Program Specialist - Financial Aid; Study​/SAP Processing; C

Position: Program Specialist 3 - Financial Aid (Work Study/SAP Processing) (C)
Date of First Consideration:
March 29, 2026

Applications received by the date of consideration will have priority in the review process, noting the position will remain open until a final hire is made in the event a return for review of late applications is needed.

Salary Range: $64,442 - $84,694/year, depending on years of experience

* Salary is set by WA Office of Financial Management and is not negotiable. Salary listed is inclusive of 5% King County Pay Premium and 5% bilingual premium

Step M at $86,802/year is attainable for those who have 6 consecutive years working in a WA State institution

Welcome! Learn More About Shoreline AND Video Tour Our Campus!

Financial Aid provides students access to the resources they need to begin and continue their education, making college possible when it might otherwise be out of their reach. This position directly supports that mission by serving as a primary point of contact and resource for students delivering accurate information and guidance on financial aid processes. Through problem-solving and coordination with campus departments, the role removes barriers to enrollment and completion for financial aid students, ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, and fosters an inclusive, welcoming environment.

By helping students navigate complex processes and access necessary resources, the position advances the college's goals of equity, retention, and successful student outcomes.

Primary responsibilities include the following:

* Student Guidance:
Provide comprehensive, independent guidance to a diverse student body regarding financial aid policies, application processes, and eligibility requirements via in-person and virtual platforms.

* Financial Aid Determinations:
Analyze student applications and documentation to determine financial need; offer federal and state aid packages based on Department of Education and state criteria.

* Regulatory Compliance:
Interpret and apply federal and state regulations, including FERPA, to manage specialized programs like Work Study, Pell, and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

* Systems & Data Management:
Utilize ctcLink (People Soft), the WSAC portal, and Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) systems to process aid, run queries, and maintain accurate student records.

* Professional Judgment & Verification:
Evaluate student files for accuracy and exercise professional judgment to make data element or budget exceptions based on unique student circumstances.

* Fund Reconciliation & Coordination:
Partner with the Finance office and external agencies (ED, WSAC) to ensure proper tracking, reconciliation, and disbursement of funds.

* Communications Management:
Draft and maintain student notification letters, instructional documents, and website updates regarding missing information, eligibility issues, and program deadlines.

* Technical Troubleshooting & Implementation:
Collaborate with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) to test software upgrades, report system issues, and develop processes that ensure technical compliance with federal and state requirements.

* Legislative & Policy Tracking:
Monitor changes from the Department of Education and state boards; advise leadership on regulatory shifts and recommend policy updates to maintain institutional compliance.

* Professional Development & Training:
Maintain expertise through NASFAA/FSA certifications and training conferences; cross-train in areas such as R2T4, Loans, and Census to provide departmental backup.

* Departmental

Collaboration:

Contribute to a welcoming environment at Shoreline College by attending staff meetings, proposing service improvements, and assisting with campus-wide student success initiatives.

Required

Education & Experience:

* Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution

* Two (2) or more years' full-time experience, or equivalent part-time experience, working in a financial aid office in a higher education setting with at least one year of experience processing financial aid files and offering aid to students; OR equivalent education/experience

* Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing in both English and Spanish

Licensing Requirements:

* Valid Washington State driver's license; clean driving record (maximum of one [1] moving violation in the last twelve [12] months), no suspension/revocation of license (for reckless driving, hit and run, leaving an accident scene, failure to appear, DUI, or other vehicle-related felony in the last five [5] years)

Knowledge Of:

* Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Word and Excel

* Experience with People Soft (ctcLink) or similar software in a higher education setting

* Experience in administering one or more federal or state financial aid programs

* One (1) year experience working in a Washington State Community and Technical College setting in an office related to admissions, financial aid, finance, or other related field as a full-time employee, or equivalent experience as a…