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

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.

• →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.

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• This position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

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. Enrollment Services implements SDSU enrollment management policies and provides services to students from their initial point of interest in SDSU to their graduation.

The Cal Coast Student Financial Center (CCSFC’s) focus is to provide centralized, individual financial case management and counseling to students, parents and families. The CCSFC maximizes the efficiency and effectiveness of the Financial Aid Office, the Scholarship Office and the University Bursar’s Office by providing a scalable, “one stop” shop approach to providing assistance with issues related to financial aid, scholarships and student billing regardless of where the students and staff physically are located.

The CCSFC provides students and families with information related to the following areas:

• Financial Aid Application Assistance
• Financial Aid Resources- types of financial aid available
• Scholarship Application Processes
• Scholarship Resources- types of scholarships available
• SDSU Educational Costs- tuition, fee and housing costs
• Student Financial Aid Disbursements
• Student Billing Information
• Student Fee Waiver information and processes
• Financial Literacy Counseling in partnership with Cal Coast Credit Union

The staffing model is a blend of permanent represented staff and undergraduate peer counselors led by a Director (MPPI). The center provides customer service by serving as a single point of contact to analyze and resolve questions about financial aid, scholarships, financial transactions, academic progress and transactional-based issues.

For more information regarding Enrollment Services, click here.

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.

• 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.
• 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.

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

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. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

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