Financial Aid Counselor

UCI group; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Irvine in Irvine, CA, invites applications for a Financial Aid Counselor role within the Division of Enrollment Management. The incumbent provides individual counseling on non-routine aid issues, explains government and university rules, and analyzes regulations to help shape Financial Aid Office policy.

Under general supervision, the position determines appropriate aid allocations, counsels students and families, and ensures accurate, timely, and courteous service in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices for awarding financial aid.
• Working knowledge of University policies, processes, and procedures.
• Ability to interpret policies and develop procedures to ensure compliance.
• Strong problem-identification, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to calculate financial aid with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with active listening and customer service orientation.
• Ability to assess processes and implement improvements.

Responsibilities

• Counsel students on non-routine, sensitive financial aid issues in a timely, professional manner.
• Explain and interpret government and university rules and regulations concerning financial aid to students, parents and staff.
• Analyze regulations and contribute to the development of Financial Aid Office policy and procedures.
• Determine appropriate allocation of financial aid awards under supervision and authorize exceptions.

Skills

Advising techniques

Counseling skills

Policy interpretation

Regulatory compliance

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Active listening

Customer service orientation

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 1965,

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. Its 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 represents the Offices of Enrollment Management, Undergraduate Admissions, Financial Aid and Scholarships and the University Registrar. These key functional offices support the campus goals to recruit, retain and provide a first-in-class education to the most talented students, regardless of background. 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, applies a broad understanding of student aid program practices and policies to determine appropriate allocation of financial aid awards, authorize exceptions. Provides individual counseling on non-routine, sensitive aid issues in an accurate, timely, professional, and courteous manner, including explaining and interpreting government and university rules and regulations concerning all areas of student financial assistance to students, parents, university colleagues and the general public. Analyzes regulation and participates in the development of the UCI Financial Aid Office policy and procedure for administering Financial Aid from federal, state, university, and outside sources.

Required

What It Takes to be Successful

• Working knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices for awarding financial aid; specialized knowledge of particular programs.
• Working knowledge of University policies, processes, and procedures.
• Working knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Ability to interpret policies and develop procedures to ensure compliance.
• Problem identification, critical thinking, and problem solving skills; judgment and decision-making ability.
• Ability to calculate financial aid with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Organizational skills and ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Active listening skills. Possesses strong customer service orientation skills.
• Strong ability to assess processes and implement improvements. Thorough interpersonal skills.
• Strong proficiency with standard office software as well as internet and email applications. Working knowledge of