliver financial aid to students.
- Counsel and advise students on the student aid application process, requirements for eligibility, needs analysis, process for change in financial circumstances, rights and responsibilities regarding student aid, academic progress requirements and procedures for appealing, and other information related to student scholarships, grants, work and loans.
- Serve as the financial aid contact for the veteran's population in providing clear and complete explanation of available financial aid, describing the differences between private and federal student loans, explaining their rights to refuse all or borrow less than the maximum loan allowed, and discussing NJIT's cohort default rate and other necessary information as per Department of Defense MOU.
- Troubleshoot student inquiry at the front service counter.
- Conduct Financial Aid, Scholarship, and Student Employment workshops and Debt Counseling presentations.
- Perform other related duties.

Prerequisite Qualifications:
- A Bachelor's degree is required. A minimum of two years of professional financial aid experience is required.
- Knowledgeable of federal and state financial aid regulations, needs analysis, student budgets, financial aid packaging, professional judgment policies, debt management, and federal, state and private grants, scholarships, work and loan programs.
- At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Working knowledge of Ellucian Banner ERP and strong PC based computer systems and electronic reporting processes.
- Proficient with Microsoft Suite Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access). Effective public speaking and interpersonal/counseling skills are required.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and complete various projects within designated deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- He/she must have excellent written and oral communication and organizational skills, be a self-starter and team player, pay careful attention to detail, work independently and have a positive attitude toward student service.

Bargaining Unit:
PSA

Range/Band:
20

FLSA:
Exempt
Full-Time