Financial Aid Information Specialist

Financial Aid Information Specialist

Howard Community College (HCC) is an exciting place to work, learn, and grow! We are proud to have received the Great Colleges to Work For honor for 12 consecutive years, 2009-2020. Howard Community College values diversity among its faculty, staff and student population. We are an innovative institution that is committed to responding to the ever-changing needs and interests of a diverse and dynamic community. No matter where you want to go in your career, you can get there from here!

Position Title: Financial Aid Information Specialist

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FT/PT: Part Time

Hours Per Week: Up to 20 hours to start. 25 hours; depending on the needs of the office

Work Schedule: Will work 3 full days a week; Office hours Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 6:00pm; Friday 8:30am- 5:00pm. Staff must work up to (2) evenings a week (10:00am - 6:00pm during non-peak hours and 11:00am- 7:00pm). Must be flexible to fulfill the needs of the office.

Position Salary Range: $22.12-25 hourly

Summary: Financial Aid Services filling multiple vacancies. The PT Financial Aid Information Specialist serves as a comprehensive initial point of contact in Financial Aid Services. This position is responsible for providing accurate direction and guidance to students, their families and staff in all aspects of the financial aid process, this individual also identifies students who need to meet with a financial aid counselor or administrator to resolve more complex issues. The initial preparation provided by this position reduces the number of students who must see a counselor and/or better prepares those who do for a more productive meeting. This position may also assist with the daily core operations for financial aid services including all aspects of importing/exporting financial aid records/data. This position reports daily to Howard Community College in Columbia, MD.

Essential Role Responsibilities: Possesses a comprehensive understanding of federal, state and institutional policies and procedures in order to accurately guide students through financial aid, scholarship and loan application processes. Thorough understanding of the Admissions and Advising, Records and Registration, the Test Center, Cashier's Office, Disability Services, Career Links and Retention Services policies and procedures as they relate to the financial aid processes and other services that facilitate paying for college. Responsible for analyzing and determining the accuracy and completeness of all incoming information, including, but not limited to federal tax forms, DHS documentation, orphan or ward of the court documentation, selective service confirmation, student loan forms and payroll hiring forms. Must be able to work with diverse constituencies and possess the ability to manage multiple competing priorities, while providing outstanding customer service. Participates in outreach events on and off-campus. Required to participate in all assigned events based on the need of the office.

Minimum Education Required: High School or equivalent

Experience Required: Experience in a financial aid setting preferred. Knowledge and experience with technology, including equipment (PCs, scanners; etc.); software applications (student system; MS Office; ImageNow or similar imaging technology; financial aid programs), the Internet; as well as the ability and motivation to acquire and apply new knowledge and implement new software applications. Superior interpersonal and communication skills, including outstanding customer service skills required, including the ability to determine needs and resolve issues. Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and function independently with minimal supervision. Ability to learn and apply multiple complex federal and state financial aid laws and regulations as well as institutional policies and procedure. Ability to work in a team environment. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Experience working with diverse populations strongly preferred. Ability and willingness to work effectively with other Enrollment Services units as well as other college constituencies.

Division: Student Success Office

Department: Financial Aid Services

Posting Number: NB256P

Number of Vacancies: 2

Best Consideration Date: 05/01/2025

Job Open Date: 03/07/2025

Job Close Date: Continuous Recruitment? Yes

Applicant Instructions: *Pre-employment criminal background investigation is a condition of employment. HCC is interested in all qualified applicants who are eligible to work in the United States. However, HCC will generally not sponsor applicants for work visas. Due to HCC policy, only employees living in states contiguous to Maryland are eligible for work at HCC and include Virginia, West Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania. Candidates must live in the commutable area or willing to relocate at their own expense if offered the position because HCC does not offer relocation benefits. Please complete the entire HCC Employment Application (Candidates will be evaluated on completing the college's application in full).

EEO Statement: Howard Community College (HCC) is an Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action employer & values diversity within its faculty, staff & student population. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. HCC understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance with the job application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Due to HCC policy, only employees living in states contiguous to Maryland which include Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., & Pennsylvania are eligible for work at HCC. Do you live in the commutable area or are you willing to relocate at your own expense, if offered the position?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Are you willing to work on campus in Columbia, MD to support student success?
   • Yes
   • No

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents