PROGRAM SPECIALIST III - DOE - 48003480

Agency: Department of Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) · Location: Tallahassee, Turlington Building · Salary: $45,060.00 (candidates are typically hired at the minimum salary)

About the role

This position performs duties under the limited supervision of the Educational Policy Analyst-SES in the State Scholarships, Loans & Grants Section within the Office of Student Financial Assistance, Division of Finance and Operations. The role coordinates the administration of state scholarship and grant programs, maintains contact with institutions and students on complex financial-aid issues, and recommends system enhancements to provide pertinent program information for management and constituents.

Productivity under tight timeframes, balancing multiple priorities, and courteous interaction with others are essential. Attendance is an essential function of this position.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a computerized database to manage data on applicants for financial assistance programs funded by state and federal sources, including scholarships, grants, tuition reimbursement, and loan forgiveness programs.
• Evaluate applicant data and information to determine eligibility, make awards, and ensure timely and accurate disbursement of funds to all eligible recipients; processes may include evaluation of academic transcripts.
• Direct and coordinate processing of documents pertaining to state-administered financial aid programs, including award letters, rejection letters, refunds, and verification forms to meet program requirements.
• Develop and maintain statistical and demographic reports on program applicants and recipients to provide a current snapshot of the program.
• Evaluate and recommend system improvements, such as revised forms, procedures, and type of information collected, for greater program efficiency.
• Provide technical assistance and communicate verbally and in writing on program requirements to applicants, parents, institutions, and other interested parties on complex financial aid issues, including policy interpretation, appeal consideration, and judgments on eligible programs of study.
• Assist with the development of informational and technical documents and program applications.
• Assist with the development and response to surveys, collection and analysis of student financial assistance data, and forecasting of participation and budgetary requirements.
• Evaluate program policies and operating procedures, and draft recommendations for improvements.
• Prepare, review, and evaluate program data and reports.
• Assist in the development of rules and legislation for student financial assistance programs; analyze and recommend changes in program rules or statutory authority and draft proposed language.
• Monitor disbursements to ensure awards do not exceed budget authority and assist supervisor in preparation of budget requests.
• Provide technical assistance to institutions on the delivery of funds, award revisions, applicant eligibility, and interpretation of statutes, rules, and regulations.
• Assist with managing the Dual Enrollment Scholarship program (DES) and the Dual Enrollment Educator Scholarship Program (DEESP).
• Act as a resource person for the Centralized Programs unit in the supervisor’s absence.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• One to three years of professional experience in business operations, financial accounting, or program management.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Experience in creating and conducting training courses and public speaking.
• Ability to provide work samples demonstrating writing skills for grammar, editing, and communication upon request.

Preferred Qualifications

• Applicants who meet both the professional and educational experience requirements.
• Applicants who complete the application information and hiring requirements accurately and thoroughly.

Educational Substitutions

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in education and/or business/program management can substitute for 4 years of direct experience. A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in education and/or business/program management can substitute for 6 years of direct experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning, administering, or evaluating educational programs.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of effective communication.
• Knowledge of the methods of data collection.
• Ability to be productive under tight timeframes, balance multiple and competing priorities, and maintain goal-directed behavior under stressful conditions.
• Ability to work independently with limited guidance and direction.
• Ability to work as a team or individually on assignments.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate data.
• Ability to assess budgetary needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others and communicate effectively.
• Ability to communicate highly technical information verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Benefits

• State Group Insurance coverage options (health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental options).
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (www.myfrs.com).
• Nine paid holidays and a Personal Holiday each year.
• Annual and Sick Leave Benefits.
• Student Loan Forgiveness Program (eligibility required).
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Tuition Fee Waivers (accepted by major Florida colleges/universities).
• Ongoing comprehensive training provided.
• Career growth opportunities in a highly skilled, professional environment.
• Maternity and Parental Leave Benefits.

Pay

$45,060.00