Financial Aid Counselor & Native American/Native Alaskan Student Aid Specialist

Under the direction of the Financial Aid Counseling Supervisor, responsible for all aspects of Financial Aid packaging (reviewing, awarding and revising). Using Federal Methodology, perform needs analysis and package files in accordance with Financial Aid policies and procedures for a case load of approximately 3,500 students. Conduct verification of Financial Aid application data in adherence with US Department of Education guidelines. Review complex federal tax returns and other Financial Aid documentation related to determining a family's aid eligibility. Review and respond to appeals and petitions submitted by students and families. Make professional judgement decisions as defined by Title IV regulations to evaluate files based upon unusual and special circumstances. Research and troubleshoot unusual and complex processing issues that arise on a daily basis while referencing federal, state and institutional regulations and policies. Provide excellent customer service and counseling with sensitivity to assist students with Financial Aid matters. Provide in-person counseling appointments as well as telephone and electronic messaging services. Effectively and independently manage and administer one of a group of special programs that require specific in-depth knowledge and understanding. For this position, serve as subject matter expert regarding Native American Student Aid programs, including the University of California Native American Opportunity Plan (NAOP) program, Federal Recognized Tribal Nations Financial Aid programs, as well as non-federal tribal scholarship programs offered by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and other external organizations. Complete scholarship forms for Native American student-affiliated organizations. Develop and conduct specialized outreach presentations for Native American student populations and UCLA staff in collaboration with the Undergraduate Admissions Native American/Native Alaskan recruitment coordinator, other campus stakeholders, and national experts. Be accessible to Native American/Native Alaskan UCLA students and advocate for their Financial Aid needs. Coordinate the awarding of the NAOP program and reporting to the Division, UCLA Academic Planning & Budget, and UC Office of the President. Attend training sessions and workshops in order to remain updated on Financial Aid regulations. Conduct Financial Aid outreach presentations for prospective, entering, and continuing students and families. Position eligible for hybrid schedule.
Percentage of Time:
100
Shift Start:
8:00 am
Shift End:
5:00 pm
Qualifications for Position
21
Records
Qualifications
Required/Preferred
Thorough working knowledge of Federal Methodology pertaining to Financial Aid.
Required
Knowledge of federal, state, and university regulations and policies pertaining to Financial Aid.
Required
Knowledge of the Financial Aid Management system (FAM),Student Records System (SRS), Report Distribution System (RDS), and the Billing and Receivable system (BAR) used for accessing student data.
Preferred
Working knowledge of the FAO Intranet system that houses student data and is used for processing and revising awards.
Preferred
Ability to review, evaluate, and apply Financial Aid concepts to student files accurately.
Required
Ability to understand and interpret complex IRS tax forms.
Required
Skill in performing accurately with heavy workload requirements and the ability to use effective time management skills in order to prioritize tasks to accomplish goals with established time frames.
Required
Ability to work effectively both in groups and independently.
Required
Skill in effectively communicating orally and in written form using concise logical and grammatically correct statements.
Required
Ability to understand and exercise "professional judgment" when reviewing student files.
Required
Skill in resolving complex student issues.
Required
Ability to work effectively and accurately with frequent interruptions and/or distractions.
Required
Ability to effectively communicate to small and large groups of perspective, entering and continuing students during Financial Aid outreach presentations.
Required
Ability to effectively counsel and advise students and families about the Financial Aid application and delivery processes, time and money management skills, as well as other issues related to Financial Aid.
Required
Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, faculty, and peers.
Required
Ability to effectively use a personal computer for all desktop applications, including knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
Required
Ability to utilize a multitude of Financial Aid processing resources via the internet, including: National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), FAA Access to CPS on-line, Sallie Mae Common Line loan processing system, and various other lender partner proprietary loan certification websites.
Required
Ability to resolve student inquiries and problems by compiling and analyzing research data compiled from multiple sources; FAM, CPS on-line, lender/servicer/guarantor databases, etc.
Required
Ability to communicate UCLA's processing requirements and to work in tandem with lenders and/or servicers to resolve loan issues on behalf of the borrower.
Required
Must have worked within a Financial Aid office environment in a university or college setting.
Preferred
Ability to use Query Database (QDB) information for Financial Aid information and generating reports.
Can be trained
Additional Posting Information
Bargaining Unit:
99-Policy Covered
Application Deadline:
03-25-2024
External Posting Date: