Department Purpose

The FAIS unit is responsible for handling over 26,000 calls per year, 10,000+ emails, thousands of documents and a large volume of front desk traffic. Efficient management of this unit allows FAO to disburse aid in a timely fashion.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Director in the Student Experience, Financial Literacy and Outreach Unit within Financial Aid and Scholarships, the Financial Aid Officer is responsible for managing the Financial Aid Information Services (FAIS), promoting and advancing the student financial literacy program and participating in outreach that will enhance the student experience. The Financial Aid Officer serves as a link between the students and the university and motivates students who participate in various activities while at school.

POSITION INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time and work at a computer.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles.

https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

• Subject to DMV Pull Notice System. Possess a valid California driver’s license.
• Provide own transportation for frequent work-related travel.
• Work flexible hours and on weekends to meet operational needs.
• Travel to locations off campus and occasionally stay overnight.
• Limited vacation usage during peak workload periods.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Experience and/or formal training in federal, state and University financial aid principles, practices, and processes.
• Experience working independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience interacting with individuals of varying ages and cultural backgrounds and perspectives; to research, secure, and/or provide information to clarify situations, resolve problems, make public presentations, and/or train/guide other staff members.
• Experience in interviewing, selecting, training, motivating and evaluating staff. Experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :

• Knowledge of Financial Aid and Scholarships business operations, best practices and processes to provide recommendations regarding the Student Experience, Financial Literacy and Outreach programming efforts. Understanding of financial aid packaging policy, verification and interpretation of federal tax forms and information.
• Analytical skills to compile, extract and interpret Student Experience, Financial Literacy and Outreach programming data and make recommendations to senior management. Technical skills sufficient to assess computer support needs that apply to new system upgrades within financial aid systems. Initiative and ability to work cooperatively and effectively as part of a team.
• Customer services skills to exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with others as to secure necessary information and cooperation from a variety of individuals, and to effectively resolve disagreements and conflicts. Organizational skills to achieve timely progress on multiple simultaneous projects, distribute effort appropriately among the projects, meet deadlines and maintain a high level of productivity.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Experience using UC financial and student information systems (e.g., DAFIS, Banner); knowledge of network capabilities to access printers, servers, and the internet.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Knowledge of current and emerging federal, state, University and campus policies, financial aid processing and application procedures.
• Skill to initiate contact with students and/or parents; analysis and interpretation of data to assess financial aid eligibility. Ability to use professional judgment to address individual student issues and circumstances that could be sensitive, unwelcome, or highly confidential.
• Knowledge of the fundamental school and academic program principles and standards, i.e. admissions, registration, financial aid, gift acceptance. Initiative and ability to work cooperatively and effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with administrators, staff and a diverse student population. Technical knowledge to coordinate programs that cross undergraduate and graduate definitions for funding; in depth knowledge of a number of financial aid specialties, student billing statements and budgetary planning.
• Ability to complete several processes, work under general guidelines, and establish written procedures/instructions when there are deviations or changes in policy/practice. Ability to work effectively with conflicting deadlines and changing priorities. Skills to solve intermediate to complex program, system, or procedural problems and develop solutions.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The University of California has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Policy (ucop.edu) covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, employees must submit proof of vaccination or a University-approved exception or deferral.

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.