Experienced Customer Service Representative for Federal Student Aid Support - Temporary Summer Employment Opportunity at blithequark

Introduction to blithequark and the Industry

blithequark is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of students and higher education institutions. With a strong philanthropic heritage, we have been committed to helping student borrowers repay their education loans and promoting access to higher education. As we continue to evolve and expand our mission, we are seeking talented and compassionate individuals to join our team. The customer service representative role is a vital part of our organization, providing support to students and families navigating the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process.

About the Role

We are currently seeking an experienced customer service representative to join our team for a temporary summer employment opportunity. As a customer service representative at blithequark, you will be responsible for participating in high-volume outbound and inbound call campaigns, answering customer questions, and providing exceptional service to our clients. If you have a passion for helping others, excellent communication skills, and experience working in a call center environment, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in high-volume outbound and inbound call campaigns based on assigned call lists, ensuring timely and effective communication with customers.
• Adhere to approved call scripts and compliance guidelines, maintaining the highest standards of customer service and professionalism.
• Respond to customer questions and concerns in a clear, concise, and empathetic manner, providing consistent high-quality service to our clients.
• Utilize software, scripts, and tools appropriately, documenting all encounters in clear and concise online logs.
• Employ active listening skills, asking questions, and clarifying information to ensure customer needs are met.
• Collaborate with internal teams to resolve customer issues and provide support as needed.
• Stay up-to-date on knowledge of the FAFSA, college financial aid, and admissions processes, applying this knowledge to provide informed support to customers.

Essential Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will need to possess the following essential qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Four to six months of customer service experience in a call center environment required.
• Good customer service skills, with the ability to provide empathetic support to customers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a professional phone voice and etiquette.
• Ability to follow instructions and scripts, with strong time management and decision-making skills.
• Proficient with computers, with good typing skills and the ability to learn new software and systems.
• Knowledge of the FAFSA and college financial aid and admissions processes preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

While not required, the following qualifications are preferred:

• Experience working in a college financial aid office or administrative office.
• Previous experience working with the FAFSA or other financial aid processes.
• Knowledge of higher education institutions and their processes.

Skills and Competencies

To excel in this role, you will need to possess the following skills and competencies:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with customers and internal teams.
• Active listening skills, with the ability to ask questions and clarify information.
• Problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and resolve customer issues.
• Time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Adaptability and flexibility, with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adjust to changing priorities.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At blithequark, we are committed to the growth and development of our employees. As a customer service representative, you will have the opportunity to:

• Develop your customer service skills, with training and coaching from experienced professionals.
• Learn about the FAFSA and college financial aid and admissions processes, with opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Collaborate with internal teams, building relationships and networking opportunities.
• Contribute to the success of our organization, making a positive impact in the lives of students and higher education institutions.

Work Environment and Company Culture

At blithequark, we pride ourselves on our positive and supportive work environment. As a remote employee, you will have the flexibility to work from home, with opportunities to collaborate with internal teams through virtual meetings and communication tools. Our company culture is built on the values of compassion, integrity, and excellence, with a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of our customers and the higher education community.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

As a temporary summer employee at blithequark, you will be eligible for a competitive hourly rate, with opportunities for professional development and growth. Our benefits package includes:

• Competitive hourly rate.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Flexible work arrangements, with the ability to work from home.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Opportunities to make a positive impact in the lives of students and higher education institutions.

Conclusion

If you are a motivated and compassionate individual with a passion for helping others, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to join our team as a customer service representative. With a commitment to excellence and a positive work environment, blithequark is the perfect place to grow your career and make a difference in the lives of others. Apply today to join our team and start making a positive impact in the higher education community!