Edtech.com's Summary

California State University - Long Beach is hiring a Financial Aid Counselor/Program Coordinator to process financial aid applications and manage program oversight for an assigned specialty area within Enrollment Services. The role determines student eligibility, awards aid, and makes professional-judgment decisions on complex financial aid situations. It also involves counseling students and families, adjudicating appeals, and training other staff.

Highlights

Determines financial aid eligibility and awards funds to support student access and success
Facilitates problem solving with students and parents on financial aid matters
Provides leadership and program oversight for an assigned area of specialty
Adjudicates financial aid appeals
Trains other staff on financial aid processes
Conducts counseling and outreach through workshops, presentations, and individual appointments
Stays current with evolving federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations
Is a one-year temporary, full-time position (40 hours per week) classified as Student Services Professional II
Pays $5,083 to $5,250 per month based on experience and qualifications
Requires a bachelor's degree in a related field plus two years of professional student-services experience
Includes benefits such as medical, dental, and vision coverage, CalPERS retirement, and a tuition fee waiver for eligible employees

Financial Aid Counselor/Program Coordinator Full Description

Location

Long Beach

Work type

Staff

Join the vibrant community at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)! Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus—one of the largest in the CSU system—serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives.

Job Summary

The Financial Aid Counselor/Program Coordinator performs a variety of processing and specialized financial aid functions to facilitate administration of financial aid programs and delivery of funds to students in support of access and student success. Activities include determining eligibility; awarding aid; facilitating problem solving with students and parents; and making professional judgment decisions regarding student aid eligibility. The counselor provides leadership and program oversight over an assigned area of specialty; adjudicates appeals; and provides training to other staff.

Furthermore, this position provides services that are equitable, inclusive, and culturally sensitive to enhance the quality of campus life. This position uses a student-centered and equity-minded approach in all communication and service efforts, whether in-person, via phone or through written correspondence.

Key Responsibilities

Counseling and Outreach: Promote an environment of collaboration and service excellence by providing a broad range of student and family-facing financial aid services, including counseling and outreach activities.
Processing, Evaluation, Program Oversight: Provide leadership; program management; and serve as liaison for a programmatic area of specialization. Facilitate access and student success through a multitude of processing activities; providing decision-making support in complex situations; evaluating special circumstances; and exercising professional judgment.
Knowledge and Continual Learning: Remain current with constantly evolving financial aid regulations (federal, state, institutional) and emerging trends and best practices in delivering service excellence. Contribute to the overall success of the Financial Aid Office and Enrollment Services through ad-hoc assignments.

Department

Enrollment Services - Financial Aid

Time Base

1.0 time-base, 40 hours per week.

Duration of Appointment

This is a temporary position for 1 year with no permanent status granted. Temporary assignments may expire prior to the ending date.

Classification

Student Services Professional II

Compensation

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources.

Hiring Range: The hiring range for this position is $5,083 - $5,250 per month commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.
CSU Classification Salary Range: The CSU Classification Salary Range for this position is $5,083 - $7,228 per month.

Benefits

At California State University (CSU), we prioritize the health, growth, and success of our employees. Our benefits program reflects our commitment to your overall well-being. To be eligible for full benefits, employees must be appointed at least half-time (.50 FTE) with an appointment lasting more than six months and one day.

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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This position is a student-focused financial aid professional who provides exceptional counseling, outreach, and support to students and families. They effectively communicate financial aid options, eligibility requirements, and application processes through individual appointments, workshops, presentations, and other outreach activities. With strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to service excellence, they guide prospective, continuing, and returning students through complex financial aid situations, including personal, family, or financial hardships, while connecting them with appropriate campus and community resources.

The ideal candidate also possesses strong analytical and program management skills, with experience evaluating financial aid applications, determining eligibility, administering aid programs, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. They exercise sound professional judgment when reviewing special circumstances, resolving complex eligibility issues, monitoring academic progress, adjusting awards, and responding to appeals or escalated student concerns.

Committed to continuous learning, the ideal candidate stays current on evolving financial aid regulations, industry trends, and best practices. They actively participate in training and professional development, support departmental initiatives, and contribute to the overall success of the Financial Aid Office and Enrollment Services through collaboration, adaptability, and a strong dedication to student success.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or a job-related field and two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas required.

Physical Summary

Sedentary work - Involves mainly sitting. Walking and standing are minimal. Lifting is limited to lightweight objects (10 pounds or less).

Additional Information

CSULB is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSULB will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

Out of State Employment Policy

California State University, Long Beach, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

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Financial Aid Counselor/Program Coordinator

Edtech.com's Summary

Financial Aid Counselor/Program Coordinator Full Description

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