Financial Aid Counselor - (Student Services Professional Iii) - Student Financial Aid

responsibilities for one or more financial aid programs.

Position Information

Financial Aid Counselor

• Serve as lead to staff who are reviewing and verifying accuracy of FAFSA data against submitted supporting documentation and federal tax documents. Responsible for the completion of this task in a timely manner. Provide updated information to the Financial Aid leadership team regarding the status of verification of FAFSA data.

• Execute priorities set by the Division of Enrollment Management with regards to completion of verification to increase the University's enrollment with incoming new students.

• Analyze complex student issues pertaining to financial aid involving unusual, sensitive and complex circumstances to facilitate mutually acceptable resolution; provide comprehensive advisement and utilize counseling techniques to achieve said resolution.

• Review and analyze complex financial documents to verify and assess applicant's resource.

• Compile factual and interpretative information on application income, household size and marital status. Identify unusual and complex circumstances to establish OSFA policy to ensure and maintain equity in awarding.

• Interpret and apply broad knowledge of Federal, State and institutional financial aid administration policy to package and administer aid to eligible applicants.

• Exercise decision making authority to change or adjust financial aid awards to applicant with special needs or circumstances.

• Follow up with student and parent in order to resolve discrepancies

Provide In-Person Assistance in the One Stop, via Phone/Email & at Campus-Wide Events and Activities

• Provide student and parent in-person contact at the One Stop Student Services Center, answering telephone calls, and responding to email inquiries.

• Problem solve to ensure that students are being accurately awarded and receiving their financial aid funds in a timely manner.

• Be available during evenings and weekends, as requested, to represent financial aid at campus recruitment, retention and outreach events and programs.

Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Equivalent to graduation from a 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 where such are job-related.

Knowledge and Abilities: The following knowledge and abilities as well as those listed at the lower levels in the Student Services Professional SSP series are required for appointment into this classification. Thorough knowledge of the principles of individual and group behavior. General knowledge of the principles, practices and trends of the Student Services field as well as general knowledge of the policies, procedures and practices of the program area to which assigned; general knowledge of individual counseling techniques; general knowledge, or the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge, of the organizational procedures and activities of the specific campus to which the position is assigned. Working knowledge of student services programs outside the program to which immediately assigned. Ability to analyze complex situations accurately and adopt effective course of action; advise students individually and in groups on complex student-related matters; determine appropriate courses of action and proper techniques to utilize while engaged with individuals in personal interactions of an argumentative or sensitive nature; interpret and evaluate descriptions and explanations of problems brought forward by individuals or student organizations, analyze and define the problem, draw valid conclusions and project consequences of various alternative courses of action; carry out a variety of professionally complex assignments with detailed instructions; and establish and maintain cooperative working relations with a variety of individuals.

Experience: Possession of these knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience. One year in the program area to which assigned may be preferred but is not required. A master's degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience. A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional career or personal counseling.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in higher education setting;

• Experience providing excellent customer service;

• Experience assisting and advocating for students and parents, helping them navigate through Financial Aid processes;

• Demonstrated experience working in student services;

• Excellent writing, oral communication, interviewing, and counseling skills;

• Detail oriented;

• Ability to learn and interpret regulations and policies;

• Ability to work in highly automated environment;

• Experience with federal loan and grant programs; and

• Familiarity with Oracle Campus Solutions (CS), United States Department of Education electronic access:

National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and Common Origination & Disbursement System (COD) websites.

• Core Competencies - embody the following competencies:

• Bias toward collaboration and teamwork.

• Effective oral, written and nonverbal communication skills.

• Customer/Client Focus with an emphasis in problem solving and resolution.

• Personal effectiveness and credibility as demonstrated by interpersonal and professional confidence.

• Diversity and inclusion.

Environmental/Physical/Special

Sustained computer use.

• Must be able to work in a customer services environment and travel off-campus to facilitate and/or attend workshops or events during work hours.

• Must be able to competently interact with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of students, faculty and staff

Pre-Employment Requirements

This position requires the successful completion of a background check.

Eligibility to Work

Applicants must be able to provide proof of US Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States, within three business days from their date of hire.

Benefits

Threaded through our Total Compensation package is a commitment to Bridging Life's Transitions. SF State is committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive program that rewards efforts that are appreciated by your colleagues, students and the customers we serve.

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Pension, 401k, Healthcare Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Vacation and Sick Leave as well as State Holidays and a dynamic Fee Waiver program, all geared towards the University's commitment to attract, motivate and retain our employee.

CSUEU Position (For CSUEU Positions Only)

Eligible and qualified on-campus applicants, currently in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9 are given hiring preference.

Additional Information

SF STATE IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (i.e. H1-B VISAS).

Thank you for your interest in employment with California State University (CSU). CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. Because of this, CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California with very limited exception. While this position may be eligible for occasional telework, all work is expected to be performed in the state of California, and this position is assigned to on-campus operations.

CSU strongly encourages faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare a medical or religious exemption from doing so. Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process are encouraged to comply with this requirement. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to hrwww@campus.edu.

The Human Resources office is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at (415) 338-1872.

Please note that this position, position requirements, application deadline and/or any other component of this position is subject to change or cancellation at any time.

Advertised: Apr 03 2024 Pacific Daylight Time

Applications close: