Financial Aid Advisor

Sacbar; Irvine, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Sacbar in Irvine, CA seeks a Financial Aid Advisor to provide information and interpretation of policy, assist with FAFSA and aid processes, and verify documentation to determine eligibility.

The role supports student inquiries, processes aid documents, and collaborates with the department. Training is provided, followed by a hybrid option; onsite presence is required during initial training.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices for awarding financial aid.
• Basic knowledge of student loan programs, funding processes, Federal regulations, and Federal loan processing system.
• Basic knowledge of University policies, processes, and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Ability to apply knowledge of policies to individual situations.

Responsibilities

• Provides advice and information to current and prospective students and parents on financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Applies basic knowledge of financial aid and outside agencies policies to analyze student inquiries and recommends solutions.
• Performs needs analysis and assesses eligibility, including recommending aid award adjustments.
• Provides in-depth information and instructions for completion of all financial aid applications (FAFSA, verification, loans).
• Participates on standing department committees to raise issues and receive direction on practices and procedures.

Skills

Financial aid policies

Student loan programs

Communication skills

Customer service

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Tools

Content management software

Office software

Student information systems

Job description

The Division of Enrollment Management is a key campus thought partner that provides collaborative leadership in university-wide efforts, utilizing systematic, innovative, and synergistic approaches to leverage a data-informed enrollment strategy to improve market distinctiveness, and execute the campus strategic plan. The division comprises the offices of Enrollment Management, Financial Aid & Scholarships, University Registrar, and Undergraduate Admissions.

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 Advisor uses professional financial aid concepts applied to a limited number of financial aid functions. Provides information and interpretation of standard policies, procedures, and regulations. Works independently under general supervision, interpreting a variety of financial aid policies and procedures as well as agency regulations. Advises students and parents regarding all aspects of financial aid, including various University, Federal, and State financial aid programs, student budgets and fee payments. Analyzes student data and verifies the integrity of documentation (e.g., IRS, DHS, Social Security, etc.) to determine eligibility for student aid programs. Processes documents for the initial and follow-up evaluation of student files.

First Essential Function

Percent of Time: 25%

Provides advice and information to current and prospective students and parents on financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations.

Second Essential Function

Percent of Time: 25%

Applies basic knowledge of financial aid and outside agencies policies & procedures to analyze student inquiries, determines relevant issues and recommends solutions. Directs any student extraordinary cases/issues to alpha-assigned Financial Aid Counselor.

Third Essential Function

Percent of Time: 15%

Performs needs analysis and assesses eligibility, including recommending aid award adjustments.

Fourth Essential Function

Percent of Time: 10%

Provides in-depth information and instructions for completion of all financial aid applications, such as Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA), verification worksheet, and various loan applications and the process for accepting applicable awards & associated funds

Fifth Essential Function

Percent of Time: 10%

Participates on standing department committees to raise issues and receive direction on practices and procedures.

Sixth Essential Function

Percent of Time: 10%

Processes all forms of correspondence from students, families, and outside agencies. Utilizes enterprise content management & process management software to create digital, on-demand documents related to individual student aid files.

Seventh Essential Function

Percent of Time: 5%

As assigned, supports special program specialists in the areas of Scholarships, Federal Loan Programs, EAP, EOP, Pell Grants, Outreach, Summer Bridge, Cal Grants, Graduate Students and Athletic Programs

Required:

• Basic knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices for awarding financial aid.
• Basic knowledge of student loan programs, funding processes, Federal regulations, and Federal loan processing system.
• Basic knowledge of University policies, processes, and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Ability to apply knowledge of policies to individual situations.
• Problem identification and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to calculate financial aid with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Organizational skills and ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates written and verbal communication skills. Active listening skills. Possesses customer service orientation skills.
• Ability to assess processes and recommend improvements. Good interpersonal skills.

Desired:

• Proficiency with standard office software, internet, and email applications. Basic knowledge of common University‑specific computer application programs.
• Experience using complex databases.
• Experience using student financial planning/student billing systems
• Experience using content management software

Other Working Conditions:

• Occasional/seasonal nights and weekends required
• Must complete a US Department of Justice background check
• Hybrid schedule will be an option after successful completion of training. Onsite availability is required.