Basic Needs & Financial Aid Counselor

University of California, Irvine; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Irvine seeks a Financial Aid Basic Needs Counselor to determine aid allocations and provide personalized counseling within the Basic Needs Center. You will support emergency grants and contribute to system-wide initiatives on food, housing, health, and financial wellness.

The role requires strong analytical, policy knowledge, and confidentiality, with experienced collaboration across campus partners and ECRT participation. Hybrid on-site work is expected.

Qualifications

• Ability to calculate financial aid with accuracy.
• Ability to address complex issues and maintain security and confidentiality of information and records.
• Working knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Strong ability to assess processes and implement improvements; interpersonal skills.
• Organizational skills and ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with customer-service orientation.
• Knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices for awarding financial aid.
• Experience using complex databases; ability to define specifications for database programming.

Responsibilities

• Determine appropriate allocation of aid awards and authorize exceptions.
• Provide individual counseling on non-routine, sensitive aid issues.
• Serve as point of contact for students, staff, and affiliates of the Basic Needs Center.
• Support system-wide Basic Needs initiatives addressing food, housing, health and wellness, and financial insecurity.

Skills

Financial aid calculation

Advising & counseling

Policy interpretation

Data analysis

Customer service

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area

Job description

University of California, Irvine seeks a Financial Aid Basic Needs Counselor to determine aid allocations and provide personalized counseling within the Basic Needs Center. You will support emergency grants and contribute to system-wide initiatives on food, housing, health, and financial wellness.

The role requires strong analytical, policy knowledge, and confidentiality, with experienced collaboration across campus partners and ECRT participation. Hybrid on-site work is expected.