General Information

Payroll Title STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICER II Title Code 004353 Grade/Step 07 Working Title Student Affairs Officer II
Department Name Financial Aid Dept Supervisor Darling, Janice Department Head Jose A Aguilar

Special Requirements and Conditions

Critical Position
Overtime
Travel
Travel Outside of Normal Business Hours

Level of Supervision Received

General Supervision

Items Used

PC, mainframe computer

Position Purpose

Provide assistance to students and their families from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds in navigating the financial aid application process; from completing the FAFSA to the delivery of financial aid funds. Manage an alpha case load that includes determining eligibility, providing individual counseling sessions, reviewing and verifying files, awarding aid and making revisions of financial aid awards from federal, state, University, and private funds; including grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study in compliance with state and federal regulations. Act as a University of California, Riverside representative to the general public in presenting financial aid workshops. Independently responsible for a specific student aid program, and serving as liaison with other offices.

Essential Functions

Essential Function % Time
Award Provisions 30
Counselor adjusts awards in conjunction with state and University policy. All data must be computed and entered correctly on financial aid records and in a timely manner. Written comments must present a concise analysis for the student record since all financial aid records are subject to audit by the state and federal government. Responsible for coordinating all forms of Institutional assistance. Modifies or cancels awards based on receipt of information such as fee waivers, outside agency scholarships, enrollment verification, and EFC mismatches. Initiates billing for aid received in excess of need when students fail to report benefits or resources. Ensures correct data entry to the computer system on students receiving benefits and financial aid. Works with various offices and agencies, such as UCR Special Services, Summer Session, International Education Programs, and Department of Public Social Services, as necessary.

Responsible for determining distribution of refunds on less than full-time students. The counselor re-evaluates financial aid eligibility and reduces or cancels aid appropriately and recommends billing or termination of future aid eligibility. Re-evaluates and adjusts packages of those who experience significant changes in their financial and personal situations.
Program Responsibility 25
Independently responsible for a specific student aid program, serving as liaison with other offices. Maintains a detailed knowledge of this specific program, including regulatory changes. Meets reporting requirements and all program deadlines. Assists in maintaining program policies and procedures.
Counseling 20
Conducts individual counseling sessions for students and/or students and their families on both an appointment and walk-in basis. Obtains information from applicants about financial circumstances and obligations. Counsels students on University policy regarding financial aid satisfactory academic progress and the appeal process. Provides budgetary planning for students on the judicious use of available resources. Responds to the continual change in financial and/or personal circumstances of students. The counselor is responsible for authorizing award modifications and for giving a clear and accurate explanation to students and parents of the nature of the award modification and the reason for the change. Counsels students not qualified for need-based aid and assists them in exploring alternative methods of financing their education. Counseling deals with sensitive and confidential matters, which require a professional ability to communicate with a broad cross-section of students and parents, often in crisis situations. Counselors will use their knowledge of campus and community services to refer students to other agencies as appropriate. The counselor is an official representative of the University, available to both prospective and enrolled students and their families, the campus community and the general public to interpret, enforce, and explain University, state and federal policies and regulations. Represents the office and University as needed for Financial Aid workshops, college nights, campus visitation groups, etc.
Need Analysis/Packaging 20
Using an automated financial aid system, the counselor is responsible for the review of initial packaging output of financial aid awards from federal, state and University funds. The counselor is also responsible for performing federal need analysis, verification, and revisions of financial aid awards from federal and University funds, including grants, loans and work- study. Counselor is responsible for determining student eligibility for financial assistance for an alpha case load by performing need analysis utilizing Federal Methodology. Evaluates and determines eligibility for budget add-on requests. Under the direction of the Assistant Director and utilizing office policy, exercises independent discretion in determining whether exceptions to standard practices are warranted. Counselor has a working knowledge of the Federal Methodology for all the Title IV programs. The counselor completes the 1040 or federal tax transcript review and file verification process consistent with federal and University policies. Attends state association training sessions, and keeps current on federal and state regulation. Works independently, seeking assistance when appropriate.
Other 5
Assists the Assistant Director with special projects as required.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirement Display Ranking
  1
Education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree.
  2
Minimum of 2 years of Financial Aid experience. Working knowledge of federal student aid programs, need analysis, and packaging.
  3
Ability to use automated systems
  4
Demonstrated ability to interpret and effectively articulate complex policies and procedures, both orally and in writing.
  5
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  6
Ability to work effectively with all levels within the University and develop informal, cooperative relationships among diverse, multifunctional departments; anticipate clients' needs, expectations and requirements.
  7
Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines and must be able to work independently as well as cooperatively in a team situation.
  8
Ability to work with a diverse student population, using excellent communication skills.
  9
Willingness to work overtime during peak periods.
Willingness to work outside of normal work hours to conduct financial aid workshops and attend training.
  10
Hired applicant must successfully pass a background check through the Department of Justice.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualification Display Ranking
  1
Knowledge of state and University student aid policies and procedures.
  2
Experience as a Financial Aid Counselor/Advisor.
  3
Experience using Banner student information system.
Posting Text Display
Posted Position Purpose
The UCR Financial Aid office is seeking two Financial Aid Counselors. The Financial Counselor will work in a fast paced environment serving a culturally and economically diverse population with all aspects of financial aid. As a counselor you will assist students and parents as they navigate the financial aid application process; from completing the FAFSA to the delivery of financial aid funds. The counselor manages a caseload of over 1,500 students; this includes determining eligibility, reviewing and verifying files, awarding aid and making revisions to financial aid awards from federal, state, University, and private funds, including grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study. The counselor provides individual counseling sessions to students and their families on an appointment and drop-in basis. The counselor will respond to e-mails and phone calls from students and parents in their alpha caseload. Represents UCR to the general public in presenting financial aid workshops. This position is responsible for compliance with a specific Financial Aid program (to be determined), and acts as the primary liaison for this program. You will be required to attend training sessions and remain current on federal and state regulations.
Posted Minimum Requirements
Education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree.
Minimum of 2 years of Financial Aid experience that includes a working knowledge of federal student aid programs, need analysis, and packaging.
Ability to use automated systems.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and effectively articulate complex policies and procedures, both orally and in writing.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work with a diverse student population and develop informal, cooperative relationships among diverse, multifunctional departments, using excellent communication skills.
Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines and must be able to work independently as well as cooperatively in a team situation.
Willingness to work overtime during peak periods.
Ability to work outside of normal work hours to conduct financial aid workshops and attend training.
Hired applicant must successfully pass a background check through the Department of Justice.
Posted Preferred Qualifications
Experience as a financial aid counselor / adviser.
Knowledge of state and University of California student aid policies and procedures.
Experience using Banner student information system.

More Information

General Campus Information

University of California, Riverside
900 University Ave.
Riverside, CA 92521
Tel: (951) 827-1012

Career OpportunitiesUCR Libraries
Campus StatusMaps and Directions

Department Information

Human Resources
1160 University Ave.
Riverside, CA 92521

Fax: (951) 827-6493
E-mail: jobshelp@ucr.edu

Footer