Financial Aid Specialist

About CT State Connecticut State Community College (CT State) was launched on July 1, 2023, through the consolidation of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges. With campuses and satellite locations statewide, CT State serves all 169 towns and neighboring states. As the largest community college in New England, CT State is committed to providing high-quality, affordable, and accessible education that supports students’ academic, career, and personal success. For more information about CT State Community College and the campus please visit Home - CT State Position Details Posted: September 29, 2026 Level: Community College Professional 15, 12-month, tenure track position Employment Type: Standard Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week Anticipated Start Date: December 2026 Work Location: CT State CC (Middlesex campus,100 Training Hill Road, Middletown, CT 06457) Work Modality: On-site; Position is not remote Closing Date: Open until filled, with priority consideration given to applicants who submit materials by October 21, 2026. Position Summary The Financial Aid Specialist provides operational support to the Financial Aid Office, with a focus on assisting with the review and processing of financial aid paperwork and providing information to a variety of individuals regarding financial aid, payment plans, and student aid eligibility. The incumbent will assist with the accurate processing of all financial aid application and student loan materials within a highly automated environment. The Financial Aid Specialist provides student service in person and other communication channels to assist with the financial aid process for students and families. Essential Duties And Responsibilities Under the direction of the Campus Supervisor for Financial Aid Services, the Financial Aid Specialist is responsible for providing operational support to the Financial Aid Office through effective performance in these essential duties: Maintains the front counter for all student-facing, in-person activitiesProvides excellent service to students, their families, outside agency personnel, and members of the college communityAssists students with the completion of all aspects of the application for financial aid, ensuring completion through the receipt of a financial aid packageResponds promptly to student inquiries through various communication channels. Additionally, makes outgoing communication effortsFacilitates in-person and online workshops to assist with completing the FAFSAProvides information on financial literacy and other associated topicsCounsels and assists prospective and currently enrolled students and their families on the FAFSA application process and eligibility for financial aidProvides information on eligibility requirements, application processes and procedures, status of financial aid application and award, and required additional documentation as needed. Determines if the student’s inquiry requires further follow-up and directs the inquiry to the appropriate source for resolution, as necessary. Prepares or assists in the review of student aid applications, including verification, C-flags, and rejects. This includes the review of all documentation needed to complete a student’s file for packagingResponsible for the quality assurance and document linking within the imaging systemMonitors the academic performance of student aid recipients by the Satisfactory Academic Progress regulationsMaintains current and complete knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulationsReviews and processes student loan requests according to federal law and regulationsMaintains an alpha caseload to ensure necessary documents are received and conflicting information is resolved to ensure aid can be disbursedRuns reports as neededReads and interprets federal and state financial aid regulations and guidanceAdheres to all office policies and proceduresInteracts favorably with any third-party vendorsWorks with grant, loan, and reporting functions within all federal systems, including COD, CPS, and NSLDS, as neededCommunicates effectively with supervisor and other office staff to ensure successful departmental operationsPerforms other duties and tasks to support the overall success of the divisionMay involve occasional evening or weekend work Additional responsibilities include: Attendance and participation at convocation and commencement ceremoniesService on assigned committees and task forcesAttendance and participation at committee, staff, informational and professional meetings which may occur during evenings and weekends This posting outlines qualifications, experience, and skills but is not limited to the full specifications in the official job description. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Higher Education, Business Administration, Human Services, or an appropriately related field together with one (1) or more years of related experience in financial aid in higher education or related field; or a combination of education, training and experience which would lead to the competencies required for successful performance of the position’s essential duties. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to relate favorably to students, parents, and college staffKnowledge of state and federal financial aid rules and regulationsStrong organization and analytical skillsThe ability to multitask with complex subject matter in a fast-paced environmentAbility to work effectively with individuals from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, including individuals with disabilitiesExcellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skillsProficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) Preferred Qualifications Two (2) or more years of financial aid experience, preferably in a community college settingExpertise in student information systems, preferably Banner Salary and Benefits Salary $61,514 approximate annual CT State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: Generous leave policiesMultiple retirement plan optionsComprehensive health insurance choicesSupplemental benefits for retirement and family protectionTuition reimbursement (if applicable) For more information, visit: CSCU - Human Resources - Future Employees. Application Instructions To apply, please submit the following: A cover letterA current resume In your cover letter, you must clearly address how your experience and skills align with each of the required and preferred qualifications. The cover letter may be entered as text in the application system or uploaded as a single combined file with the resume. Your resume must include the names of three (3) current professional references, including their titles, email addresses, and telephone numbers. Important Notes: Incomplete applications or those submitted after the closing date will not be consideredLinks to external resume or profile sites will not be acceptedApply online at: www.ct.edu/hr/jobsCT State Community College cannot sponsor work visasApplicants must be authorized to work full-time in the United States Selection Process After the closing date, applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. Candidates selected for further consideration will be those who best meet the minimum and preferred qualifications and who submitted all required materials by the deadline. The selection process may include interviews and practical exercises (e.g., written, technical, or simulation exercises). Finalists will be recommended to the Hiring Manager for final selection. Background Screening Employment offers are contingent upon: Proof of eligibility to work under the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA)Successful completion of a background check, including granting permission to contact current and previous employers for verification, reference checks, criminal history, and, when applicable, credit or driving history checks CT State is committed to maintaining a safe campus community. Equity Statement Connecticut State Community College commits to bold and disruptive change by actively identifying, naming, and dismantling structural racism, systemic poverty, and other barriers; establishing equitable and anti-racist policies and practices; and empowering students, faculty, staff, and administrators to advance racial, social, and economic justice. Our core collective responsibility is to continuously assess practices and policies and transform the world we live in by eliminating inequities. Continuing Notice of Nondiscrimination CT State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, national origin, gender identity or expression, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, intellectual disability, physical disability (including but not limited to blindness), present or past history of mental disability, prior criminal record, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, retaliation for previously opposed discrimination or coercion, veteran status, victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or trafficking or any other federal or state protected class in its employment, programs, and activities, unless the provisions of Section 46a-80(b) or 46a-81(b) of the Connecticut General Statutes are controlling or there are bona fide occupational qualifications excluding persons in one of the above protected groups. For information regarding the nondiscrimination, disability, and Title IX policies/procedures, contact: Nicholas D'Agostino, Director of Equity and Civil Rights, CT State Community College, 185 Main Street, New Britain, CT 06051, 860-612-7075 or nicholas.dagostino@ctstate.edu. CSCC IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Powered by JazzHR ZNyfMqUAKf