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

CSU Careers • San Diego, CA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

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.

Benefits

• 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level