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Position Summary
Are you interested in helping students and families navigate financial aid, scholarships, and student account questions? San Diego State University’s Cal Coast Student Financial Center (CCSFC) is seeking a Cal Coast Student Financial Center - Trainee to provide student-centered guidance while developing expertise in financial aid and student financial services.
Working under close supervision and as part of a shared services team, the Cal Coast Student Financial Center - Trainee supports prospective and continuing students, parents, and families through individual counseling, group outreach, and assistance with financial aid eligibility, scholarships, student billing, academic progress, budgeting, and financial circumstances that may affect attendance. Cal Coast Student Financial Center - Trainee uses interviewing and counseling techniques to gather information, explain aid decisions and requirements, and respond thoughtfully to a wide range of questions and concerns.
The Cal Coast Student Financial Center - Trainee receives hands-on training in reviewing financial aid documents and system-generated need analyses and awards for compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. The role also supports student worker recruitment and scheduling, financial aid program administration, virtual and in-person center operations, social media and chatbot accounts, and reporting for the Center. Through this work, the position helps the Cal Coast Student Financial Center provide accessible, centralized support that promotes student success.
Key Responsibilities
- Student Counseling: Provide trained, student-centered guidance to prospective and continuing students, parents, and families regarding financial aid, scholarships, billing, academic progress, budgeting, and aid eligibility requirements.
- Case Support: Gather and review information about individual student circumstances, explain the basis for aid decisions, and assist with identifying appropriate resources and next steps under direct supervision.
- Application Review: Review financial aid documents and system-generated need analyses and awards, assist with scholarship processing, and apply established laws, regulations, policies, and procedures with training and oversight.
- Program Administration: Process financial aid documents and provide administrative support needed to make accurate and timely awards and support the operations of financial aid and student financial services programs.
- Student Worker Coordination: Assist with recruiting and selecting Junior Counselors, coordinate training, create staffing schedules, account for absences and vacation requests, and approve hours through PeopleSoft.
- Center Operations: Help monitor the physical and virtual service centers, analyze report data, update the internal Google Site, and support the smooth delivery of services across the shared resource environment.
- Digital Communication: Maintain and update the Center’s Instagram, Facebook, and chatbot accounts to help communicate financial aid, scholarship, and student financial services information.
Why Join Us?
- Student Success: Help students and families understand and navigate financial aid, scholarships, billing, and other financial issues that may affect their ability to attend SDSU.
- Hands-On Training: Build practical experience in student counseling, financial aid processes, document review, interviewing, and applying established policies and procedures.
- Shared Services: Work in a centralized student financial center that connects students with assistance related to financial aid, scholarships, student billing, and financial literacy.
- Direct Engagement: Communicate with students, parents, families, and the public through individual counseling, group outreach, and in-person and virtual service channels.
- Professional Development: Develop experience in program administration, student worker coordination, data reporting, digital communication, and the operation of a high-volume student services environment.
As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.
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Position Information
- This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, temporary position with an anticipated end date one year from the date of hire with the possibility of reappointment.
- 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. OR This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 1 day per week, following a training period during which on-site presence is required.
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Department Summary
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 (MPP I). 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 the Cal Coast Student Financial Center (CCSFC), click here.
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Education and Experience
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.
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Key Qualifications
- Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data; reason logically; draw valid conclusions; and make appropriate recommendations.
- Ability to participate in and contribute effectively to group meetings, conferences, and interviews, and clearly communicate ideas and recommendations orally.
- Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and faculty.
- 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, or student billing is preferred.
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Compensation and Benefits
San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.
Compensation:
Salary is based on your experience, education, and qualifications, within the department’s budget and equity guidelines.
- CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,150 - $5,076/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $4,150/month.
Full Benefits Package Includes:
- Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
- Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
- Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
- Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
- Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
- Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.
Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.
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SDSU Values
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.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
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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Supplemental Information
Apply by November 9th, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.
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 as a condition of employment.
San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
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. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU 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. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Danan Pacheco at dpacheco@sdsu.edu.
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