Career Opportunities

Financial Aid Work Programs Coordinator– Financial Aid

Classification Title: Student Services Professional III

Classification Salary Range: $5,025 - $7,159 per month

The final salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience.

About the Department/Position:

Under general direction of the Associate Director, Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Work Programs Coordinator is responsible for planning, leading, and directing complex activities related to administering the Federal Work-Study Program and State Learning Aligned Employment Program (LAEP), requiring independent thinking, and applying professional judgement.   The incumbent also supports activities associated with other new CA State Aid programs, advises students on eligibility criteria and individual aid program requirements, provides comprehensive counseling to students on complex matters, using sensitivity, with the ability to adopt an effective course of action, and performs file processing activities that include the most-complex scenarios and require independent thinking to seek alternative solutions.

Overview of Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as coordinator for the Federal Work Study (FWS) program and State Learning Applied Employment Program (LAEP) by planning, leading, and directing work activities requiring independent thinking and applying personal judgement.
• Monitoring Federal Work Study (FWS) expenditures and reconciling earnings each month, while providing guidance for employer supervisory/performance expectations of student employees.
• Reconcile FWS expenditures/payroll with Student Financial Services (SFS)/Accounting and payroll each month.  Notify employers and workers regarding eligibility adjustments.  Resolve all FWS overpayments by working with Payroll and individual departments.
• Facilitate access and student success through a multitude of processing activities; providing decision-making support in complex situations; evaluating special circumstances; and exercising professional judgment in accordance with the Higher Education Act.
• Promote an environment of collaboration and service excellence by providing a broad range of student and family-facing financial aid services, including counseling and outreach activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience: Possession of these knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of three (3) years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience. One year in the program area to which assigned may be preferred but is not required. 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.

• Education: 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• General knowledge of the principles, practices and trends of the Student Services 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.
• Ability to analyze complex situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action.
• Advise students individually and in groups on complex student‑related matters.
• 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.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of current financial aid needs-analysis methodology and federal and state financial aid program guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preferred Experience: Two years’ experience as an entry level Financial Aid Counselor or technical position.
• Preferred Education: Master's degree in counseling or a related field.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of individual and group behavior.
• General knowledge, or the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge, of the organizational procedures and activities of the specific campus to which the position is assigned.
• Working knowledge of student services programs outside the program to which immediately assigned.
• Determine appropriate courses of action and proper techniques to utilize while engaged with individuals in personal interactions of an argumentative or sensitive nature.
• Carry out a variety of professionally complex assignments without detailed instructions; and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-based environment with flexibility to adjust priorities quickly
• Ability to apply effective problem-solving skills demonstrating sound judgment, 
• Ability to determine appropriate courses of action and proper techniques to utilize while engaged with individuals in personal interactions of an argumentative or sensitive nature.
• Previous experience with managing a complex highly regulated program is required
• Demonstrated ability to represent a department/organization as knowledgeable and provide sound solutions while remaining supportive, calm and professional even under highly charged circumstances.
• Ability to interpret, analyze, and apply financial aid & academic policies and procedures
• Demonstrated strong background in customer service and student centric solutions.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct presentations to groups of varying sizes.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent time management and organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple tasks with short deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic team-based, fast paced and diverse environment.
• Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of individuals.
• Work effectively with individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio­economic backgrounds.
• Advanced knowledge of financial aid regulations, practices, and resources.
• Working experience and knowledge of online student information systems.

To view the full position description, click “Position Description” above.

General Information:                            

• Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the 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.
• In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California
• The CSU requires faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare a medical or religious exemption if eligible. Any candidate advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to comply with this requirement. Questions about the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy may be sent to hrm@csudh.edu.
• The CSU system offers a competitive total compensation benefits package for employees and qualifying dependents, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and tuition assistance. It is our goal to compensate employees equitably and fairly. You can access a full description of our benefits here.

Closing Statement

California State University, Dominguez Hills, is strongly committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce. Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may call the Human Resources Office at (310) 243-3771.

California State University Dominguez Hills 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.