Financial Aid Specialist; SSP IA)

Position: Financial Aid Specialist (SSP IA)

Job no: 560623

Work type: Staff

Location: Sacramento

Categories: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Temporary, Full Time, Student Services, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Classification

Title

Student Services Professional IA

Priority Final date to receive applications

Thursday, September 24th @ 11:55pm PST (Posting will remain open until filled)

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.

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

Work Hours

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

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…