Financial Aid Counselor

Job Title

Financial Aid Counselor

Job Description

Working independently under general supervision, applies a broad understanding of student aid program practices and policies to determine appropriate allocation of financial aid awards, authorize exceptions. Provides individual counseling on non-routine, sensitive aid issues in an accurate, timely, professional, and courteous manner, including explaining and interpreting government and university rules and regulations concerning all areas of student financial assistance to students, parents, university colleagues and the general public. Analyzes regulation and participates in the development of the UCI Financial Aid Office policy and procedure for administering Financial Aid from federal, state, university, and outside sources.

Qualifications

Required:

• Working knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices for awarding financial aid; specialized knowledge of particular programs.
• Working knowledge of University policies, processes, and procedures.
• Working knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Ability to interpret policies and develop procedures to ensure compliance.
• Problem identification, critical thinking, and problem solving skills; judgment and decision-making ability.
• Ability to calculate financial aid with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Organizational skills and ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Active listening skills. Possesses strong customer service orientation skills.
• Strong ability to assess processes and implement improvements. Thorough interpersonal skills.
• Strong proficiency with standard office software as well as internet and email applications. Working knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.
• Experience using complex databases. Ability to define specifications for database programming.
• Strong presentation skills across multiple delivery methods for a diverse array of audiences and audience sizes.
• Skill to communicate effectively both in person and on the phone, to staff, faculty, students, and members of the community.
• Skill to compose and edit written and analytical reports to be clear, concise, and factually and grammatically correct.
• Skill to coordinate and organize multiple complex projects and tasks and manage competing deadlines.
• Ability to address complex issues and provide suggestions and solutions; ability to maintain security and confidentiality of information and records.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
• 5-10 years Financial aid awarding and counseling

Preferred:

• Experience using Student Financial Planning and/or Student Billing Systems
• Knowledge of Institutional Need Analysis System (INAS).

Special Conditions:

• Occasional/seasonal nights and weekends required.
• Must successfully complete/pass a US Department Of Justice background check.
• Onsite availability is required. Hybrid schedule will be an option after successful completion of training.

Total Compensation

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.

The expected pay range for this recruitment is $65,700.00- $65,700.00 (Annual).

Conditions of Employment

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:

• Background Check and Live Scan
• Employment Misconduct*
• Legal Right to work in the United States
• Vaccination Policies
• Smoking and Tobacco Policy
• Drug Free Environment

*Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.

• California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
• E-Verify
• Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page -

Closing Statement

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu.