Financial Aid Basic Needs Counselor

Overview

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.

It’s 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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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 system-wide 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.

Required:

• Ability to calculate financial aid with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to address complex issues and provide suggestions and solutions; ability to maintain security and confidentiality of information and records
• Working knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Strong ability to assess processes and implement improvements. Thorough interpersonal skills.
• Organizational skills and ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Strong proficiency with standard office software as well as internet and email applications. Working knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Active listening skills. Possesses strong customer service orientation skills, using multiple delivery methods for a diverse range of audiences and audience sizes. Active listening skills. Possesses strong customer service orientation skills.
• Working knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices for awarding financial aid; specialized knowledge of particular programs.
• Problem identification, critical thinking, and problem solving skills; judgment and decision-making ability.
• 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
• Working knowledge of University policies, processes, and procedures.
• Skill to coordinate and organize multiple complex projects and tasks and manage competing deadlines
• Ability to interpret policies and develop procedures to ensure compliance.
• Skill to compose and edit written and analytical reports to be clear, concise, and factually and grammatically correct
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• 5-10 years of directly related professional experience

Preferred:

• Knowledge of Institutional…