Trainee (Student Services Professional I/A)

About the Role

San Diego State University’s Cal Coast Student Financial Center (CCSFC) is seeking a Cal Coast Student Financial Center - Trainee to provide student-centered guidance and develop expertise in financial aid and student financial services. Working under close supervision, this role supports students, parents, and families by providing assistance with financial aid eligibility, scholarships, student billing, academic progress, budgeting, and financial circumstances affecting attendance. The Trainee uses interviewing and counseling techniques to gather information, explain aid decisions, and respond to questions.

Key Responsibilities

• Student Counseling: Provide guidance on financial aid, scholarships, billing, academic progress, budgeting, and aid eligibility requirements to prospective and continuing students, parents, and families.
• Case Support: Gather and review information on individual student circumstances, explain aid decisions, and assist in identifying appropriate resources and next steps under direct supervision.
• Application Review: Review financial aid documents and system-generated need analyses and awards; assist with scholarship processing and apply established laws, regulations, policies, and procedures with training and oversight.
• Program Administration: Process financial aid documents and provide administrative support for accurate and timely awards and the operations of financial aid and student financial services programs.
• Student Worker Coordination: Assist with recruiting and selecting Junior Counselors, coordinate training, create staffing schedules, manage absence requests, and approve hours.
• Center Operations: Monitor physical and virtual service centers, analyze report data, update internal resources, and support service delivery.
• Digital Communication: Maintain and update the Center’s Instagram, Facebook, and chatbot accounts to communicate information.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data; reason logically; draw valid conclusions; and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to participate in and contribute effectively to group meetings, conferences, and interviews, and clearly communicate ideas and recommendations orally.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and faculty.
• Demonstrates experience in delivering high-quality customer service.
• Experience working effectively with diverse populations and fostering inclusive environments.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive financial situations with professionalism and empathy.
• Strong attention to detail in documentation processes.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Qualifications

• 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 may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience in financial aid, student services, or a higher education setting is preferred.
• Familiarity with financial aid concepts such as FAFSA, scholarships, or student billing is preferred.

Position Details

• Full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits-eligible, temporary position with an anticipated end date of one year from hire, with the possibility of reappointment.
• Designated non-exempt under FLSA and eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard work hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with potential variations.
• Work location: On-campus at SDSU in San Diego.
• Eligible for telecommuting up to 1 day per week after a required on-site training period.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $4,150 - $5,076/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $4,150/month.
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
• 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare.
• Health, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Access to campus library, events, and employee groups.