What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Aid Technician position at Downey Unified School District?
SELECTION PROCEDURES
Only online applications and transcripts will be accepted: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/downey.
This is a PROMOTIONAL ONLY recruitment to establish an eligibility list and fill a vacancy. The eligibility list will be used to fill permanent vacancies which may occur during the life of the eligibility list. Promotional examinations shall be restricted to permanent employees of the District who meet the qualifications of the class.
Positions in this classification are full-time, 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
The recruitment process will consist of a written and an oral technical interview, which is tentatively scheduled during the weeks of April 13th - May 1st, 2026. Qualified applicants will be notified by email.
Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, enroll, process, and monitor students in financial aid and related special programs; assist students and guidance personnel in the recording and transmitting of data and records, assisting in proper financial aid awarding and encouraging student participation.
FUNCTION & DUTIES
Provide specialized and advanced clerical assistance and support to students and parents in the financial aid application, verification, eligibility, and awarding processes as outlined by financial aid guidelines, procedures, and timelines; review appeals and requests for revision or extension. E
Monitor students' satisfactory academic progress and rate of progress reports, identifying, correcting, and reporting any corrections or adjustments with all associated and appropriate programs and parties. E
Receive and process petitions for leave of absence completing procedures for follow up processing dependent upon approval/denial and associated correspondence to students and associated stakeholders. E
Receive and process submissions, documentation, and correspondence related to enrollment, contract verification, approvals, and payment point invoicing and completion verification of third party sponsored students. E
Act as an office lead to financial aid office staff and proactive resource to management to assist with ongoing interpretation and training of and compliance with institutional, local, state, and federal regulatory financial aid standards. E
Assist in the development and implementation of operational guidelines, procedures, and timelines for financial aid office to assure compliance with all associated financial aid regulatory authorities. E
Assist in the coordination and facilitation of compliance visits with associated financial aid regulatory authorities; work with management to correct discrepant audit findings. E
Import, export, and maintain confidential data in appropriate files, databases, and programs associated with electronic processing of financial aid. E
Interview applicants, assess interest and determine eligibility for programs; enroll participants assuring proper completion of forms and documentation; establish student records and files according to established guidelines. E
Contact and maintain relationships with outside agencies and other support organizations to assist participants in alternatively assigned programs related to financial aid, veterans' benefits, workers' compensation, and related EDD programs; develop financial aid related workshops for participants in assigned programs. E
Refer student problems to the appropriate counselor; identify and assist students requiring financial aid guidance; administer surveys and guidance activities as directed. E
Attend related program meetings, trainings, and conferences designed to improve knowledge and skills and maintain program procedures. E
Perform a wide variety of other support functions involving interaction with students and participation with faculty and administrators in the assigned program.
Must demonstrate attendance sufficient to complete the duties of the position as required. E
Perform related duties as assigned.
Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an "E" which identifies essential duties required of the classification.
Knowledge Of
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Title IV and other applicable federal, state, and local financial aid laws, regulations, and policies.
Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
Basic record keeping techniques.
Operation of a computer terminal.
Oral and written communication skills.
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Applicable sections of State Education Code and other applicable laws.
Ability To
Communicate with students, adults and administration.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Interpret educational and financial aid materials to students.
Keyboard at an acceptable rate of speed.
Maintain records and prepare reports.
Learn to interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Demonstrate confidence, tact, and the use of good judgment.
Plan and organize work.
Meet schedules and timelines.
Work independently under direct and indirect supervision.
Demonstrate mental acuity sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position.
Demonstrate empathy, friendliness, patience and responsibility.
Be motivated to produce high quality work product.
Comprehend and follow directions.
Maintain a work pace appropriate to the position.
Education And Experience, Licenses And Other Requirements
Any combination equivalent to: two years of college-level training in social sciences or related field and two years' general clerical experience working with students. Experience working in a Title IV regulated financial aid office is highly desirable. Some positions require the ability to speak, read, and write both in English and Spanish.
Environment
WORKING CONDITIONS:
School office environment; subject to considerable distraction and noise from constant interruptions and office activities.
Physical Abilities
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer terminal and other office equipment; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; and hearing and speaking to exchange information.
Full-time Employees Earn Up
Retirement benefits include membership in CalPERS (California Public Employee's Retirement System) and Social Security (OASDI). This is a joint contribution plan. To qualify for CalPERS an employee must work a minimum of 20 hours per week or already be a member, if not the employee is eligible for an alternative retirement plan.
Additionally, the District encourages employees to pursue professional growth, and provides financial incentive for classified employees completing professional growth programs. Additional benefits available to employees to which the District does not contribute include life insurance, a Section 125 Flexible Benefit Plan, an income protection plan, and a credit union.
Substitute employees are not eligible for vacation or holiday pay but are eligible to earn sick leave at the rate of one hour per 30 hours worked, not to exceed 48 hours. Further, substitute employees are not automatically eligible for CalPERS or District health benefits.
01
The information you provide on the general and supplemental applications will be used to evaluate whether you meet the minimum requirements for this position. All experience, education, training, and certification must be included in your application in order to be considered. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the position will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Supplemental questions that are not answered fully and completely will be considered incomplete and may cause you to not be considered further in the recruitment process. All experience mentioned in the Supplemental Questions must also be included in the Work Experience section of the application in order to be considered complete. Resumes are not required or reviewed during the application process; therefore, you must ensure the application is complete.
Did you read and understand this information?
Are you a current permanent Downey Unified School District employee?
Do you have at least two years of college-level coursework in social sciences or a related field? Note: You must attach transcripts and/or coursework.
Do you have at least two years of general clerical experience working with students? In your response please include the places you've worked, job titles, job duties you performed, and the dates you worked in each position. (Note: Answer should be reflected in your application.)
Describe your experience working in a Title IV regulated financial aid office. Note: Response should be reflected on your application.
06
Some positions in this class may be required to utilize a second designated language. Do you speak, read, and write in both English and Spanish, and would you like to take the Bilingual/Biliterate Exam?
This position is scheduled Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Are you able to work this schedule?
CERTIFICATION By typing your name below, I hereby certify that all statements made in this supplemental application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge, and that any misstatement of material facts will subject me to disqualification or dismissal.
Only online applications and transcripts will be accepted: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/downey.
This is a PROMOTIONAL ONLY recruitment to establish an eligibility list and fill a vacancy. The eligibility list will be used to fill permanent vacancies which may occur during the life of the eligibility list. Promotional examinations shall be restricted to permanent employees of the District who meet the qualifications of the class.
Positions in this classification are full-time, 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
The recruitment process will consist of a written and an oral technical interview, which is tentatively scheduled during the weeks of April 13th - May 1st, 2026. Qualified applicants will be notified by email.
Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, enroll, process, and monitor students in financial aid and related special programs; assist students and guidance personnel in the recording and transmitting of data and records, assisting in proper financial aid awarding and encouraging student participation.
FUNCTION & DUTIES
Provide specialized and advanced clerical assistance and support to students and parents in the financial aid application, verification, eligibility, and awarding processes as outlined by financial aid guidelines, procedures, and timelines; review appeals and requests for revision or extension. E
Monitor students' satisfactory academic progress and rate of progress reports, identifying, correcting, and reporting any corrections or adjustments with all associated and appropriate programs and parties. E
Receive and process petitions for leave of absence completing procedures for follow up processing dependent upon approval/denial and associated correspondence to students and associated stakeholders. E
Receive and process submissions, documentation, and correspondence related to enrollment, contract verification, approvals, and payment point invoicing and completion verification of third party sponsored students. E
Act as an office lead to financial aid office staff and proactive resource to management to assist with ongoing interpretation and training of and compliance with institutional, local, state, and federal regulatory financial aid standards. E
Assist in the development and implementation of operational guidelines, procedures, and timelines for financial aid office to assure compliance with all associated financial aid regulatory authorities. E
Assist in the coordination and facilitation of compliance visits with associated financial aid regulatory authorities; work with management to correct discrepant audit findings. E
Import, export, and maintain confidential data in appropriate files, databases, and programs associated with electronic processing of financial aid. E
Interview applicants, assess interest and determine eligibility for programs; enroll participants assuring proper completion of forms and documentation; establish student records and files according to established guidelines. E
Contact and maintain relationships with outside agencies and other support organizations to assist participants in alternatively assigned programs related to financial aid, veterans' benefits, workers' compensation, and related EDD programs; develop financial aid related workshops for participants in assigned programs. E
Refer student problems to the appropriate counselor; identify and assist students requiring financial aid guidance; administer surveys and guidance activities as directed. E
Attend related program meetings, trainings, and conferences designed to improve knowledge and skills and maintain program procedures. E
Perform a wide variety of other support functions involving interaction with students and participation with faculty and administrators in the assigned program.
Must demonstrate attendance sufficient to complete the duties of the position as required. E
Perform related duties as assigned.
Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an "E" which identifies essential duties required of the classification.
Knowledge Of
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Title IV and other applicable federal, state, and local financial aid laws, regulations, and policies.
Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
Basic record keeping techniques.
Operation of a computer terminal.
Oral and written communication skills.
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Applicable sections of State Education Code and other applicable laws.
Ability To
Communicate with students, adults and administration.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Interpret educational and financial aid materials to students.
Keyboard at an acceptable rate of speed.
Maintain records and prepare reports.
Learn to interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Demonstrate confidence, tact, and the use of good judgment.
Plan and organize work.
Meet schedules and timelines.
Work independently under direct and indirect supervision.
Demonstrate mental acuity sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position.
Demonstrate empathy, friendliness, patience and responsibility.
Be motivated to produce high quality work product.
Comprehend and follow directions.
Maintain a work pace appropriate to the position.
Education And Experience, Licenses And Other Requirements
Any combination equivalent to: two years of college-level training in social sciences or related field and two years' general clerical experience working with students. Experience working in a Title IV regulated financial aid office is highly desirable. Some positions require the ability to speak, read, and write both in English and Spanish.
Environment
WORKING CONDITIONS:
School office environment; subject to considerable distraction and noise from constant interruptions and office activities.
Physical Abilities
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer terminal and other office equipment; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; and hearing and speaking to exchange information.
Full-time Employees Earn Up
- 12 paid vacation days per year
- 12 paid sick days per year with unlimited accumulation
- 13 paid holidays
Retirement benefits include membership in CalPERS (California Public Employee's Retirement System) and Social Security (OASDI). This is a joint contribution plan. To qualify for CalPERS an employee must work a minimum of 20 hours per week or already be a member, if not the employee is eligible for an alternative retirement plan.
Additionally, the District encourages employees to pursue professional growth, and provides financial incentive for classified employees completing professional growth programs. Additional benefits available to employees to which the District does not contribute include life insurance, a Section 125 Flexible Benefit Plan, an income protection plan, and a credit union.
Substitute employees are not eligible for vacation or holiday pay but are eligible to earn sick leave at the rate of one hour per 30 hours worked, not to exceed 48 hours. Further, substitute employees are not automatically eligible for CalPERS or District health benefits.
01
The information you provide on the general and supplemental applications will be used to evaluate whether you meet the minimum requirements for this position. All experience, education, training, and certification must be included in your application in order to be considered. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the position will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Supplemental questions that are not answered fully and completely will be considered incomplete and may cause you to not be considered further in the recruitment process. All experience mentioned in the Supplemental Questions must also be included in the Work Experience section of the application in order to be considered complete. Resumes are not required or reviewed during the application process; therefore, you must ensure the application is complete.
Did you read and understand this information?
- Yes
- No
Are you a current permanent Downey Unified School District employee?
- Yes
- No
Do you have at least two years of college-level coursework in social sciences or a related field? Note: You must attach transcripts and/or coursework.
- Yes
- No
Do you have at least two years of general clerical experience working with students? In your response please include the places you've worked, job titles, job duties you performed, and the dates you worked in each position. (Note: Answer should be reflected in your application.)
- Yes
- No
Describe your experience working in a Title IV regulated financial aid office. Note: Response should be reflected on your application.
06
Some positions in this class may be required to utilize a second designated language. Do you speak, read, and write in both English and Spanish, and would you like to take the Bilingual/Biliterate Exam?
- Yes, I speak, read, and write in both English and Spanish and would like to take the Bilingual/Biliterate Exam.
- Yes, I speak, read, and write in both English and Spanish but do not want to take the Bilingual/Biliterate Exam.
- No, I do not speak, read, and write in both English and Spanish.
This position is scheduled Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Are you able to work this schedule?
- Yes
- No
CERTIFICATION By typing your name below, I hereby certify that all statements made in this supplemental application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge, and that any misstatement of material facts will subject me to disqualification or dismissal.
- Required Question