Financial Aid Adviser

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 12-04-2025

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The University of California Santa Cruz enrolls roughly 19,000 students a year and 77% of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. The Financial Aid and Scholarship Office (FASO) strives to deliver high quality service to students and their families. We are committed to minimizing financial barriers, dedicated to providing students and their family's access to a broad range of aid programs to support students in achieving their educational goals.. The office is part of Enrollment Management, which includes Financial Aid and Scholarships, Orientation and Undergraduate Admissions. Enrollment Management is part of the multi-faceted academic Division of Undergraduate Education. Undergraduate Admissions, Enrollment Management and Undergraduate Education work closely with select Academic Senate committees. Since its founding in 1965, the University of California, Santa Cruz, has grown from 652 students to nearly 19,000 students (2022-23) and earned international distinction as a world university with highimpact research, ranking 3rd in the world for research influence by Times Higher Education, and among the top 50 universities in the world, according to the U.S. News and World Report 2017 Best Global Universities rankings. A campus with world-class facilities and one of the most visually spectacular settings in higher education, UC Santa Cruz offers rigorous academic programs and cutting-edge research opportunities. At the core of our progressive educational approach are our 10 distinctive residential colleges, which organize the campus into smaller living/learning communities.

JOB SUMMARY

The Financial Aid Advisor independently evaluates complex financial aid applications by analyzing financial data, family and social circumstances, academic progress, and educational goals in compliance with federal, state, University, and agency regulations. The incumbent will provide individualized counseling on sensitive financial aid matters, exercises professional judgment to adjust awards, and advise campus departments on financial aid policies and procedures. The Financial Aid Advisor contributes to policy development to improve aid access for diverse student populations, utilizes data analysis and reporting to ensure program integrity, and develops outreach content to effectively communicate financial aid information to students, families, and the public.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $60,301 - $69,134/Annually. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus / Hybrid

Union Representation: Student Services and Advising Professionals (SSAP) - SV Union

Job Code Classification: FINANCIAL AID OFCR 3 (004527), Grade 20

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

50% - Financial Aid Analysis

• Analyzes a variety of factors (financial data, family circumstances, social background, academic status, educational goals) and applies knowledge of federal, state, University, and outside agency laws, regulations, and policies to determine students; eligibility and award various types of financial aid.
• Identifies and implements database elements, queries, and reports needed to monitor aid programs. Analyzes reports to resolve ID allocation problems.
  

25% - Financial Aid information services

• Provides individual counseling on non-routine, sensitive aid issues, and identifies available aid resources to appropriately meet the needs of individual students.
• Exercises professional judgment to authorize changes in financial aid award.
  

15% - Partnership efforts

• Advises departments on existing financial aid procedures, resources, and options available.
• Recommends changes in financial aid policy or procedures to benefit specific student groups, e.g., students with disabilities.
  

10% - Outreach

• Coordinates and creates content for outreach services to prospective students, parents, and the general public.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/ or equivalent experience/ training
• Working knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices for awarding financial aid. Specialized knowledge of particular programs.
• Working knowledge of University policies, processes, and procedures.
• Working knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Ability to interpret policies and develop procedures to ensure compliance.
• Problem identification, critical thinking, and problem solving skills; judgment and decision-making ability.
• Ability to calculate financial aid with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Organizational skills and ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated written skills.
• Demonstrated verbal communication skills.
• Active listening skills. Customer service orientation.
• Demonstrated ability to assess processes and implement improvements. Thorough interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience and cultural competency working with various populations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with standard office software as well as internet and email applications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Working knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.
• Knowledge of languages other than English, both written and oral.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate has the option to work a hybrid work schedule. If a hybrid work schedule is confirmed, the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work a variable schedule.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTExercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment w

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional 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; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, 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

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

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 categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.