Job Summary

The Financial Aid Advisor performs functions under the general supervision of the Associate Director for Counseling and Advising. The Financial Aid Advisor performs a variety of duties related to processing the financial aid eligibility determination for student financial aid applications, to maintain records and to assist students by providing information. Working independently, the Financial Aid Advisor is primarily responsible for the document verification and need analysis of financial aid documentation related to the financial aid application, and awarding process for all San Jose State University applicants.

Key Responsibilities

• Interprets federal and state financial aid policies and procedures in order to incorporate into these into daily work tasks
• Performs application review and needs analysis to determine documented financial need of students using the financial aid delivery system and the PeopleSoft needs Analysis Module
• Reviews and verifies various documents that may be requested, including verification forms such as tax returns to complete the verification process
• Counsels students regarding the need analysis process and the effect on the financial aid award
• Keeps current and interprets federal, state, and Chancellor’s Office eligibility criteria and follows established office practices
• Explains the FAFSA application process, award cycle, and answers questions related to the financial aid award process at San Jose State University. Communicates with students and parents
• Participates in on and off campus yield events providing information to prospective applicants
• Assists students at the front counter by answering questions during drop-in hour and provides phone coverage for more complex calls that require transferring to an Advisor. Responsible for explaining to students and parents the various documents that may be requested for the application process, including verification forms, tax returns, etc.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
• Ability to advise students on matters regarding financial aid eligibility, money management; academic progress requirements, and other related matters for which students seek help
• Ability to identify and determine cause of problems; develops and presents recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices
• Ability to maintain contact with customers and solicits feedback for improved services
• Ability to research and develop resources that create timely and efficient workflow
• Ability to prepare progress reports, informs supervisor of project status and deviation from goals
• Ability to ensure completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of all operational functions
• Ability to prepare and submit reports as requested and required
• Ability to implement guidelines to support the functions of the unit
• Ability to determine the importance of each task, and completes functions according to established deadlines and changing priorities
• Ability to comply with all applicable university, state and federal regulations
• Ability to maintain confidential data and follows FERPA guidelines
• Knowledge of financial aid programs, including Pell, Federal Loans, FWS, Cal Grant
• Ability to provide timely and accurate responses, manage multiple priorities, and track decisions
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive communications with students, parents, staff, faculty and external agencies
• Ability to use technical databases and programs for word documents, databases, communication tools, spreadsheets, etc.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Excellent customer service and public relations skills
• Ability to handle sensitive communications with students, parents, employees and external agencies
• Knowledge of technology and software applications such as: word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and communication tools

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration or a job‑related field
• Two (2) years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field. A master’s degree in a job‑related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Three (3) to Four (4) years of experience within a financial aid environment
• Two (2) years of experience with financial aid verification application review, need analysis, and recalculation of financial aid eligibility
• Experience working with federal/state regulations and maintaining compliance and program integrity
• Experience with PeopleSoft and financial aid software programs (COD, NSLDS, etc.)
• Experience in written communication skills

Compensation

Classification: Student Service Professional II
Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,610/month
CSU Salary Range: $4,610/month - $6,556/month

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: March 22, 2024 through April 7, 2024. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San José State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University (SJSU) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, or protected veteran status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. This policy applies to all SJSU students, faculty and staff programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus).