Assistant Financial Aid Counselor - Loan and Pell Programs

Join the vibrant community at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)!

Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus—one of the largest in the CSU system—serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives.

As a member of the CSULB community, you’ll experience a dynamic environment filled with cultural landmarks, collaborative energy, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference.

Work-life balance thrives here. Long Beach blends coastal relaxation with urban vibrancy, offering miles of beaches, year-round sunshine, a thriving arts and food scene, and convenient access to both Los Angeles and Orange County. It’s an ideal place to grow your career while enjoying everything Southern California has to offer.

Job Summary

The Assistant Financial Aid Counselor - Loan and Pell Programs provides administrative support by assisting with processing activities associated with loan origination and disbursement, reconciliation support, and customer service.

The position provides cross-functional support for Federal Pell Grant processing, including assisting with data review and reconciliation-related research. The position serves as a key operational support role within the Financial Aid Office, helping ensure timely, accurate, and compliant delivery of student financial aid while supporting institutional, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

Furthermore, the incumbent provides services that are equitable, inclusive, and culturally sensitive to enhance the quality of campus life. This position uses a student-centered and equity-minded approach in all communication and service efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with Student Loan and Federal Pell Grant awarding, origination and disbursement processing, reconciliation, and issue resolution.
• Assist with addressing student inquiries by providing excellent customer service in all areas of financial aid.
• Cross-training in loans and grant policies and procedures to help ensure compliance with changing federal, state, and institutional guidelines.

DEPARTMENT: ES Financial Aid

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.

CLASSIFICATION: Student Services Professional IB

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 Rate: The hiring rate for this position is $4,482 per month.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: The CSU Classification Salary Range for this position is $4,482 - $6,342 per month.

Benefits

At California State University (CSU), we prioritize the health, growth, and success of our employees. Our benefits program is just one way the CSU demonstrates its dedication to your success and well-being. To be eligible for full benefits at CSU, you must be appointed at least half-time (.50 FTE) and your appointment must last more than six months and one day. Eligible employees have access to this comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or service), 14 paid holidays, and 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans to suit your needs.
• Retirement Plans: Participation in CalPERS defined benefit plan and access to voluntary savings plans like 403(b), 401(k), and 457.
• Educational Benefits: Tuition fee waivers for employees and eligible dependents.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
• Additional Perks: Access to wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and various insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.

The CSU offers comprehensive benefit packages tailored to individual bargaining units. Candidates are encouraged to review the applicable CSU Employee Benefits

Summary

for details on the benefits available.

Additionally, the CSU Total Compensation Calculator

is available to help prospective employees understand the full value of the CSU benefits package and how it complements your base salary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The ideal candidate possesses strong knowledge of financial aid programs, policies, regulations, and needs‑analysis methodology, with the ability to accurately interpret and apply federal, state, and institutional guidelines within a constantly evolving regulatory environment.

They demonstrate proficiency with online student information systems and the technical skill needed to adapt to complex system and policy changes.

Exceptional customer service is essential—they consistently communicate with professionalism, empathy, and clarity, whether working with students, families, faculty, or staff, including when conveying difficult or technical information.

The candidate must remain composed and supportive in challenging situations while effectively presenting financial aid processes to diverse audiences. They also excel as a collaborative team member, able to navigate shared workloads and support colleagues’ decisions.

Strong time‑management and organizational skills are critical, as the role requires managing multiple deadlines with great attention to detail and accuracy, balancing daily responsibilities with ongoing training and professional development.

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 a bachelor's degree in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or a job-related field and one year of directly related experience required.

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 online application are completed fully and accurately. Be sure to include all relevant education and experience. Your application will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

Physical Summary

Sedentary work - Involves mainly sitting. Walking and standing are minimal.

Lifting is limited to lightweight objects (10 pounds or less).

Additional Information

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

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment.

CSULB 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.

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.

Equal Employment Statement

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, CSULB provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected status. CSULB 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