Financial Aid Specialist (SSP IA)

California State University, Sacramento; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 46,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

California State University, Sacramento is seeking a Student Services Professional IA to support the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office. The role provides front-line assistance to current, prospective, and former students with financial aid and scholarship inquiries, and helps with basic transactions.

The position requires knowledge of FERPA, strong communication, digital outreach, and the ability to operate PeopleSoft and CMS tools.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic principles and practices of student services in higher education.
• Knowledge of FERPA and handling of confidential student information.
• Knowledge of customer service practices for diverse populations.
• Ability to update website content and use online messaging platforms.
• Ability to interpret policies with attention to detail.
• Ability to use student information systems and document management platforms.
• Proficiency with standard office software and email/ CMS tools.
• Commitment to an inclusive, welcoming work environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with general financial aid and scholarship questions.
• Support and maintain website content updates and outreach messaging.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with students, staff and faculty.
• Handle confidential student information in compliance with FERPA.

Skills

FERPA knowledge

Customer service

Digital communications

PeopleSoft

CMS updates

Attention to detail

Office software

Interpersonal communication

Compliance knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

PeopleSoft

OnBase

CampusLogic

Job description

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 Application Deadline: 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.

RequiredQualifications

• 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 Zoom, (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel) Chrome, Edge, FireFox, Safari etc.), various online Financial Aid resources {i.e., Peoplesoft (CMS), Campus Logic.
• 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.

PreferredQualifications

• 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.

Sacramento State is located in the heart of California’s capital city, five miles from State Capitol. T

The lush, 300-acre park-like campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the "Farm-to-Fork Capital," is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million.

“As California's capital university, Sacramento State transforms lives by preparing all students to lead, serve, and succeed. We are committed to our designations as a Hispanic Serving Institution, an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution, and a Black Serving Institution, and to intentionally serving students reflective of these designations and all students who have been historically underserved in education.”

As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code , Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued. Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning.

To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.

Equal Employment Opportunity
California State University, Sacramento is an Affinity Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.

Jeanne Clery Campus Safety ActNotification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery

The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics ofCleryAct crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at [e-mail] .

Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.

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 before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.

Out of State Employment

Sacramento State, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees (up)on date of hire to reside in the State of California.

Candidate 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 (ie. H-1-B Visa).

Note to Applicants:

Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.

Advertised: September 10, 2026 (3:10 PM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: