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

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Provide front-line student support on financial aid, scholarships, billing, and student account inquiries using established guidelines.
• Aid 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.

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.
• 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.
• Familiarity with financial aid concepts such as FAFSA, scholarships, and student billing is preferred.

Benefits

Compensation and Benefits: San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. The position is benefits eligible and permanent/probationary.

Pay

Salary is based on your experience, education, and qualifications, within the department’s budget and equity guidelines. The hiring salary is not expected to exceed $4,150 /month. Full benefits package includes Generous Time Off, Retirement, Health Coverage, Education Support, and Optional Offerings.

Schedule

Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.

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. The CCSFC focuses on providing centralized, individual financial case management and counseling to students, parents and families.

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.

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.