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.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it's like to work at the CSU-watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

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's) focus is to provide centralized, individual financial case management and counseling to students, parents and families. The CCSFC 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 providing assistance with issues related to 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

The staffing model is a blend of permanent represented staff and undergraduate peer counselors led by a Director (MPPI). The center provides customer service by serving as a single point of contact to analyze and resolve questions about financial aid, scholarships, financial transactions, academic progress and transactional-based issues.

For more information regarding Enrollment Services, click here.

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.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

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.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU's Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. 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 (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information
Apply by June 1^st, 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, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Danan Pacheco (dpacheco@sdsu.edu).

 


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To apply, visit https://careers.sdsu.edu/en-us/job/556929







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