Financial Aid Technician

About the role

This temporary one-year position in Enrollment Services – Financial Aid provides a student-focused environment where you will deliver financial aid services, verify eligibility, and guide students and families through the aid process. The role supports CSULB’s mission of student success and offers a dynamic workplace on a vibrant coastal campus.

Responsibilities

• Provide advising and customer service to prospective, newly admitted, and current students and parents on financial aid processes, eligibility, costs, aid types, and loans, tailoring communications to each customer’s background.
• Determine and evaluate student financial aid eligibility by verifying application data, confirming eligibility criteria (citizenship, selective service, NSLDS matches), and performing need analysis.
• Deliver specialized processing and support for assigned financial aid programs, including information dissemination and staff/student training under program lead direction.
• Support administration of general financial aid programs by monitoring continuing eligibility, making and revising awards, processing reports, and performing other activities across the aid cycle.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong customer service and communication skills to explain complex regulations, policies, and deadlines with clarity and personalization.
• Detail orientation for accurate review of financial aid documentation, record maintenance, and timely processing of aid transactions.
• Analytical and technical proficiency to evaluate eligibility, perform need analysis and verification, review tax and supporting documents, and administer aid in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Proficiency with financial aid systems and databases to resolve discrepancies, process awards, monitor eligibility, and make informed recommendations on complex cases.
• Ability to contribute to specialized program administration through reporting, quality control reviews, data analysis, system testing, and process improvement initiatives.
• Commitment to regulatory compliance, continuous learning, and operational excellence; supports staff training, special projects, and committees.
• Ability to communicate effectively with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community and uphold university policies and guidelines.

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to two years of responsible general clerical experience in a college or university financial aid office required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or length of service), 14 paid holidays, and 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
• Health Coverage: A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement Plans: Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit plan, along with voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans.
• Educational Benefits: Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees; dependent eligibility varies by employee group and bargaining unit.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
• Additional Benefits: Wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.

Compensation

Salary placement is determined by education, experience, and qualifications, internal equity, and departmental fiscal resources. The hiring range for this position is up to $4,262 per month; the CSU classification salary range is $4,262 – $5,998 per month.