Program Specialist Iii-Doe - 48001821

State of Florida•Tallahassee, FL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Specialist III works under the limited supervision of the Educational Policy Analyst-SES in the State Scholarships, Loans & Grants Section of the Office of Student Financial Assistance. The position supports professional staff administering student assistance programs and communicates with institutions and students about complex financial aid award issues. It also assists with responsibilities assigned to the unit’s Program Director. The position evaluates postsecondary institution renewal applications and student applicant information to determine eligibility and make awards. It maintains institution and applicant data, supports the State Student Financial Aid Database, develops analyses and reports, and provides technical assistance to applicants, parents, and schools. The role also assists with program management and stakeholder training, and serves as a resource to the unit when the supervisor is absent. This is an on-site Career Service position at the Turlington Building in Tallahassee. The required schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; telework is not available. Salary is $45,060.12–$47,313.13, based on experience and qualifications.

Requirements

Four years of professional experience in business operations, financial accounting, or program management.
Experience creating and conducting training courses.
Experience with public speaking.
Ability to provide writing samples for review of grammar, editing, and communication skills upon request.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in education and/or business/program management may substitute for four years of direct experience.
Applicants must undergo Level 2 background screening as a condition of employment.
Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, must meet the stated Selective Service registration or exemption requirement to be eligible for hire or promotion.

Nice To Haves

Preference is given to applicants who meet both the professional and educational experience criteria.
Preference is given to applicants who complete application information and hiring requirements accurately and fully.

Responsibilities

Evaluate postsecondary institution renewal applications to determine eligibility for program participation.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date institution demographic information.
Serve as liaison for State Student Financial Aid Database security and assist with issues.
Assist in developing systems and reports to anticipate future conditions in applicant criteria and requirements.
Develop policy analyses for the unit director.
Develop and produce reports assessing applicant data and information systems.
Establish and maintain a computerized database of student applicants for state- and federally funded financial assistance programs.
Evaluate student applicant data and information to determine eligibility, make awards, and ensure timely and accurate disbursement of funds; this may include evaluating needs-analysis data and academic transcripts.
Provide technical assistance to applicants, parents, and schools on program requirements, policy interpretation, appeals, and eligible programs of study, orally and in writing.
Analyze and recommend changes to program rules or statutory authority, and draft proposed language or review proposals from others.
Develop and maintain statistical and demographic reports on program applicants and recipients.
Oversee training, development, and materials for counselors and other stakeholders.
Assist the supervisor in managing all programs in the unit and act as a resource person when the supervisor is absent.
Perform other duties as required.