SENIOR INVESTIGATOR, STUDENT LOANS
Career Family: INVESTIGATOR
In New Jersey, Senior Investigator, Student Loans is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.
Qualifying turns on 4 years of relevant experience. The FY2027 range lands between $58,222 and $84,763.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under direction of a supervisory official in the Student Loan Office, New Jersey Higher Education Assistance Authority, Department of Higher Education, supervises the field and office work of Investigators, Student Loans involved in the collection of delinquent and defaulted accounts; personally makes investigations of the more difficult and complex cases; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Supervises the work of a group of Investigators, Student Loans and personally makes investigations of the more difficult and complex cases. Assigns workload on a daily basis to Investigators and Collectors; monitors productivity and evaluates their work. Personally investigates irregularities discovered by Investigators in the procedures of various lenders and/or schools. Assumes responsibilities of supervision of office staff in the absence of supervisor. Interprets both state and federal regulations governing student loan program to appropriate lender, college, school authorities, parents, and student borrowers. Analyzes accounts which are delinquent to determine whether investigation is warranted and assigns such claims to an appropriate investigator. Gives direction and assistance in the collection of defaulted accounts and the resolution of delinquent accounts. Maintains appropriate records denoting program strengths and weaknesses, gives special attention to problem areas, and reports on a regular basis the overall results to the supervisor. Takes into consideration the particular problems involved in complex cases as well as applicable sections of the Higher Education Assistance Authority Law and determines the courses of action to be taken. Plans, organizes, and assigns the work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates. Supervises the collection of written data and other information needed to resolve questions concerning delinquent accounts. As required, trains personnel in the procedures and acquaints them with policies of the Higher Education Assistance Authority Law. Evaluates reports submitted by the Investigators concerning defaulted and delinquent accounts and recommends new procedures and policies to the Supervisor of Student Loan Delinquencies and Defaults. As necessary, communicates with the public in writing, in person, or by telephone regarding student accounts. Prepares correspondence as required in the course of official duties. Prepares accurate, detailed, and informative reports of investigations and other related reports, outlining findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Counsels recipients of student loans regarding such loans and makes appropriate recommendations to resolve problems. Maintains essential records and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Experience
Four (4) years of experience in work involving the collection of delinquent accounts for a business establishment or government agency.
License
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge and understanding of various consumer oriented and banking regulations (Regulation "Z", Regulation "B", Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act). Knowledge of the provisions of the Higher Education Assistance Authority Law with particular emphasis upon those provisions relating to the collection of delinquent accounts after a period of training. Knowledge of both state and federal rules and regulations of the student loan program particularly as they apply to delinquent and defaulted accounts after a period of training. Knowledge of the possible sources of assistance in identifying the residence of an individual who has defaulted in paying his account. Knowledge of the factors useful and necessary to establish installment payments leading to the eventual settlement of delinquent accounts. Ability to analyze, comprehend, interpret, and apply the pertinent provisions of the laws of New Jersey in accordance with established procedures. Ability to organize office work involved in the collection of student loans, analyze the problems arising in such investigative work, and develop appropriate work methods. Ability to organize assigned field and office investigation work, analyze the various problems arising therein, and develop effective work methods. Ability to assign, instruct, and supervise the work performance of Investigators and, as required, clerical employees. Ability to train and evaluate employees in the performance of their work. Ability to discuss over the telephone or in person a delinquent account with an official of a financial or educational institution. Ability to make the necessary trips for field investigations. Ability to work effectively with associates and with members of the public concerned with the work of the Authority. Ability to make accurate arithmetical calculations and tabulations. Ability to use correct English, orally and in writing. Ability to prepare correspondence in the course of official duties. Ability to prepare technically sound, accurate, and detailed reports of student loan matters containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.