Financial Aid Advisor

Financial Aid Advisor (FINANCIAL AID OFCR 2 SV) Position Number: 40075911 Payroll Title: Financial Aid Advisor; FINANCIAL AID OFCR 2 SV (004987) Job Code: 004987 Open Date: 6/12/26 Application Review Begins: 6/29/26 Department: FINC (FINANCIAL AID OFFICE - Operation) Percentage of Time: 100% Union Code: SV- Student Services and Advising Professionals Employee Class: Staff: Career FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Salary Range: $28.07 to $30.97/hour (budgeted), full range $28.07 to $48.28/hour Work Location: 2101 Student Affairs and Administrative Services Building, UCSB Campus Working Days and Hours: Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement: In-Person; Hybrid Eligible Department Marketing Statement OFAS Mission Statement: The University of California, Santa Barbara Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships provides students with the financial resources and related services necessary to achieve their educational goals. We are committed to providing accurate, user-friendly, responsive, and respectful service to students and their families. We administer federal, state, and university aid and scholarship programs in accordance with applicable policies and regulations while striving to be an innovative and service-minded department. Brief Summary of Job Duties Under the direction of the Assistant Director, serves as coordinator of a major aid program. Performs tasks at the operational level in all areas of financial aid administration including need analysis, packaging, and revisions to aid packages. Exercises professional judgment to make necessary adjustments when standard need analysis methodology is inappropriate. Advises students and parents regarding the application process, available aid, and alternative financing. Conducts workshops and gives presentations to various campus organizations. Required Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training Proven adaptability and ability to work effectively with multiple deadlines and schedules Preferred Qualifications Financial aid administrative experience. Basic working knowledge of federal aid programs and application process. Ability to apply policies to individual situations Basic knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices for awarding financial aid. Basic knowledge of University policies, processes, and procedures. Basic knowledge of advising and counseling techniques. Ability to calculate financial aid with attention to detail and accuracy. Problem identification and critical thinking skills. Organizational skills and ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines. Demonstrates 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. Strong interpersonal and written skills Strong analytical and technical skills Experience using complex databases. Special Conditions of Employment Limited vacation during the month of September/October. Satisfactory criminal history background check UCSB is a Tobacco‑Free environment Misconduct Disclosure Requirement As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy UC Anti-Discrimination Policy Abusive Conduct in the Workplace Job Functions and Percentages of Time 25% Program Coordination - I. Program Responsibility: Coordinates and administers one or more financial aid programs. a. Interprets requirements, policies, and procedures as they relate to UCSB's financial aid operations. Insures that UCSB is in compliance with all program policies. As needed, develops new methods, procedures, and policy proposals that insure adherence to federal and state regulations as well as improve departmental student services. b. Analyzes and resolves all problems related to the program. Serves as the main resource person to the systems programmers for developing specifications and testing related software. Serves as a campus resource on questions related to the program(s). c. If applicable, works with the compliance officer and applicable external offices to insure reconciliation of all payment and reporting activity. d. As needed, prepares analytical reports. Keeps the manager informed of all programmatic changes and proposed changes. Prepares and presents program updates to staff at weekly meetings and at ad hoc training workshops. 20% Appeals Processing - II. Appeals Processing: Regularly exercises professional judgment in the following tasks: a. Responsible for reviewing and making a decision on all appeals (dependency overrides, on‑time status, satisfactory academic progress, and budget increases) submitted by students. In this capacity, is responsible for an alpha‑string that averages 2500 students. b. Independently 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. These adjustments occasionally override standard office policy. 30% Advising - I. Advises students, parents, campus staff, and the general public in all areas of financial aid administration. a. 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. b. Performs the more difficult and sensitive counseling and advising which generally involves a higher degree of problem solving. This includes not only exploring personal situations, but also resolving procedural difficulties associated with financial aid and other federal, state, and university offices' procedures. c. Uses a broad range of knowledge of other departments' (Billing Office, Registrar, the Graduate Division, Housing, and the various Colleges) and federal, state, and private agencies policies and has constant interaction with the staff from these offices. 20% Need Analysis - I. Performs tasks at the operational level associated with the administration of student financial aid. a. Independently applies all elements of need analysis and award packaging to individual aid applications and the supporting verification documentation (federal tax returns, INS documents, Selective Service verifications, citizenship documents, etc.). Adheres to federal and state policies, procedures, and guidelines as well as those of the university and campus aid programs. b. When warranted, manually determines aid eligibility and authorizes original or revised aid packaged. c. Analyzes and solves problem situations in those instances when the standard need analysis model is not applicable. Serves as a resource person in assisting lower level staff solve complicated, problematic cases. 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. UC Vaccination Programs Policy As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs. As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up‑to‑Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt‑Out Program no later than the Compliance Date. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements. For more information, please visit University of California Policy on Vaccinations - Equal Employment Opportunity The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. 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