Financial Aid Advisor (SSP III)/ Financial Aid

Employment Status: Full-time, "exempt" probationary position with the possibility of converting to permanent.

Work Schedule: TBD

First Review Deadline: This position will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed beginning February 1, 2018.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid, Financial Aid Advisor (SSP III) performs complex financial aid professional assignments, provides independent financial aid advisement and guidance in individual and group settings utilizing basic counseling techniques involving financial aid and/or related issues. Incumbent spends substantial portions of time in advisement sessions. Assists students to identify their financial problems, think them through, evaluate them realistically and deal with students' particular financial aid needs and circumstances to select best financial aid options when and if they are eligible and offered.  Applies a high degree of judgment, or persuasiveness, imagination and professional skills and knowledge based on financial aid experience and expertise, utilizes a considerable degree of tact and persuasiveness to achieve the desired results of understanding and/or cooperation within the work environment and other Student Services programs. Responsible for administrative planning involving creative solutions which integrate approaches across organizational lines and for recognizing specific financial aid program needs and for developing approaches for possible implementation to meet these needs.  Performs in-depth analysis of individual student or group financial aid problems of considerable complexity and must analyze thoroughly in search of sound solutions. Identifies financial aid problems and alternative solutions available without assistance from guidelines and formulas in settings involving individual student or group situations, perceive the available alternatives and their implications and must formulate and verbalize this information with those present. Incumbents also may plan, develop and conduct financial aid workshops, or related instructional sessions, courses and/or seminars.  Make decisions in individual cases to resolve problems where guidelines and precedents do not exist; independently determine approaches and techniques to utilize in advisement situations, and within established parameters, independently determine campus services and other resources to be provided to individuals or groups of students; and recommend changes on varied matters both within and outside the financial aid assignment. Will complete other duties as assigned.

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution where such are job-related.  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.

Thorough knowledge of the principles of individual and group behavior.  General knowledge of the principles, practices and trends of financial aid field as well as general knowledge of the policies, procedures and practices of the program area to which assigned; general knowledge of individual counseling techniques; general knowledge, or the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge, of the organizational procedures and activities of the CSUSB campus to which the position is assigned. 
 
Applicants must possess a working knowledge of student services programs outside the program to which immediately assigned.  Ability to analyze complex situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action; advise students individually and in groups on complex student-related matters; determine appropriate courses of action and proper techniques to utilize while engaged with individuals in personal interactions of an argumentative or sensitive nature; interpret and evaluate descriptions and explanations of problems brought forward by individuals or student organizations, analyze and define the problem, draw valid conclusions and project consequences of various alternative courses of action; carry out a variety of professionally complex assignments without detailed instructions; and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of individuals.  Ability to write reports containing subject matter, analysis/assessment, results, implications and recommendations for potential improvements to procedures, processes and/or operations of program assignments.  PeopleSoft Financial Aid Software experience desirable.   Applicants must possess excellent skills in written communication, and public speaking.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

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.

California State University, San Bernardino is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. 

This position may be "Designated" under California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This would require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within 6 months of assuming office and every 2 years thereafter.  Visit the Human Resources Conflict of Interest webpage link for additional information: http://hrd.csusb.edu/conflictInterest.html

This position adheres to CSU policies against Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Violence, including Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking. This requires completion of Sexual Violence Prevention Training within 6 months of assuming employment and on a two-year basis thereafter. (Executive Order 1096)