Financial Aid Counselor - Hybrid

La Jolla

9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, CA 92093, United States

#137023 Financial Aid Counselor - Hybrid Extended Deadline : Wed 12 / 3 / 2025 Apply Now

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and / or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 10 / 16 / 25 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants : Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

Enrollment Management (EM) is a multi-unit department within the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor-Academic Affairs. The department is led by the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management (AVC EM), who serves as the Chief Enrollment Officer and Chief Outreach Officer of the University. EM comprises multiple high-profile, core functional units including : the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Office of the Registrar, Financial Aid & Scholarships Office, Cal-SOAP, Creative Services, Enrollment Analytics, and the Business Office. We work to advance the academic and public service missions of UC San Diego by ensuring equitable access to education and empowering students throughout their educational journeys.

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.

This position has recently been accreted by UAW union and will be a part of that union moving forward.

Work Schedule is Hybrid : 3 days onsite and 2 days remote.

Available to work evenings / weekends during peak periods; some domestic travel may be expected. Must be able to withstand the demands of heavy public contact.

Submission of a cover letter along with the resume is strongly encouraged.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and 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.

Experience using complex databases. 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. Ability to define specifications for database programming.

Working knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.

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.

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.

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

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

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.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range : $65,800 - $115,000 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent : $31.51 - $55.08

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

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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 status under state or federal law.

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