Financial Aid Advisor

UC Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); Hybrid; USD 61,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefits

Job summary

UC Santa Barbara's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is seeking a Financial Aid Advisor. Under the direction of the Assistant Director, you will coordinate major aid programs, advise students and parents, and perform need analysis, packaging, and revisions to aid packages.

You will also conduct workshops, explain aid policies, and help with annual reporting. The role requires a Bachelor's degree and strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Required Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training.
• Ability to work efficiently with multiple deadlines.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Familiarity with financial aid programs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise students and parents on the financial aid application process.
• Analyze need, packaging, and revisions to aid packages.
• Perform program coordination and annual reporting tasks.
• Conduct workshops and presentations to campus organizations.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Active listening

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Customer service orientation

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent training

Job description

Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $29.47 to $32.52/hour.
Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University.
The full salary range for this position is $29.47 to $50.69/hour.

Work Location: Student Affairs and Administration - 2101 SAASB

Working Days and Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8am-5pm

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: Hybrid (Both UC & Non-UC locations)

Department Marketing Statement

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships plays an integral role in assisting UCSB students achieve their higher educational goals.
Our office oversees and disburses approximately $400 million in student aid to over 16,000 students annually at UCSB.
We work closely together in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment, dedicated to supporting the mission of our Office and the University.
OFAS Mission Statement: The University of California, Santa Barbara Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships provides students with the financial resources and related services necessary to achieve their educational goals.
We are committed to providing accurate, user-friendly, responsive, and respectful service to students and their families.
We administer federal, state, and university aid and scholarship programs in accordance with applicable policies and regulations while striving to be an innovative and service-minded department.

Benefits Of Belonging

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible.
People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work.
Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards.
Learn more about the benefits of working at UC

Brief Summary Of Job Duties

Financial Aid Advisor Under the direction of the Assistant Director, serves as coordinator of a major aid program.
Performs tasks at the operational level in all areas of financial aid administration including need analysis, packaging, and revisions to aid packages.
Exercises professional judgment to make necessary adjustments when standard need analysis methodology is inappropriate.
Advises students and parents regarding the application process, available aid, and alternative financing.
Conducts workshops and gives presentations to various campus organizations.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Required Bachelors degree and/or equivalent training Bachelor's Degree
• Proven adaptability and ability to work efficiently with multiple deadlines Required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Financial Aid administrative experience Preferred
• Basic knowledge of federal aid programs and application process Preferred
• Basic knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices for awarding financial aid.
• 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.
• Proficiency with standard office software, internet, and email applications. Basic knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.
• Experience using complex databases.

Special Conditions Of Employment

• Limited Vacation in September
• Credential verification for clinical practitioner
• Satisfactory criminal history background check
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
"Misconduct" Means Any Violation Of The Policies Governing Employee Conduct At The Applicant’s Previous Place Of Employment, Including, But Not Limited To, Violations Of Policies Prohibiting Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Or Other Forms Of Misconduct, Or Discrimination, As Defined By The Employer.
For Reference, Below Are UC’s Policies Addressing Some Forms Of Misconduct
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Job Functions And Percentages Of Time

• 25% Program Coordination - I. Program Responsibility: Coordinates and administers one or more financial aid programs. a. Interprets requirements, policies, and procedures as they relate to UCSB's financial aid operations. b. Analyzes and resolves all problems related to the program. Serves as the main resource person to the systems programmers for developing specifications and testing related software. Serves as a campus resource on questions related to the program(s). c. If applicable, works with the compliance officer and applicable external offices to insure reconciliation of all payment and reporting activity. d. As needed, prepares analytical reports. Keeps the manager informed of all programmatic changes and proposed changes. Prepares and presents program updates to staff at weekly meetings and at ad hoc training workshops.
• 20% Appeals Processing - II. Appeals Processing: Regularly exercises professional judgment in the following tasks: a. Responsible for reviewing and making a decision on all appeals (dependency overrides, on-time status, satisfactory academic progress, and budget increases) submitted by students. In this capacity, is responsible for an alpha-string that averages 2500 students. b. Independently reviews students' and parents' unique circumstances, analyzes documentation submitted in support of the unique circumstances, and, as appropriate, makes adjustments to federal need analysis methodology and students' awards. These adjustments occasionally override standard office policy.
• 30% Advising - I. Advises students, parents, campus staff, and the general public in all areas of financial aid administration. a. Explains the application process, the rationale behind federal need analysis, program regulations, aid eligibility criteria, university award policies, aid distribution procedures, and budgeting and money management