"Counselor, Financial Aid/General"

Counselor, Financial Aid/General

Initial Review Date: 04/01/26
*Any complete applications received after the review date will only be forwarded to the hiring committee at their request.

The Foothill-De Anza Community College District is currently accepting applications for the faculty position of Counselor, Financial Aid/General, Foothill College.

The College reserves the right to hire one or more applicants from this applicant pool.

The Foothill - De Anza Community College District does not have a remote work policy. All employees are expected to be available to work in person and on-site per the requirement of the department.

Foothill College Mission Statement:
Embracing inclusivity and building strong communities, Foothill College serves diverse learners and equips its students with critical thinking skills to address complex societal challenges, to thrive in the global workforce, and to engage in a life of inquiry.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION INCLUDE:

Under the supervision of the Dean of Counseling, the Financial Aid Counselor provides academic, transfer, career, and personal counseling services with a primary emphasis on financial aid. This position divides responsibilities between financial aid related initiatives, including the review of Satisfactory Academic Progress and Maximum Timeframe appeals, and the delivery of counseling services to the general student population. The counselor teaches counseling related courses, provides counseling services to community college-bound students both on campus and virtually, and collaborates closely with the Financial Aid Office Director and staff. The position also participates in department and division meetings as well as professional development activities, serving on college and district committees, and contributing to curriculum development and evaluation.

As the lead counselor for financial aid appeals and petitions, this position requires the ability to manage a high volume of requests while providing counseling and comprehensive educational planning aligned with appeal requirements. The counselor supports students in setting clear educational goals, developing action plans, and providing support during times of distress. In close collaboration with the Financial Aid Office, the counselor contributes to the continuous improvement of appeals processes and workflow to provide clarity, efficiency, and a positive student experience. The counselor will stay informed of financial aid updates that may directly impact students when creating educational plans. The counselor connects students to on-campus and community resources for basic needs and mental health support and provides training to help fellow counselors to support financial aid education planning and related counseling services.

Standard duties expected of all faculty include development and evaluation of curricula, maintaining scheduled office hours, attending department and division meetings, pursuing professional growth activities, service on district and/or college committees, and performing other duties consistent with the role of an instructor. Instructors also have the opportunity to participate in campus extra-curricular activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff.
2. Master's in counseling, rehabilitation counseling, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, guidance counseling, educational counseling, social work, career development, marriage and family therapy, or marriage, family and child counseling OR the equivalent. NOTE: a Bachelor's degree in one of the listed degrees and a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is an alternative qualification for this discipline.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Experience providing general and transfer counseling services in a California community college setting, utilizing articulation agreements (e.g. ASSIST), general education (AA, Cal-GETC, IGETC, CSU GE Breadth) patterns, C-ID, TMC.
2. Experience supporting financial aid appeals processes and providing probation-related counseling interventions.
3. Knowledge of financial aid policies, regulations, and institutional practices.
4. Ability to implement trainings that ensure consistent counseling practices.
5. Proficiency with student information systems, degree audit tools, and online counseling platforms like Canvas, Ellucian DegreeWorks and Banner.
6. Effective verbal, written, interpersonal, and group communication skills.
7. Experience teaching counseling and career development courses
8. Experience developing comprehensive educational plans aligned with students' academic and career goals.
9. Support students on academic and progress probation, including providing targeted interventions and referrals.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Environment:
1. Indoor, office environment.

Physical Abilities:
(Applicants should perform these physical abilities with or without reasonable accommodations)
1. Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
2. Vision sufficient to read various materials.
3. Dexterity of hands and fingers to perform the tasks required of the position.
4. Regularly stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time.
5. Bending at waist, kneeling, or crouching.
6. Reaching overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally.
7. Lifting and carrying objects up to 20 lbs.

APPLICATION PACKET:

1. A District on-line application to be completed at http://hr.fhda.edu/careers/ *In the application, you will provide information, which demonstrates your understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff. Additionally, you will be asked to explain how your life experiences, studies or work have influenced your commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
2. A cover letter detailing your background and experience, skills, and abilities as they relate to the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position.
3. A current resume of all work experience, formal education and training.

HIRING RANGE: $84,256.00 - $135,627.00 annually plus benefits; actual placement is based on applicant's verified education and experience.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Full-time, Tenure-track, 11-months per year.

STARTING DATE: Summer 2026.