PROGRAM SPECIALIST III-DOE - 48001821
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 Florida Department of Education’s Office of Student Financial Assistance. The position assists professional staff in administering student assistance programs, communicates with institutions and students about complex financial aid award issues, and supports responsibilities assigned to the unit’s Program Director. The role evaluates institution renewal applications and student applicant information, maintains institutional and applicant data, helps determine program eligibility and award disbursement, and provides technical assistance to applicants, parents, and schools. It also supports policy analysis, reporting, training, and management of the unit’s programs. This is an on-site position at the Turlington Building in Tallahassee; telework is not available. The schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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 grammar, editing, and communication review 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.
Nice To Haves
- Preference for applicants who meet both the professional and educational experience criteria.
- Preference for 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 current 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 analysis 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, including scholarships, grants, tuition reimbursement, and teacher loans.
- Evaluate student applicant data and information to determine eligibility, make awards, and ensure timely and accurate disbursement of funds; this may include reviewing needs analysis data and academic transcripts.
- Provide technical assistance on program requirements to applicants, parents, and schools, orally and in writing, including policy interpretation, appeal consideration, and judgments on eligible programs of study.
- Analyze and recommend to the supervisor 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 unit programs and serve as a resource person for the unit in the supervisor’s absence.
- Perform other duties as required.
Benefits
- State Group Insurance coverage options
- Nine paid holidays and a Personal Holiday each year
- Student Loan Forgiveness Program, subject to eligibility
- Tuition Fee Waivers accepted by major Florida colleges and universities
- Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
- Annual and sick leave benefits
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Ongoing comprehensive training
- Career growth
- Maternity and parental leave benefits
- Highly skilled, professional environment
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
