Financial Aid & Basic Needs Counselor (Hybrid)

UCI group; Irvine, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Irvine is seeking a Financial Aid Basic Needs Counselor who will determine aid allocations, provide individualized counseling, and support emergency grant processes as part of the Basic Needs Center. This role requires independent work under general supervision and a commitment to student access and success.

The position emphasizes accuracy in aid calculations, confidentiality, and collaboration with campus teams to implement supportive programs addressing food, housing, health, and financial

Qualifications

• 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 university-specific computer application programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; active listening and customer service orientation.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Apply a broad understanding of student aid program practices to determine appropriate allocation of aid awards.
• Serve as point of contact for students, staff and affiliates of the Basic Needs Center.
• Proactively award emergency grants identified by the campus Economic Crisis Response Team.

Skills

Attention to detail

Advising techniques

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Customer service orientation

Database experience

Problem solving

Policy interpretation

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area

Tools

Office software

Job description

UC Irvine is seeking a Financial Aid Basic Needs Counselor who will determine aid allocations, provide individualized counseling, and support emergency grant processes as part of the Basic Needs Center. This role requires independent work under general supervision and a commitment to student access and success.

The position emphasizes accuracy in aid calculations, confidentiality, and collaboration with campus teams to implement supportive programs addressing food, housing, health, and financial