Program Aide

Support management of grant, scholarship and loan forgiveness programs and serve as a daily HESC contact for all inquiries pertaining to these programs, providing technical guidance and assistance with program operations. May handle other scholarship programs as assigned. Draft well-crafted responses and respond to inquiries regarding awards and the program, from constituents, partners, interested parties. Liaison with various agency program staff including HESC's digital team, outreach staff, call center, other state and local partners. Work with awardees to obtain signed contracts and monitor the status of contracts returned. Update Scholarships database and manage reporting requirements and keep up to date metrics as they relate to programs. Provide regular updates to supervisors, Program Manager, Division Directors, Vice President of Grants and Scholarships, Executive VP and other staff and create presentations for report out to management and other stakeholders when needed. Participate in the formulation of recommendations regarding reporting, tracking, managing program and resolving issues and coordinate resolution of findings and implementation of modifications. Draft communication to awardees and colleges. Work with ITS and Grants and Scholarships team to ensure HESC databases have relevant information to collect data from schools on participant enrollment and issue payments. Compile data as requested for supervisors/division management. Work with Division management to implement any changes to workflow, programs, policies, procedures, etc. Supervise clerical employees by prioritizing work assignments, ensuring efficient and effective workflow, and training and evaluating staff. Perform other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Two years* of experience performing clerical, keyboarding, or paraprofessional work in an office environment. Bachelor's degree may substitute one year of relevant experience. Duties Include But Are Not Limited To Duties Description Support management of grant, scholarship and loan forgiveness programs and serve as a daily HESC contact for all inquiries pertaining to these programs, providing technical guidance and assistance with program operations. May handle other scholarship programs as assigned. Draft well-crafted responses and respond to inquiries regarding awards and the program, from constituents, partners, interested parties. Liaison with various agency program staff including HESC's digital team, outreach staff, call center, other state and local partners. Work with awardees to obtain signed contracts and monitor the status of contracts returned. Update Scholarships database and manage reporting requirements and keep up to date metrics as they relate to programs. Provide regular updates to supervisors, Program Manager, Division Directors, Vice President of Grants and Scholarships, Executive VP and other staff and create presentations for report out to management and other stakeholders when needed. Participate in the formulation of recommendations regarding reporting, tracking, managing program and resolving issues and coordinate resolution of findings and implementation of modifications. Draft communication to awardees and colleges. Work with ITS and Grants and Scholarships team to ensure HESC databases have relevant information to collect data from schools on participant enrollment and issue payments. Compile data as requested for supervisors/division management. Work with Division management to implement any changes to workflow, programs, policies, procedures, etc. Supervise clerical employees by prioritizing work assignments, ensuring efficient and effective workflow, and training and evaluating staff. Perform other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Two years* of experience performing clerical, keyboarding, or paraprofessional work in an office environment. Bachelor's degree may substitute one year of relevant experience. Preferred Qualifications Extensive knowledge/experience working with financial aid programs for higher education. Familiarity of post-secondary education requirements and options, application procedures and admission requirements. Experience working with a diverse population of graduate/undergraduate students. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and listening skill. Strong interpersonal skills. Commitment to the value of higher education. Strong interpersonal and human relations skills. Additional Comments This position may be eligible for 55b/c designation and candidates with 55 b/c eligibility are encouraged to apply. Candidates must possess the minimum qualifications and a current 55b/c eligibility letter. For 55 b/c consideration, candidates must satisfy at least one of the Open Competitive qualifications listed. For more information on this program, please visit the NYS Department of Civil Service website, 55b/c Recruitment Resources Center (ny.gov). NYS is an equal opportunity employer. Benefits of Working for NYS Generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including: Thirteen (13) paid holidays annually, plus two (2) floating holidays Up to Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave annually Up to Five (5) days of paid personal leave annually Up to Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave annually for CSEA or PEF; up to eight (8) days of paid sick leave annually for M/C Up to three (3) days of professional leave annually to participate in professional development Initially positions will work full-time in the office and a hybrid telecommuting schedule of up to 50% remote work can be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview. Health Care Benefits Eligible employees and dependents can pick from a variety of affordable health insurance programs Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost Additional Benefits New York State Employees' Retirement System (ERS) Membership NYS Deferred Compensation Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) And many more. #J-18808-Ljbffr