Description
Hiring Range
The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $56,400 - $98,600. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $58,000 - $62,000/yr.
Job Closing Date
Initial applicant review will begin on or around July 8, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.
Remote/Hybrid eligibility: A hybrid schedule may be requested.
About UC Merced
The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.
Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.
The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.
The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.
The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.
About the Job
The Student Affairs Division at UC Merced places a strong emphasis on the care and guidance offered to our community and we in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (OFAS) are seeking a highly motivated, helpful individual to join our team.
This position is responsible for conducting Pre-Verification reviews by comparing complex federal income tax returns, tax schedules, citizenship documents, etc. to data entered on the financial aid application. It is also responsible for document Intake process management, including collecting, coding, and imaging all incoming documents and performing queue maintenance in electronic document management and Customer Relationship Management systems. It will assist in collecting and reviewing all student financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeals. This includes reviewing the appeal reasons and supporting documentation to ensure the Appeal is ready to be forwarded to the SAP Appeal Committee for review. This position will make critical decisions regarding issues such as citizenship, Selective Service, Title IV Aid default, Dependency Overrides, and Special Circumstance Appeal documentation. Ensure compliance of all federal, state, institutional regulations. And finally, it will assist in managing approximately 5 work-study students who support OFAS social media channels as well as quality control of document resolution and archival.
The nature of our work requires ongoing collaboration with others as well as an independent and self-starting attitude. We're looking for someone who works well in both scenarios. In your first six months you can expect to work closely with our Assistant Director of Operations, the Operations Team, and departmental colleagues. You will be immersed in a blend of intentional training from staff in the department and across the Enrollment Management division, as well as some self-guided learning as we integrate the knowledge and expertise you bring to our team. We've set high service level expectations, and you play a vital role in how we meet those goals. We want you to be knowledgeable and confident in your skills, and you can count on support from your team as we work together. We have a new, state-of-the-art workspace, and you could be a part of it! If it sounds like the OFAS may be the team for you, show us that you're the person we need by clearly defining the role you play in operational success and your own customer service philosophy in your cover letter.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct Pre-Verification reviews by comparing complex federal income tax returns and tax schedules to data entered on the financial aid application. Additionally, you will review various types of citizenship documentation, and other documents to determine if the file is complete or if more information is needed. Requires in-depth understanding of financial aid and federal, state, and institutional policies to ensure accuracy of documentation. Requires extensive knowledge of Federal Income Tax Returns, Tax Schedules, and citizenship documentation.
- Responsible for document Intake process management. This includes collecting, coding, and imaging all incoming documents. Performs queue maintenance in electronic document management and Customer Relationship Management systems. Ensures compliance of all federal, state, institutional laws for record-keeping of financial aid documents/files. In accordance with laws pertaining to retention policies and procedures, create and maintain the process for the proper generation and destruction of student documents/files.
- Make critical decisions regarding issues such as citizenship, Selective Service, Title IV Aid default, Dependency Overrides, and Special Circumstance Appeal documentation. Ensure compliance of all federal, state, institutional regulations
- Assist in collecting and reviewing all student financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeals. This includes reviewing the appeal reasons and supporting documentation to ensure the Appeal is ready to be forwarded to the SAP Appeal Committee for review adept at creating and editing presentations via computer software programs.
- Assist in managing approximately 5 work-study students who support OFAS social media channels as well as quality control of document resolution and archival.
Qualifications
EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree in related area from an accredited institution.
- 1 year of progressively responsible related experience.
- Direct experience working in a Financial Aid Office.
CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Working knowledge of Federal Student Aid regulations.
- Working knowledge of University policies, processes, and procedures.
- Ability to work independently, seeking assistance when appropriate. Ability to work in a team environment. Ability to work with a diverse population.
- Problem identification, critical thinking, problem-solving, good judgement, and decision-making ability.
- Ability to accurately review complex federal income tax returns, tax schedules, citizenship documents, and other forms.
- Organizational skills and ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines. Written and verbal communication skills, including active listening and customer service.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing work environment with a high-level of interruption and ability to support multiple functions with fluctuating priorities.
- Working knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs. Experience using complex databases.
Background Check
Background check required.
Policy Statement
How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.
Vaccination Program Policy:
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.
Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.
E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.
Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/
Employee Referral Program
This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:
Step 5 of 7 Referrals
How did you hear about the job? (select) “other”
Additional information? (select) “other”
Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee
Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.
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