State Programs Counselor (Student Services Professional III)
California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) is a leading public university committed to student success, academic excellence, and inclusive excellence. The university fosters a collaborative environment that supports teaching, research, and service while promoting innovation and professional growth. Cal State Fullerton is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and a recipient of the Seal of Excelencia (2021 and 2024) from Excelencia in Education.
About the role
The State Programs Counselor will serve as one of nine counselors in the Office of Financial Aid, assisting students in making successful progress toward their degree objectives by providing information, direction, and service. This role involves planning, leading, and directing complex activities of State aid programs, providing comprehensive counseling to students on complex matters, and performing verification of applicant information that requires independent thinking and alternative solutions.
Responsibilities
- Plan, lead, and direct complex activities of State aid programs requiring independent thinking and applying personal judgment.
- Provide comprehensive counseling to students on complex matters, using sensitivity and the ability to adopt an effective course of action.
- Perform verification of applicant information that is highly complex and requires independent thinking to seek alternative solutions.
- Interact with a diverse student population, faculty, staff, and the public.
- Analyze complex situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action.
- Advise students individually and in groups on complex student-related matters.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of individuals.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution.
- Three years of professional student services work in the field.
- A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a job-related field may substitute for one year of professional experience.
- A Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university and appropriate internship or clinical training in a relevant field may substitute for three years of the required professional experience.
- Ability to plan, develop, coordinate, supervise, and organize programs and activities.
- Ability to complete assignments without detailed instructions.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as the ability to acquire knowledge of campus procedures, activities, and the overall organization.
- A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily for employment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of PeopleSoft software or Content Management System (CMS).
- Previous extensive experience in administration of Title IV programs and knowledge of financial aid, need analysis, professional judgment, federal and state programs.
Pay
Classification Range: $5,540 - $7,893 per month. Hiring range depends on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $5,540 - $6,128 per month.
Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Benefits
- An array of health plans that include prescription drug coverage.
- Dental and Vision coverage.
- Income protection benefits including life insurance and disability.
- Retirement plan through CalPERS.
- Tuition waiver for employees and dependents if eligible.
- FlexCash (in lieu of health and dental).
- Employee Assistance Programs.
- 15 paid holidays.