Financial Aid Counselor - Hybrid - 135622

Enrollment Management (EM) is a multi-unit department within the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor-Academic Affairs. The Unit is led by the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management (AVC EM), who serves as the Chief Enrollment Officer of the University. EM is comprised of multiple high-profile, core functional units including: the Office of Admissions, Office of the Registrar, Financial Aid & Scholarships Office, Enrollment Management Technology Services (EMTS), Cal-SOAP, Creative Services, Enrollment Analytics, and the Business Office. EM's core functions oversee undergraduate admissions and student outreach, continuing student enrollment management, and financial aid and scholarship management.

The Financial Aid and Scholarships (FAS) Office works collaboratively with the rest of Enrollment Management and other campus partners to support students from their recruitment, initial enrollment and through degree completion. The office works to ensure all admitted and continuing students have adequate financial resources available to attend UC San Diego. The FAS Office administers over $550 million in support to undergraduate students and $15 million to graduate/professional level students (excluding Health Sciences). About 70% of undergraduates receive some form of support, with this number growing each year. The staff provides outreach services, counseling, eligibility and verification determination, budgeting, awarding, reconciliation of payments, and federal, state, and university reporting.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships, the Financial Aid Counselor position is empowered to serve every financial aid customer (prospective students, current students, and families) at every stage of contact with the university. Independently applies a broad understanding of student aid program practices and policies including federal, state and university regulations to determine appropriate allocation of aid awards, authorize exceptions, and provide individual counseling on non-routine, sensitive aid issues. As a specialty/project leader, may plan, develop, implement and coordinate at least one financial aid related program or specialty with the ability to be flexible and demonstrate a supportive team attitude.

• Submission of a Cover Letter is strongly encouraged.

• Working knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices for awarding financial aid; specialized knowledge of particular programs. In-depth knowledge of the financial aid service partners with a thorough understanding of the processing relationships and the technology of different mechanisms between entities (Federal Government, State Government, IRS, central processing agencies, lenders, guarantors, scholarship agencies, etc) to facilitate eligibility confirmation and problem resolution.

• Working knowledge of University policies, processes, and procedures.

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the mission of the University and Student Affairs and the integral role of financial aid in student recruitment and retention.

• Working knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.

• Experience using complex databases. Ability to define specifications for database programming. Strong technology skills with financial aid management software systems. Knowledge and understanding of databases and external financial aid systems (ProSAM, EdExpress, COD; NSLDS, CPS, Web Grants, ELM) and experience with document management and imaging systems.

• Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Finance and/or Counseling, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Critical understanding of the fiduciary responsibility of the university as approval decisions for funding each student are made and the associated reconciliation and reporting are completed on behalf of the university to external agencies.

• Ability to interpret policies and develop procedures to ensure compliance. In-depth knowledge of regulations in interpreting and administering of federal Title IV, state and university financial aid programs to ensure compliance. Ability to research interpret and apply complex rules and laws. Write and present concise findings with recommended course of action.

• Ability to calculate financial aid with attention to detail and accuracy. Understand financial aid eligibility requirements pertaining to academic progress, citizenship eligibility, default and overpayment of federal aid, etc.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Active listening skills. Possesses strong customer service orientation skills. Ability to communicate effectively and in a sensitive and confidential manner with campus colleagues to ensure student success and to respond to students who are in financial crisis.

• Problem identification, critical thinking, and problem solving skills; judgment and decision-making ability.

• Strong ability to assess processes and implement improvements. Thorough interpersonal skills. Ability to work with community members and to provide outreach presentation as part of recruitment and enrollment management.

• Organizational skills and ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines. Ability to prioritize, organize, assess, and coordinate programs and activities with other staff, departments and organizations to meet multiple deadlines and goals.

• Strong proficiency with standard office software as well as internet and email applications. Working knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.

• Job offer is contingent upon a satisfactory clearance based on background check results.

• Duties may require direct contact with children (defined as individuals under the age of 18). Completion of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) form is required.

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