Program Specialist 3 - Financial Aid (Work Study/SAP Processing) (C)

Financial Aid Advisor

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 Welcome! Learn More About Shoreline 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 (PeopleSoft), 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.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience:

• 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

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 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 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!

Conditions of Employment

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.

Required Materials

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)

Other Conditions

Shoreline College is committed to providing equal opportunity in education and employment for all students, employees, and applicants, and does not allow discrimination or harassment on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. For our full non-discrimination statement and contact information, visit: .

Persons with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodation in all aspects of employment with the College. This includes, but is not limited to recruitment, application, hiring, training, termination, conditions of employment, and any other employer-supported activities. Applicants requesting accommodation should contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@shoreline.edu .

In accordance with RCW 28B.112.080, applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current or past places of employment.

In compliance with the Immigration and Nationality Act, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

Shoreline College does not currently sponsor HB-1 visas. Other conditions that may apply will be detailed upon the offer of employment.