Financial Aid Examiner

Description:

The work is responsible for the management and administration of the BOCES’ Financial Aid Program. The work involves assisting students of the BOCES in applying for and obtaining student financial aid through federal government financial grant and loan programs. The work includes reviewing applications for completeness and accuracy, advising students on what type of grants and loans are available, and the appropriate forms and financial documentation needed to apply for each type. The Financial Aid Examiner is also responsible for verifying academic status of applicants eligible for financial aid, and verifying or validating information provided by students of the BOCES and their parents depending on the requirements of each program. Work is performed independently and confidentially with students, and acts within the authority granted by the Health Careers Principal of the CTE (Career and Technical Education) Division at BOCES. Work is reviewed through conferences and oral reports. Does related work as required.

Qualifications:

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Accounting or a closely related field; OR,
B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration, Accounting or a closely related field and two (2) years of experience in examining, evaluating, investigating or assisting in the completion of state and federal financial aid forms in a post-secondary institution’s financial aid office.

Vacancies are filled by certified list provided by Albany County Civil Service. Should no certified list be available, candidates appointed to this position will be serving in a provisional appointment in accordance with New York State Civil Service Law. The candidate must successfully complete a competitive examination and be eligible for appointment in accordance with Civil Service Law and the Civil Service Rules for Albany County to obtain a permanent appointment.

Responsibilities:

1. Assists students of the BOCES and their parents in completing applications for federal student financial assistance to ensure that information and documentation required for each grant and/or loan has been included.
2. Informs applicants of the federal financial aid available and the regulations, requirements and procedures involved in the application process.
3. Determines and awards aid and authorizes the Business Office of the BOCES to disburse aid to student accounts.
4. Reviews financial aid applications processed through the Financial Aid Office to determine that the information is complete, correct and consistent with every other piece of information provided.
5. Examines and verifies information provided on the financial application forms dealing with eligibility determinations to ensure that all required documentation is available; contacts students of the BOCES and parents when further documentation is required.
6. Reviews students’ records to verify that every student eligible for financial aid has met federal and state regulations concerning admission and matriculation status and satisfactory academic progress as required.
7. Attends training sessions and workshops to stay abreast of changes in federal and state guidelines, regulations and application forms.
8. Responsible for operation of computer systems and applications pertaining to financial aid reports, input, output and updates on information.
9. Works with BOCES Communications team to ensure updated information is posted to BOCES website.
10. Keeps current on all federal and state financial aid laws, regulations, policies and procedures, and acts as a resident expert for administration, faculty and staff on all financial aid regulations.
11. Coordinates and provides data necessary for federal and state agencies and certified reports.
12. Coordinates and prepares a variety of related reports.

13. Good knowledge of federal and state student financial aid programs and the rules, regulations and procedures involved in the application process.
14. Good knowledge of student financial aid eligibility standards and requirements.
15. Good knowledge of the college’s rules and regulations pertaining to matriculation, student academic standing and registration status.
16. Working knowledge of interviewing techniques to guide students through the application process and assist them in determining the best course of action to follow.
17. Ability to read, understand and interpret rules and regulations for purposes of advising and assisting applicants.
18. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
19. Ability to relate well with others.
20. Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.