Financial Aid Specialist

The Office of Financial Aid provides high quality services to those who face financial difficulty during their education at Hostos. Our mission is to empower the community by increasing access to higher education. We are dedicated to the equitable treatment of all applicants and the privacy of confidential information.

The Office of Financial Aid at Hostos Community College carries out this mission by eliminating financial barriers to promote access to higher education and delivering transparent information with respect to financial aid programs, options and eligibility. The Office is required to maintain strict adherence to city, state, and federal student aid regulations.

The successful candidate will report directly to the Financial Aid Director. Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Leads and coordinates the complete Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) process, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
• In partnership with the Dean’s Office of Student Development and Enrollment Management, develops, implements, and monitors SAP policies and procedures in accordance with Federal, State, and institutional regulations.
• Supervises and schedules assignments for College Assistants, Work Study Students and other support staff.
• Reviews and evaluates student records and related documents (caseload management).
• Provides walk-in services to students.
• Assists with registration activities.
• Responsible for additional related tasks as assigned.
• Essential duties require on-campus presence.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree and four years' related experience required.

The following qualifications are preferred:

• Experience processing and certifying New York State grants and scholarships (e.g. TAP, APTS, Excelsior, etc.).
• Strong working knowledge and understanding of PeopleSoft or CUNYfirst web-based systems and ability to write extensive reports via SQL and/or PS Query.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 including Word, Excel, Forms, Teams, Access and PowerPoint.
• Availability to work evening and weekend hours.
• Experience in planning financial aid workshops and event.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

• Administers and supervises financial aid programs and operations.
• Reviews contracts, disbursements, tuition and fees; validates student eligibility for various programs
• Administers, monitors and troubleshoots CUNY financial aid systems as well as Federal and NY State systems in order to ensure integrity of student databases and timely and accurate delivery of funds
• Assists CUNY staff, applicants, and students/families with advice on financial aid issues and eligibility
• May review and reconcile student payroll processing
• Represents the Financial Aid function at Admissions events; works with academic departments as well as Bursar, Registrar, Admissions and Computing offices to assure staff understand and implement financial aid processes correctly
• Assists in the development and evaluation of Admissions processes
• Prepares documentation, instructions, and materials in various media to support financial aid activities
• Performs related duties as assigned.
• Job Title Name: Financial Aid Specialist

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Assistant

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$56,447 - $68,004; Salary commensurate with education and experience.

*CUNY is in the process of implementing salary schedule increases. Once implemented, salaries of eligible employees will be adjusted by 6.09% with additional increases of 3.25% effective 9/1/2025 and 3.5% effective 9/1/26, in accordance with the terms of the PSC-CUNY collective bargaining agreement