Special Programs Coordinator and Financial Aid Counselor

Opt For Healthy Living; California (MO); On-site; USD 61,826 - 63,243; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Opt For Healthy Living is seeking a Special Programs Coordinator and Financial Aid Counselor to provide essential support related to financial aid programs and special student populations. This role involves advising students, managing financial aid processes, and collaborating with various university departments.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree, experience in financial aid, and strong communication skills. The position offers a monthly salary range of $5,540 – $5,667, including a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Graduated from a four-year college or university.
• Three years of progressively responsible student services work experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate specialized financial aid programs.
• Manage awarding and processing for specialized grants.
• Provide counseling appointments to students.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Knowledge of financial aid processes

Counseling techniques

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master's degree in Counseling or related field

Tools

Database management

Spreadsheet software

Word processing software

Job description

Special Programs Coordinator and Financial Aid Counselor

Job no: 558222

Work type: Staff

Location: San José

Categories: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Probationary, Full Time, Student Services

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director of Counseling and Advising, the Special Programs Coordinator and Financial Aid Counselor works independently to provide a variety of advising, coordination, and technical support services related to financial aid programs and special student populations. The incumbent maintains expertise in federal, state, CSU, and institutional financial aid regulations and processes while delivering high-quality customer service and advising to support student enrollment, retention, and success.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate specialized financial aid programs including Study Abroad, Summer Faculty‑Led Programs, Accelerated Programs, and other special session initiatives
• Manage awarding and processing for specialized grants, fee waivers, Pell Credential programs, and cross‑enrollment students
• Serve as liaison with campus and external partners regarding program administration and student support
• Provide individualized counseling appointments to students participating in special programs
• Present financial aid information through in‑person and virtual workshops and outreach events

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to interact with a variety of internal partners from Academic and Student Affairs to the Office of the President
• Excellent customer service and public relations skills
• Working knowledge of methods, procedures, practices, and activities of the program area
• Ability to interpret and apply university policies, rules, and regulations regarding financial aid
• Knowledge and initiative to apply latest concepts, trends, tools, and best practices of enrollment management processes and technologies
• Experience with the Federal and State Grant Programs in a higher‑education setting, including reconciliation of funds, processing issues, and experience with outside entities
• Ability to interpret and explain policies to staff and students
• General knowledge of individual counseling techniques and student services programs
• Strong command of English grammar, business writing, punctuation, and spelling
• Ability to compose and appropriately format correspondence and reports
• Working knowledge of software applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, and database management
• General knowledge of organizational and program management, research, and interview techniques

Required Qualifications

• Graduation from a four‑year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper‑division or graduate coursework in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution where such are job‑related
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience. A master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may substitute for one year of experience. A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may substitute for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional career or personal counseling

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Five (5) years of in‑house financial aid experience – from application to disbursement – FAFSA completion, awarding students, revising awards, and processing R2T4, etc.
• Two (2) years of experience working with special populations outside of the regular financial aid process
• Two (2) years of student counseling experience relaying information to students and families on their financial aid eligibility
• Two (2) years of experience presenting to students/families in person or virtually
• Experience with online document retrieval system and running queries from software

Compensation

Classification: Student Services Professional III
Anticipated Hiring Range: $5,540/month – $5,667/month
CSU Salary Range: $5,540/month – $7,893/month

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30‑35% of your base salary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:
• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: May 28, 2026 through June 14, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose.