Financial Aid Technician

  • Cal State University (CSU) Long Beach
  • Long Beach, California
  • Aug 25, 2024
Accounting and Finance

Job Description

Job Summary

The Financial Aid Technician performs a variety of complex and technical duties involved in providing financial assistance for students, including the verification of eligibility and the awarding of aid. The Technician also serves as a comprehensive point of contact in Financial Aid - providing accurate direction and guidance to students, their families, and staff in all aspects of the financial aid process - identifying those who need to meet with a financial aid counselor or administrator to resolve more complex issues.

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide advising and general customer service to prospective, newly admitted, and current students and parents regarding various aspects of the financial aid process, including application steps, student eligibility, educational costs, types of financial aid available, and loan activities, while tailoring the information to the needs, situation, and level of background of each customer.
  • Assist in determining and evaluating student financial aid eligibility by performing verification of individual student application data, reviewing, and confirming general student eligibility criteria (i.e., citizenship, selective service, NSLDS, etc. database matches), and performing/calculating need analysis.
  • Provide specialized processing and customer support specific to assigned financial aid program(s), assist with information dissemination and training of students and staff on various aspects of assigned program - under direction of the program lead.
  • Provide processing and technical assistance to support the administration of general financial aid programs and functions, which includes monitoring and re-evaluating continued student eligibility, making and revising financial aid awards, processing reports, and other activities during various stages of the financial aid cycle.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

The Financial Aid Technician role requires a strong proficiency in technology, including computers, scanners, MS Office, and student systems. The technician must be motivated to learn and implement new software applications, work accurately with numbers, and maintain precise records. Sound judgment and confidentiality of student records are essential. The role involves electronically processing a high volume of financial aid records daily, including loans, grants, and scholarships. The technician is responsible for analyzing and ensuring the accuracy of incoming information, such as federal tax documents and other certifications, using technology and analytical skills to prevent errors that could result in significant liability.

In-depth knowledge of financial aid needs analysis, regulations, and resources is crucial. The technician must interpret, apply, and communicate financial aid and academic policies and be familiar with online student information systems. They play a key role in guiding students through financial aid, scholarship, and loan processes, requiring a strong understanding of federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures. Continuous learning is necessary to stay updated with changes in these policies through ongoing training.

Customer service is also a vital aspect of the role. The technician must treat all customers with dignity, respect, empathy, and professionalism, consistent with the university’s mission and values. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills are required, along with the ability to determine customer needs, resolve issues, and deal tactfully with others. The technician must utilize complex computer systems and specialized training to meet job requirements effectively.

Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community. Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures. Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."

Education and Experience

Equivalent to two years of responsible general clerical experience in a college or university financial aid office required.

• Bachelor's Degree preferred.

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

Department

Enrollment Services - Financial Aid

Classification

Student Personnel Technician, Financial Aid

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 $4,095 - $4,334 per month commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.

CSU Classification Salary Range: The CSU Classification Salary Range for this position is $4,059 - $5,712 per month.

Benefits

Excellent benefits through CalPERS (health, vision, dental), tuition fee waiver, generous vacation and sick leave, and 14 paid holidays each year.

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.

Application Procedures

Click Apply Now to complete the CSULB Online Employment Application.

PLEASE FILL OUT THE APPLICATION COMPLETELY. It is important that all sections of the on-line application are filled out completely and accurately. Please include all relevant education and experience. Your application will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

Additional 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.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU 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 CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Due to the nature of this position, current CSULB employees are subject to a criminal record check unless they have successfully completed a criminal background check through CSULB within the past 12 months.

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

California State University Long Beach expects respectful, professional behavior from its employees in all situations. Acts of harassment or abusive conduct are prohibited. Demonstrated appropriate professional behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate abusive conduct is expected of all employees.

Equal Employment Statement

California State University Long Beach is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is strongly committed to promoting diversity in all areas of the campus community. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, physical or mental disability, gender or sex, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, and veteran or military status.

Accommodations

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact StaffHR-Accommodations@csulb.edu .

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.

Advertised: Aug 24 2024 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Sep 07 2024 Pacific Daylight Time

Closing Date/Time:

Job Address

Long Beach, California 90815 United States View Map