Financial Aid Analyst

Sacramento Portal•Sacramento, CA

15d

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Assistant Director of Processing and Awarding, the Financial Aid Analyst – Student Services Professional IB provides professional student service assistance to students, parents and the general public regarding all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs at Sacramento State. The Financial Aid Analyst is responsible to perform thorough review of verification documentation required for and in accordance with all institutional policy and federal and state regulations. Assignments require the application of both subject matter knowledge and sound judgment in using the principles, techniques, standards, guides and professional skills characteristic of a particular student service program or activity. This generally requires detailed analysis of individual student needs using established guidelines, regulations, and precedents. This role requires use of sound independent judgment while dealing with moderately complex student service problems. It demands the utilization of effective interpersonal skills with both individuals and groups, to be flexible and versatile, to use tact and sensitivity and to apply effective analytical skills in assisting with the preparation of documentation, mandatory reporting and program assessment. The purpose of this work is to assist students in making successful progress toward their degree objectives; to provide learning experiences which supplement those in the classroom; and to assist and encourage students to utilize effectively the knowledge, skills and abilities learned during their university careers. The Financial Aid Analyst is responsible for cyclical workloads comprised of verification (document review and needs analysis), award federal, state and institutional aid, monitor awards, and perform loan certification. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks with strict deadlines. The nature, variety and complexity of these duties requires frequent contact with students, parents, faculty and staff and the ability to interpret federal, state and program-specific rules and regulations, as well as ensure program compliance. The successful candidate will maintain knowledge of program rules and regulations, and take the initiative to provide premier service to ensure student success and support the department’s mission. Each staff member will develop, maintain and apply specific program area knowledge and expertise within one or more assigned program areas (i.e.: BIA , NCAA , PELL Grant, State Grant, Direct Loans) and be able to counsel students on University policy, when and where applicable. The Financial Aid Analyst must exercise extreme discretion and adherence to regulations governing confidentiality and privacy of records ( FERPA ) is mandatory. They will provide a high level of sensitivity and a professional demeanor when counseling students who are of varied age group, disability, diverse cultural and financial backgrounds often in highly stressful, emotionally charged situations.

Requirements

University student services experience (e.g., advising, admissions, student programming or development)
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment subject to frequent change
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to provide services to a diverse student population
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a diverse environment
Proficiency using standard office software packages (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite)
Familiarity working with school-based record/data systems/software (e.g., PeopleSoft)
Ability to apply moderately complex rules, regulations and procedures
Ability to pass background check
Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or a job-related field. Additional specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Working knowledge of the methods and problems of organization and program management; research and interviewing techniques; principles of individual and group behavior; the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge of the organization, procedures and activities of the specific campus to which the position is assigned; and the basic principles, practices and major trends in the Student Services field to which assigned.
Ability to rapidly acquire a working knowledge of the specific objectives of the campus Student Services program and its relationship to the total campus operation; interpret and apply program rules and regulations; gather and analyze data; reason logically, draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations; present clear and concise information orally and in written reports; and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, CSU administrators, student organizations and other private and public agencies.

Nice To Haves

Experience advising students; either in a group or individual setting
Knowledge of: ( CMS ) PeopleSoft, NSLDS ( National student loan data systems), COD ( Common Origination and Disbursement Systems), WebGrants, ELM (Electronic Loan Management), and Hyland OnBase Imaging System ( Or comparable Image & workflow software)
Two or more years of experience working in a Financial Aid Office with direct experience performing verification and awarding student financial aid with specific Title IV programs, ie: Pell Grants, Direct Loans, or state aid such as Cal Grant)