Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Financial Aid Counselor
Department: Admissions, Recruitment & Financial Aid (120800)
College/Division: Academic Affairs
Salary Range: $3,935 - $5,595 per month.
Position Description:
***THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED***
The Financial Aid Office is responsible for the determination of eligibility for and awarding of federal, state, institutional and private grants, scholarships, and work and loan programs in excess of $150M annually to over 13,000 eligible students. The office is responsible for adhering to the regulatory requirements as outlined in federal and state regulations as well as donor and institutional policies and for assuring compliance by the University. The Financial Aid Office serves the University by assisting students in obtaining financial aid and scholarships to attend Cal Poly. The Office's primary function is to provide appropriate financial aid based on federal and state parameters and in keeping with CSU and Cal Poly institutional policies.
The basic purpose of this position is to assist the university in retaining and graduating students needing financial assistance through a comprehensive program of financial aid and support services. Financial Aid program offerings include grants, loans, work-study opportunities and scholarships. In accordance with state and federal regulations, a proactive approach will be used to meet and monitor students' financial need.
The following examples illustrate typical work activities and are not meant to be all inclusive or restrictive:
The Financial Aid Office is responsible for the determination of eligibility for and awarding of federal, state, institutional and private grants, scholarships, and work and loan programs in excess of $150M annually to over 13,000 eligible students. The office is responsible for adhering to the regulatory requirements as outlined in federal and state regulations as well as donor and institutional policies and for assuring compliance by the University. The Financial Aid Office serves the University by assisting students in obtaining financial aid and scholarships to attend Cal Poly. The Office's primary function is to provide appropriate financial aid based on federal and state parameters and in keeping with CSU and Cal Poly institutional policies.
The basic purpose of this position is to assist the university in retaining and graduating students needing financial assistance through a comprehensive program of financial aid and support services. Financial Aid program offerings include grants, loans, work-study opportunities and scholarships. In accordance with state and federal regulations, a proactive approach will be used to meet and monitor students' financial need.
The following examples illustrate typical work activities and are not meant to be all inclusive or restrictive:
- Counsel students and families regarding all aspects of financial aid and admissions. Handle a high volume of student contact which requires detailed analysis and effective assessment of student financial and developmental needs in an effective manner, demonstrating good communication skills, organization, versatility, productivity and creativity. Assist students with factual data regarding personal budget management, financial planning and other guidance counseling which may affect student academic performance and continued eligibility for assistance. Counsel students on university's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy. Encourage students to develop a realistic plan of study to ensure they stay within the rules mandated by SAP. Review and analyze individual appeals for reinstatement, often without precedence. Judge whether "mitigating" circumstances exist allowing for reinstatement of eligibility. Sponsor Financial Aid and Admissions Workshops and presentations.
- Analyze financial aid applications to determine student's level of financial need. Perform verification of federal aid eligibility consistent with the Federal Verification Guide through review of documents from IRS, verification worksheets, National Student Loan Data System, agency certifications, Veteran's Administration documents, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Services certifications.
- Prepare, review, and revise award packages utilizing the knowledge of federal regulations, system wide policy, and university and departmental provisions. Award grants, loans, and work-study as appropriate. Coordinate outside resources including scholarships, loans, and grants with federal and state funds. Provide institutional scholarship support, including the coordination of athletic grants in aid. Revise and adjust award packages or budgets as necessary and ensure funds are not over awarded.
- Read communiques keeping abreast of federal, state, institutional and departmental regulations and policies. Interpret regulations and exercise professional judgment in the development of solutions to unique student and family problems. Provide input in relation to various office policies and procedures.
Minimum Qualifications (Staff Only):
- Bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field; OR a Master's degree and one year of experience.
Required Qualifications:
- General knowledge of research and interview techniques, including the ability to obtain factual information through interviews
- General knowledge of the principles of individual and group behavior
- Ability to advise students individually and in groups on routine matters
- Ability to set daily work priorities in order to manage caseload under moderate supervision
- Ability to successfully interact with a diverse student population and to assess student needs
- General knowledge of or the ability to quickly learn university-wide student services programs
- General knowledge of or the ability to quickly learn admissions, academic records, and student accounts procedures and practices and how they interface with financial aid procedures
- Ability to adapt to the dynamic environment of student aid business
- Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism
- Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems
- Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in and outside the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds
- Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing
- Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling and punctuation
- Ability to interpret, communicate, and apply policies and procedures
- Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality
- Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines
- Excellent computer skills and proficiency with a variety of computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email
- Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure, policies and procedures and university wide student services programs
- Ability to work in a high energy, fast-paced environment and respond in a positive, supportive and professional manner
- Knowledge and understanding of office operations and procedures
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated skills in an institutional or educational environment utilizing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude
- Experience with MS Word, Excel and PeopleSoft is preferred
- Experience working at a university or community college
- Experience using student administration systems such as PeopleSoft
Special Conditions:
***THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED***
The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Retired CalPERS members selected for this vacancy must request and be approved for reinstatement from retirement prior to the start date. Employment of retired CalPERS members will typically be for 90 days or less and must be for work requiring specialized skills or for a bona fide emergency to prevent stoppage of business.
May be required to complete a Supplemental Employment Application Questionnaire, which contains questions pertaining to conviction history, and submit it when requested by Cal Poly. This disclosure is confidential and will not necessarily preclude applicants from employment.
Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.
Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.
For health and wellbeing, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.
- Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.
- Must be able to work extended hours, occasional holidays, and adjust working hours to meet organizational needs. May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.
- Must not be in default on a federal student loan or owe a repayment of a federal grant.
- This position classification has been defined as "Exempt" and is not subject to the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Retired CalPERS members selected for this vacancy must request and be approved for reinstatement from retirement prior to the start date. Employment of retired CalPERS members will typically be for 90 days or less and must be for work requiring specialized skills or for a bona fide emergency to prevent stoppage of business.
May be required to complete a Supplemental Employment Application Questionnaire, which contains questions pertaining to conviction history, and submit it when requested by Cal Poly. This disclosure is confidential and will not necessarily preclude applicants from employment.
Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.
Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.
For health and wellbeing, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.
Review Begin Date: 01-24-2018
Requisition Number: 104712
To Apply: All applicants must apply online at: https://www.calpolyjobs.org.
About Us
Cal Poly is a nationally ranked, four-year, comprehensive public university. Founded in 1901, the 6,000-acre campus is nestled in the foothills of San Luis Obispo, along California's scenic central coast and midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. With a budget of $168.5 million, the university has a student enrollment exceeding 17,000 students and employs more than 2,000 faculty and staff members. Cal Poly is part of the 23-campus California State University system.
At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly's values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility.
Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. California Polytechnic State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
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