Program Specialist 3 - Financial Aid (Pell/ISIR 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: $61,524 – $80,820/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

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

Financial Aid provides students with 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 retention, and successful student outcomes. 

Primary responsibilities include the following:

• Financial Aid Processing & Eligibility: Analyze student applications and documentation to determine initial eligibility for federal and state aid; perform complex calculations to define financial need and offer aid packages accordingly.
• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight: Ensure all actions align with Department of Education (ED) and Washington State Achievement Council (WSAC) regulations, specifically regarding Federal Pell programs, ISIR processing, and V4/V5 file reporting.
• Case Management & Professional Judgment: Evaluate student files for accuracy and use professional judgment to make data exceptions or budget adjustments based on unique student circumstances.
• Systems Management & Reconciliation: Utilize and reconcile data across various platforms, including ctcLink (PeopleSoft), the WSAC portal, and Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), while coordinating with the Finance office for fund tracking.
• Student Guidance: Provide comprehensive guidance to a diverse student body regarding financial aid, registration, residency, and graduation requirements via in-person, email, phone, and virtual platforms.
• Technical Troubleshooting & Reporting: Run and analyze queries to streamline business processes, test software upgrades with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), and troubleshoot automated notification errors within the system.
• Communications & Outreach: Draft and manage student notifications, including newsletters, website updates, and letters regarding missing documentation or eligibility status, ensuring all communication is clear and accessible.
• Policy Advocacy & Improvement: Monitor legislative changes from the SBCTC and ED; recommend process improvements to ensure continuous compliance and enhanced service to the Shoreline College community.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with campus departments to resolve complex student issues and contribute to a welcoming, inclusive workplace.
• Continuous Professional Development: Participate in weekly staff meetings and complete required certifications (e.g., NASFAA or FSA Coach) to remain current on financial aid policies and verification procedures.
• Program Support & Backup: Cross-train in specialized areas such as SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress), R2T4, loans, and scholarships to provide backup support and ensure operational continuity.

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.

Knowledge Of: 

• Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Word and Excel
• Experience with PeopleSoft (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

Skill In:

• Fostering a climate of belonging through awareness and responsiveness
• Understanding and interpreting detailed information and troubleshoot and problem solve 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 students
• Entering and/or retrieving data accurately in computerized record keeping systems
• Handling difficult and sensitive situations, using sound independent judgment within college & legal guidelines 
• Writing/editing/proofreading clear and concise materials resulting in effective oral and written communication with individuals inside and/or outside of the College
• Establishing/maintaining effective working relationships at all organizational levels
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment with a diverse group of students, staff, and the public in a friendly, courteous and helpful manner.

You can’t check off every listed “Knowledge of” and “Skill in?” Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that some candidates are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification – even if they might be a great fit for the role!Physical Work Environment: 
The College provides services both online and in-person. This position will perform work in a standard office setting, use standard office equipment and physically attend meetings both on and off campus. Please note, there may be limited opportunities for online work depending on program or area needs. If authorized for online work, employees will need to provide their own workspace and internet access, noting the College will provide technical equipment and support for online work needs.

Terms Of Employment/Salary: 
This position is allocated to pay range 53, under the Washington State Office of Financial Management higher education salary schedule. Salary placement for new employees is determined by the College. This position works 40 hours per week, with a schedule dependent upon department needs. Hiring of this position is contingent on available funding as determined by the College President. To be considered for this position, please submit the following: 

• NEOGOV online application and supplemental question(s)
• Cover letter describing relevant knowledge, skills, and characteristics that align with the needs of the position 
• Current resume
• *Official transcript required upon hire*

Please Note:

• Once application materials have been submitted, you may not modify the application
• If you are chosen to move forward in this recruitment, you will be notified via email to the address listed in your application (make sure to check spam/junk folders)

Salary : $61,524 - $82,860