Edtech.com's Summary

California State University - Sacramento is hiring a Financial Aid Specialist (SSP IA) to serve as a point of contact for students navigating financial aid and scholarship matters within the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office. The role responds to general financial aid inquiries, assists with basic transactions, and directs students to specialized staff for more complex cases. It also contributes to student communications by updating website content and preparing outreach messaging.

Highlights

Serves as the primary point of contact for students seeking financial aid and scholarship assistance
Responds to general financial aid inquiries and assists with basic transactions
Refers complex cases to the Financial Aid Analyst or senior staff
Updates website content and prepares outreach messaging and announcements for students
Interprets federal, state, and program-specific Title IV rules and regulations to ensure program compliance
Uses student information systems like PeopleSoft, document platforms like OnBase and CampusLogic, and standard office software including Microsoft Office and Zoom
Calls for knowledge of FERPA and the handling of confidential student records
Requires a bachelor's degree in a behavioral science, public or business administration, or related field, with no prior experience required
Pays an anticipated hiring salary of $4,150 per month, within a CSU classification range up to $5,076 per month
Offers CSU's best-in-class benefits program
Runs as a one-year, full-time temporary appointment on-site at Sacramento State

Financial Aid Specialist (SSP IA) Full Description

Position Summary

Under supervision of the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, and lead work direction of the Financial Aid Analyst - the Student Services Professional IA supports the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office by performing basic professional student services work. The incumbent serves as a point of contact for students seeking assistance with financial aid and scholarship-related matters. While most duties follow established policies and procedures, occasional situations may require moderate analysis or the application of sound professional judgment.

This position plays a vital role in providing high-quality service and accurate information to current, prospective, and former students. It involves responding to general financial aid inquiries, assisting with basic transactions, and directing students to appropriate resources or specialized staff for more complex matters. The incumbent is also responsible for contributing to student communications by assisting with website content updates, announcements, and outreach messaging to ensure students receive timely and accurate information.

The incumbent must demonstrate professionalism, attention to detail, and a student-centered approach when interacting with a diverse student population. Key attributes include strong communication skills, active listening, technical competency, and a high level of confidentiality when handling student records. The purpose of this work is to assist students in making successful progress toward their degree objectives; to provide learning experiences which supplement those in the classroom; and to assist and encourage students to utilize effectively the knowledge, skills and abilities learned during their university careers.

The successful candidate will be able to perform in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks with strict deadlines. The nature, variety and complexity of these duties requires frequent contact with students, parents, faculty and staff and the ability to interpret federal, state and program-specific rules and regulations, as well as ensure program compliance. The successful candidate will maintain knowledge of Title IV program rules and regulations, state grant requirements and institutional policies and procedures.

Position Details

FLSA: Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime compensation)

Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,150 per month

CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,150 per month - $5,076 per month

Recruitment Type: Temporary (1 year term)

Time Base: Full-Time

Work Hours: Monday - Friday; 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Work hours may vary depending on operations.

Department Information

This position is in the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office under the Program Center Enrollment Management in the Division of the President.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge and Abilities: Working knowledge of the basic principles of individual and group behavior; research and observation techniques for the purpose of recording, classifying, and interpreting factual information; and the techniques and methods of interviewing.

Ability to gather and analyze data; reason logically, draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations; participate in and contribute to group meetings, conferences and interviews; clearly express ideas and recommendations orally; write clear and concise reports; and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and faculty.

Experience: None required.

Education: 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 above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Required Qualifications

Knowledge of basic principles and practices of student services in a higher education environment with the ability to exercise sound judgment when referring students or escalating cases to senior staff.
Knowledge of FERPA and the handling of confidential student information.
Knowledge of customer service practices and effective communication techniques for diverse populations.
Knowledge of digital communication practices including basic website content updates and online messaging platforms.
Ability to deliver accurate, respectful, and professional customer service in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to learn to use student information systems (e.g., PeopleSoft), document management platforms (e.g., OnBase, CampusLogic), and communication tools (e.g., email platforms, website CMS).
Ability to interpret and apply guidelines, procedures, and policies with attention to detail.
Ability to use standard office equipment and standard software programs including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel), Zoom, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, and various online Financial Aid resources (PeopleSoft/CMS, CampusLogic).
Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community.

Conditions of Employment: Satisfactory completion of the background check process.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of Financial Aid federal/state regulations.
Experience working with students from various ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume and cover letter. Failure to upload required documentation may result in disqualification.

Additional Information

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento.

As part of the CSU system, Sacramento State is a State of California Employer; 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, and all employees are required to reside in California upon date of hire.

Candidates must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (e.g., H-1-B Visa).

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Financial Aid Specialist (SSP IA)

Edtech.com's Summary

Financial Aid Specialist (SSP IA) Full Description

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