Description

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.

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 systemwide 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.

First Essential Function
Percent of Time: 30%

Analyzes a variety of factors (financial data, family circumstances, social background, academic status, educational goals) and applies knowledge of federal, state, University, and outside agency laws, regulations, and policies to determine students' eligibility for various types of financial aid.

Second Essential Function
Percent of Time: 15%

Identifies available resources and unmet needs to determine appropriate allocation of aid awards for individual students. Specializes in determining the type and scope of student financial aid awards to address basic needs.

Third Essential Function
Percent of Time: 5%

Coordinates with other UC departments to implement and evaluate student-focused activities, programs, and services.

Fourth Essential Function
Percent of Time: 5%

Advises departments on existing financial aid procedures, resources, and options available. Recommends changes in financial aid policy or procedures to benefit specific student groups, e.g., students with disabilities.

Fifth Essential Function
Percent of Time: 5%

Coordinates, implements, and evaluates yield and retention activities for targeted student groups. Recommends changes or development of new activities

Sixth Essential Function
Percent of Time: 5%

Analyzes exception reports of students whose aid packages could not be handled by automated programming and determines action needed to resolve issues and complete aid allocations for these students.

Seventh Essential Function
Percent of Time: 5%

Participates on standing department committees to provide advice on procedural issues.

Eighth Essential Function
Percent of Time: 5%

Coordinates, implements, evaluates, and reports on government, agency, or donor aid programs. Consults with external agencies on procedural issues or individual student's eligibility. Interprets regulations and develops or recommends procedures to ensure compliance and accurate aid delivery

Ninth Essential Function
Percent of Time: 5%

Reconciles large volumes of student data from multiple sources.

Tenth Essential Function
Percent of Time: 5%

Identifies and resolves mismatches and errors

Eleventh Essential Function
Percent of Time: 5%

Identifies and implements database elements, queries, and reports needed to monitor aid programs. Analyzes reports to resolve ID allocation problems.

Twelfth Essential Function
Percent of Time: 5%

Provides individual counseling on non-routine, sensitive aid issues. Exercises professional judgment to authorize changes in financial aid award.

Thirteenth Essential Function
Percent of Time: 5%

Collaboratively coordinates and creates content for basic needs outreach services to prospective students, parents, and the general public, tied to basic needs programs and Federal Work Study utilization.

Other Working Conditions                        

• Must be available to work occasional evenings, weekends, and special events
• Must complete and pass a US Department of Justice background check
• Hybrid position. On-site availability is a requirement. On-site days to be determined.

Requirements

Required:

• 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 and presentation skills, using multiple delivery methods for a diverse range of audiences and audience sizes. 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 common University/financial aid-specific computer application programs.            
• 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
• Skill to coordinate and organize multiple complex projects and tasks and manage competing deadlines   
• Ability to address complex issues and provide suggestions and solutions; ability to maintain security and confidentiality of information and records

Desired:

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

Other:

See job id #150140 on UC Irvine's Careers Website.