Online Programs Coordinator and Financial Aid Counselor

at  California State University

Job no: 535697
Work type: Staff
Location: San José
Categories: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, At-Will, Full Time, Student Services

JOB SUMMARY

The Online Programs Coordinator and Financial Aid Counselor performs functions under the general supervision of the Associate Director of Financial Aid Counseling but works independently to provide a variety of coordinating and advising services in support of the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office. The incumbent performs functions related to the functional and technical financial aid programs, the Financial Aid application processes and awarding cycles, as well as student and parent counseling. The incumbent will maintain a high level of knowledge regarding Financial Aid programs that attracts, retains, and enrolls academically qualified, culturally diverse, and socially conscious populations of undergraduate and graduate students. As a representative for San Jose State University, the incumbent maintains a high level of expertise in Financial Aid requirements, processes, and regulations to facilitate quality customer service and financial aid advising in supporting students’ decision to apply and attend SJSU. The incumbent will collect accurate financial aid documentation and perform verification in order to award aid to our online student population. The incumbent will be responsible to provide financial aid counseling for prospective and continuing students. The Online Programs Coordinator and Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for serving as the point of contact for SJSU Online Enrollment Counselors and for the evaluation and verification of aid prospective and applicant online learners.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
• Ability to interact with a variety of internal partners from Academic and Student Affairs to the Office of the President
• Knowledge of methods, procedures, practices and activities of the program area
• Ability to interpret and apply university policies, rules, and regulations regarding financial aid
• Ability to interpret and explain policies to various staff members and students
• General knowledge of individual counseling techniques, and working knowledge of student services programs to which immediately assigned
• Ability to compose and appropriately format correspondence and reports
• Knowledge of software applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, and database management
• General knowledge of the methods and problems of organizational and program management
• General knowledge of research and interview techniques
• Ability to obtain factual and interpretive information through interviews; ability to acquire and apply knowledge of financial aid requirements
• Ability to analyze and evaluate financial documents, and acquire and apply knowledge of Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Ability to be sensitive and responsive to student needs and ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Ability to perform accurately in a detail-oriented environment and handle multiple work priorities, organize and plan work and projects
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive communications with faculty, CSU administrators, student organizations, private and public agencies and others in committee work, and student advising and community contacts
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to advise students individually and in groups on routine matters where required
• Excellent customer service and public relations skills

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate coursework in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution where such are job-related
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience. 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

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Five years (5) of in-house financial aid experience - from application to disbursement - FAFSA completion, awarding students, revising awards, and understanding of Return to Title IV (R2T4) and its effect on the online population
• Two (2) years of experience working with special populations outside of the regular financial aid process
• Two (2) years of student counseling experience relaying information to students and families on their financial aid eligibility
• Two (2) years of experience of presenting to students/families through in-person or virtual means
• Experience with online document retrieval system (On-Base) and running queries from PeopleSoft

• Coordinate the online Programs supported by the Financial Aid Office (SJSU Online, and Accelerated Programs with a special session fee structure)
• Verification and award coordination of financial aid awarded for students enrolled in SJSU Online program
• Liaison with on and off campus personnel in administering the various programs. Work closely with the Bursar’s Office to ensure the timely disbursement and transmittal of financial aid for the special programs
• Ensures the effective Financial Aid communication process to prospective students and their families, and supports the yield process and activities for admitted students
• Maintains knowledge of financial aid programs, including Pell, Federal, Cal Grant, and Federal Work Study (FWS). Keeps current and interprets federal and scholarship eligibility criteria and office practices
• Communicates effectively with students regarding their on-line checklist items and their individual status in the Financial Aid application. Explains the applicant process award cycle and answers questions related to Financial Aid and Scholarship award process at San Jose State University and communicates to students and parents
• Assists students at the front counter answering questions during drop-in hours and provides phone coverage. Explains to students and parents the various documents, such as tax transcripts and verification forms that may be requested by FASO to complete the application process