FINANCIAL AID BASIC NEEDS COUNSELOR

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

Job summary

University of California, Irvine seeks a Financial Aid Basic Needs Counselor to apply a broad understanding of student aid practices, determine aid allocations, authorize exceptions, and provide individualized counseling. The role supports Basic Needs initiatives addressing food, housing, health, and financial insecurity for students.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 5–10 years of relevant experience, with strong data handling, policy knowledge, and customer

Qualifications

• Ability to calculate financial aid with accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; active listening.
• Working knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Experience using complex databases and reporting tools.
• Knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices for awarding financial aid.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Determine appropriate allocation of aid awards and authorize exceptions.
• Provide individual counseling on non-routine, sensitive aid issues for students and staff.
• Serve as point of contact for the Basic Needs Center and support system-wide initiatives.
• Assist with emergency grants and participate in the Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT).

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area

5-10 years of directly related professional experience

Tools

University-specific software

Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.

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.

Your Role on the Team

Working independently under general supervision, 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.

What It Takes to be Successful

Required:

• 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. Possesses strong customer service orientation skills, using multiple delivery methods for a diverse range of audiences and audience sizes. Active listening skills. Possesses strong customer service orientation skills.
• 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.
• Skill to coordinate and organize multiple complex projects and tasks and manage competing deadlines
• Ability to interpret policies and develop procedures to ensure compliance.
• Skill to compose and edit written and analytical reports to be clear, concise, and factually and grammatically correct
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• 5-10 years of directly related professional experience

Preferred:

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

Special Conditions:

• Occasional/seasonal nights and weekends required
• Must complete US Department of Justice background check
• Hybrid position. On-site availability is required. On-site days to be determined.

Total Rewards

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.

The expected pay range for this recruitment is $66,990- $70,400 (Annual). Conditions of Employment:

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:

• Background Check and Live Scan
• Employment Misconduct*
• Legal Right to work in the United States
• Vaccination Policies
• Smoking and Tobacco Policy
• Drug Free Environment

*Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional 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; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.

• California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
• E-Verify
• Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php

Closing Statement:

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Consideration for Work Authorization Sponsorship

Must be able to provide proof of work authorization