FINANCIAL AID BASIC NEEDS COUNSELOR

University of California, Irvine•Irvine, CA

54d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is a key contributor to student success and student access in higher education, administering all types of financial assistance for eligible students demonstrating financial need, academic merit, and/or other merit factor(s). This includes, but is not limited to scholarships, grants, loans, and/or work-study awards. The Financial Aid Basic Needs Counselor applies a broad understanding of student aid program practices and policies to determine appropriate allocation of aid awards, authorize exceptions, and provide individual counseling on non-routine, sensitive aid issues. Serves as point of contact and principal resource for students, staff and affiliates associated with the Basic Needs Center, supporting system-wide Basic Needs initiatives including programs which address food, housing, health and wellness, and financial insecurity. Participates as a standing member of the campus Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT) and proactively awards emergency grants as identified by the ECRT.

Requirements

Ability to calculate financial aid with attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to address complex issues and provide suggestions and solutions.
Ability to maintain security and confidentiality of information and records.
Working knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
Strong ability to assess processes and implement improvements.
Thorough interpersonal skills.
Organizational skills and ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
Strong proficiency with standard office software as well as internet and email applications.
Working knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Active listening skills.
Strong customer service orientation skills, using multiple delivery methods for a diverse range of audiences and audience sizes.
Working knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices for awarding financial aid; specialized knowledge of particular programs.
Problem identification, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
Judgment and decision-making ability.
Experience using complex databases.
Ability to define specifications for database programming.
Skill to compose and edit written and analytical reports to be clear, concise, and factually and grammatically correct.
Working knowledge of University policies, processes, and procedures.
Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
5-10 years of directly related professional experience.
Must be able to provide proof of work authorization.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Determine appropriate allocation of aid awards.
Authorize exceptions to financial aid policies.
Provide individual counseling on non-routine, sensitive aid issues.
Serve as a point of contact and principal resource for students, staff, and affiliates associated with the Basic Needs Center.
Support system-wide Basic Needs initiatives, including programs addressing food, housing, health and wellness, and financial insecurity.
Participate as a standing member of the campus Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT).
Proactively award emergency grants as identified by the ECRT.
Interpret policies and develop procedures to ensure compliance.
Compose and edit written and analytical reports to be clear, concise, and factually and grammatically correct.
Coordinate and organize multiple complex projects and tasks and manage competing deadlines.