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

Date of First Consideration:
July 12, 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:
Range 53 - $61,524 (Step

A) – $80,820 (Step L)/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.
* Step M at $82,860 is attainable for those who have 6 consecutive years working in a WA State institution

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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.

• 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.

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
• Two (2) or more years’ full-time related experience, or equivalent part-time experience, or equivalent education/experience

• 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 part-time employee
• Demonstrated experience with database systems and federal databases and programs such as NSLDS, COD and the FAFSA Partner Portal.
• College policies and procedures, and federal and state regulations pertaining to financial aid programs

• Fostering a climate of belonging through awareness and responsiveness
• Understanding and interpreting detailed information and troubleshooting/problem solving issues with attention to detail
• Time management, organization, and ability to meet competing deadlines/priorities
• Critical thinking and proactive problem solving
• Providing effective customer service to diverse groups of…