Cal Coast Student Financial Center - Trainee (Student Services Professional I/A)

Cal Coast Student Financial Center - Trainee (Student Services Professional I/A) Job No: 556929 Work Type: Staff Locations: Southern California: San Diego Categories: Bargaining Unit: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Appointment Type: Probationary, Time Basis: Full Time, Job Search Category/Discipline: Student Services, Workplace Type (Exclude Inst Fac): On‑site (work in‑person at business location) Position Summary The Cal Coast Student Financial Center (CCSFC) – Trainee is an entry‑level opportunity to build expertise in financial aid, scholarships, and student financial services while directly supporting student success. Working under close supervision, this position receives hands‑on training to provide counseling and guidance to students on financial aid processes, billing, and account‑related questions. The role supports a shared services model serving multiple SDSU campuses and helps students navigate complex financial situations with clarity and care. This is an excellent opportunity for a service‑oriented professional who is detail‑driven, empathetic, and interested in developing a career in higher education financial services. Key Responsibilities Provide front‑line student support on financial aid, scholarships, billing, and student account inquiries using established guidelines. Assist students in understanding application processes, required documentation, award packages, loans, and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Review and process financial aid data and documentation to ensure compliance with federal, state, and university regulations. Support financial aid program functions such as file review, quality control, scholarships, and NSLDS‑related processes. Communicate effectively with students across multiple SDSU campuses, providing accurate, timely, and empathetic service. Why Join Us? Launch a career in financial aid and student financial services within a supportive training environment. Make a meaningful impact by helping students access and navigate financial resources. Gain experience with financial aid systems, regulations, and compliance processes. Work with a diverse student population across multiple campuses. Join a collaborative, student‑centered team committed to access, equity, and success. Position Information This is a full‑time (1.0 time‑base), benefits‑eligible, permanent/probationary position. This position is designated non‑exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation. Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs. The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego. Department Summary Enrollment Services is comprised of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions, Office of the Registrar, Office of Evaluations, Prospective Student Services, Out‑of‑State Recruitment and Strategic Partnerships, International Recruitment, Class Schedule, Communications, Financial Aid, Scholarships, and the Cal Coast Student Financial Center. Enrollment Services implements SDSU enrollment management policies and provides services to students from their initial point of interest in SDSU to their graduation. The Cal Coast Student Financial Center (CCSFC) focuses on providing centralized, individual financial case management and counseling to students, parents, and families. It maximizes the efficiency and effectiveness of the Financial Aid Office, the Scholarship Office and the University Bursar's Office by providing a scalable, "one‑stop" shop approach to assistance with financial aid, scholarships, and student billing regardless of where the students and staff physically are located. The CCSFC provides students and families with information related to the following areas: Financial Aid Application Assistance Financial Aid Resources – types of financial aid available Scholarship Application Processes Scholarship Resources – types of scholarships available SDSU Educational Costs – tuition, fee and housing costs Student Financial Aid Disbursements Student Billing Information Student Fee Waiver information and processes Financial Literacy Counseling in partnership with Cal Coast Credit Union Education and Experience 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. Specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown below may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis. Key Qualifications Demonstrates experience in delivering high‑quality customer service. Experience working effectively with diverse populations and fostering inclusive environments. Exhibits strong attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks. Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to handle sensitive financial situations with professionalism and empathy. Strong attention to detail in documentation processes. Experience in financial aid, student services, or a higher education setting is preferred. Familiarity with financial aid concepts such as FAFSA, scholarships, and student billing is preferred. Compensation and Benefits San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well‑being and professional growth. Compensation Salary is based on your experience, education, and qualifications, within the department's budget and equity guidelines. CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,150 – $5,076/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $4,150/month. Full Benefits Package Includes Generous Time Off – 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Retirement – CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC. Health Coverage – Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost. Education Support – CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents. Optional Offerings – FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans. Campus & Community – Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities. SDSU Values At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. Supplemental Information Apply by June 1, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as‑needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled. 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. San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H‑1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States. Applicants will be required to disclose certain conditions regarding past conduct and will sign a release form for background checks. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Danan Pacheco at View email address on click.appcast.io. SDSU is a smoke‑free campus. For more information, please click here. #J-18808-Ljbffr San Diego State University