Financial Aid Advisor

About the role

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships plays an integral role in assisting UCSB students achieve their higher educational goals. Our office oversees and disburses approximately $400 million in student aid to over 16,000 students annually at UCSB. We work closely together in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment, dedicated to supporting the mission of our Office and the University.

Responsibilities

• 25% Program Coordination: Coordinates and administers one or more financial aid programs. Interprets requirements, policies, and procedures as they relate to UCSB's financial aid operations. Insures that UCSB is in compliance with all program policies. Develops new methods, procedures, and policy proposals that insure adherence to federal and state regulations as well as improve departmental student services.

• 20% Appeals Processing: Regularly exercises professional judgment in reviewing and making decisions on all appeals (dependency overrides, on-time status, satisfactory academic progress, and budget increases) submitted by students. Reviews students' and parents' unique circumstances, analyzes documentation submitted in support of the unique circumstances, and, as appropriate, makes adjustments to federal need analysis methodology and students' awards.

• 30% Advising: Advises students, parents, campus staff, and the general public in all areas of financial aid administration. Explains the application process, the rationale behind federal need analysis, program regulations, aid eligibility criteria, university award policies, aid distribution procedures, and budgeting and money management. Performs the more difficult and sensitive counseling and advising which generally involves a higher degree of problem solving.

• 5% Workshops/Committees: Conducts workshops for student groups, campus departments, and for organizations outside of the University. Participates on ad hoc committees that review current departmental policies and procedures and recommend changes to management. May be assigned as chairperson of a committee. Actively participates in various weekly staff meetings by providing feedback and making recommendations for improved office procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training
• Proven adaptability and ability to work efficiently with multiple deadlines
• Financial Aid administrative experience
• Basic knowledge of federal aid programs and application process
• Basic knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices for awarding financial aid
• Basic knowledge of advising and counseling techniques
• Ability to apply knowledge of policies to individual situations
• Problem identification and critical thinking skills
• Ability to calculate financial aid with attention to detail and accuracy
• Organizational skills and ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills
• Active listening skills
• Possesses customer service orientation skills
• Ability to assess processes and recommend improvements
• Good interpersonal skills
• Proficiency with standard office software, internet, and email applications
• Basic knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs
• Experience using complex databases

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training
• Preferred: Financial Aid administrative experience

Skills

• Adaptability
• Attention to detail
• Customer service orientation
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem identification and critical thinking
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Assessment and improvement skills
• Complex database knowledge

Benefits

Excellent retirement and health benefits are offered. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC.

Pay

The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $29.47 to $32.52/hour. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $29.47 to $50.69/hour.

Schedule

Monday-Thursday, 8am-5pm

Benefits Eligibility

Full benefits

Special Instructions

For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.