Financial Aid Specialist (SSP IA)

California State University, Sacramento•Sacramento, CA

2d•$4,150 - $5,076•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Financial Aid and lead work direction of the Financial Aid Analyst, the Student Services Professional IA supports the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office by performing basic professional student services work. The incumbent serves as a point of contact for students seeking assistance with financial aid and scholarship-related matters. While most duties follow established policies and procedures, occasional situations may require moderate analysis or the application of sound professional judgment. This position plays a vital role in providing high-quality service and accurate information to current, prospective, and former students. It involves responding to general financial aid inquiries, assisting with basic transactions, and directing students to appropriate resources or specialized staff for more complex matters. The incumbent is also responsible for contributing to student communications by assisting with website content updates, announcements, and outreach messaging to ensure students receive timely and accurate information. The incumbent must demonstrate professionalism, attention to detail, and a student-centered approach when interacting with a diverse student population. Key attributes include strong communication skills, active listening, technical competency, and a high level of confidentiality when handling student records. The purpose of this work is to assist students in making successful progress toward their degree objectives; to provide learning experiences which supplement those in the classroom; and to assist and encourage students to utilize effectively the knowledge, skills and abilities learned during their university careers. The successful candidate will be able to perform in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks with strict deadlines. The nature, variety and complexity of these duties requires frequent contact with students, parents, faculty and staff and the ability to interpret federal, state and program-specific rules and regulations, as well as ensure program compliance. The successful candidate will maintain knowledge of Title IV program rules and regulations, state grant requirements and institutional policies and procedures.

Requirements

Knowledge of basic principles and practices of student services in a higher education environment with the ability to exercise sound judgment when referring students or escalating cases to senior staff.
Knowledge of FERPA and the handling of confidential student information.
Knowledge of customer service practices and effective communication techniques for diverse populations.
Knowledge of digital communication practices including basic website content updates and online messaging platforms.
Ability to deliver accurate, respectful, and professional customer service in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to learn to use student information systems (e.g., PeopleSoft), document management platforms (e.g., OnBase, CampusLogic), and communication tools (e.g., email platforms, website CMS).
Ability to interpret and apply guidelines, procedures, and policies with attention to detail.
Ability to use standard office equipment and standard software programs Zoom, (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel) Chrome, Edge, FireFox, Safari etc.), various online Financial Aid resources i.e., Peoplesoft (CMS), Campus Logic.
Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community.
Satisfactory completion of the background check process.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Financial Aid federal/state regulations.
Experience working with students from various ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Serve as a point of contact for students seeking assistance with financial aid and scholarship-related matters.
Respond to general financial aid inquiries.
Assist with basic financial aid transactions.
Direct students to appropriate resources or specialized staff for more complex matters.
Contribute to student communications by assisting with website content updates, announcements, and outreach messaging.
Maintain knowledge of Title IV program rules and regulations, state grant requirements and institutional policies and procedures.
Interpret federal, state and program-specific rules and regulations.
Ensure program compliance.