Job SummaryReporting to the Associate Director of Counseling and Advising, the Special Programs Coordinator and Financial Aid Counselor works independently to provide a variety of advising, coordination, and technical support services related to financial aid programs and special student populations. The incumbent maintains expertise in federal, state, CSU, and institutional financial aid regulations and processes while delivering high-quality customer service and advising to support student enrollment, retention, and success.Key ResponsibilitiesCoordinate specialized financial aid programs including Study Abroad, Summer Faculty-Led Programs, Accelerated Programs, and other special session initiativesManage awarding and processing for specialized grants, fee waivers, Pell Credential programs, and cross‑enrollment studentsServe as liaison with campus and external partners regarding program administration and student supportProvide individualized counseling appointments to students participating in special programsPresent financial aid information through in‑person and virtual workshops and outreach eventsKnowledge, Skills & AbilitiesInteract with a variety of internal partners, communicating effectively and professionally. Strong oral and written communication skillsExcellent customer service and public relations skillsWorking knowledge of methods, procedures, practices, and activities of the program areaInterpret and apply university policies, rules, and regulations regarding financial aidApply enrollment management concepts, trends, tools, and best practices (demographic analysis, website content, telemarketing, student search strategies, social networking, PeopleSoft, customer‑service technologies, communications)Demonstrated experience with the Federal and State Grant Programs in a higher‑education setting – reconciliation of funds, processing issues, and collaboration with external entitiesExplain policies to staff members and studentsGeneral knowledge of counseling techniques and student services programsStrong English grammar, business writing, punctuation, and spellingCompose and appropriately format correspondence and reportsWorking knowledge of software applications: word processing, spreadsheet, database managementOrganizational and program management fundamentalsResearch and interview techniquesObtain factual and interpretive information through interviewsRequired QualificationsEquivalent to graduation from a four‑year college or university in a related field, including upper‑division or graduate coursework in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution where job‑relatedThree (3) years of progressively responsible professional student‑services experience. A master's degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may substitute one year of experience. A doctorate and appropriate internship or clinical training may substitute the three years of experience for positions with major responsibility for professional counselingPreferred QualificationsBachelor's degreeFive (5) years of in‑house financial aid experience – from application to disbursement (FAFSA completion, awarding, award revisions, R2T4 processing, etc.)Two (2) years of experience with special populations outside the regular financial aid processTwo (2) years of student counseling experience relaying financial aid eligibility information to students and familiesTwo (2) years presenting to students/families in person or virtuallyExperience with online document retrieval and running queries from softwareCompensationClassification: Student Services Professional IIIAnticipated Hiring Range: $5,540/month – $5,667/monthCSU Salary Range: $5,540/month – $7,893/monthSan José State University offers a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30–35% of base salary.Equal Employment StatementSan José State University is an equal‑opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. The policy applies to all students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. TitleIX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all educational programs and activities. Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose. San José State University employees are mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order1083.#J-18808-Ljbffr