National Campus/FAO
P.O. Box 159
Kolonia, Pohnpei FM 96941

Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid Office (FAO), the Student Services Specialist I processes financial aid applications and awards, counsels students on eligibility and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and supports Federal Student Aid (FSA) compliance through accurate documentation and outreach to prospective and continuing students. This position ensures uninterrupted delivery of frontline financial aid services that directly affect students' ability to access and continue their education.

1. Financial Aid Processing and Counseling:
   
   • Assists students in understanding and meeting all financial aid eligibility requirements, including guiding them through the application process;
   • Provides detailed explanations of student rights and responsibilities related to the awarding of financial aid, ensuring they fully understand the terms of their financial packages;
   • Offers personalized counseling to students on financial aid probation or those not meeting satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards, helping them regain eligibility through planning and corrective actions;
   • Assists in calculating and determining financial aid packages based on student's eligibility, need, and institutional guidelines.
2. Financial Aid Packaging and Support:
   
   • Processes individual financial aid packages by determining student's eligibility, financial need, and available funding sources;
   • Reviews and adjusts financial aid packages as necessary, based on updated information or changes in students' circumstances, ensuring that they continue to receive appropriate funding;
   • Communicates the details of financial aid packages to students, helping them understand the breakdown of grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities;
   • Monitors students' financial aid awards to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, making adjustments when necessary to prevent over-awarding or ineligibility.
3. Financial Aid Workshops and Outreach:
   
   • Assists in conducting financial aid outreach workshops each semester to educate students and parents on the financial aid process, requirements, and deadlines;
   • Collaborates with state high schools, counselors, and parents to provide information on financial aid packages and the application process during outreach sessions;
   • Supports prospective students by providing guidance on completing financial aid applications and understanding financial aid award letters.
4. Record Keeping and Compliance:
   
   • Assists the financial Aid Office in maintaining audit compliance by maintaining accurate and up-to-date student records, including financial aid documentation, in collaboration with the college registrar's office;
   • Follow up with students who have incomplete or missing documentation, helping them to gather and submit the necessary forms to complete their financial aid files.
5. Collaboration and Communication:
   
   • Assists in planning and coordinating campus events such as orientation sessions, recruitment campaigns, and commencement exercises, specifically in relation to financial aid services;
   • Prepares and delivers reports on financial aid activities to the Director of FAO and during regular staff meetings;
   • Performs additional duties as assigned, including participation in standing committees or work groups, and broader student services initiatives.
6. Other duties as Assigned.

Bachelor's degree in Educational Counseling, Social Sciences, or a related field from a U.S. accredited institution, and at least two years of full-time work experience in providing educational services, counseling, or financial aid-related services, with a strong understanding of Federal Student Aid (FSA) regulations. Thorough knowledge of FSA regulations, policies, and procedures, including financial aid packaging and compliance requirements. Expertise in determining financial need and packaging financial aid awards in compliance with FSA guidelines. Strong communication and counseling skills to effectively explain financial aid processes and FSA requirements to students and families. Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse student body, faculty, and staff, ensuring that financial aid operations remain FSA-compliant and student-centered. Preferred: Knowledgeable in the use of ED Express software as well as FAFSA Application Online. Proficient in assessment and evaluation of student academic progress. Knowledge of preparing Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) reports. Evidence of professional and effective working relationship with staff and students.

Foreign credentials must be equated to US standards using World Education Services at http://www.wes.org

Applications are available at the College of Micronesia - FSM Human Resources Office, state campus sites or at the college's website at www.comfsm.fm.

Interested candidates must submit the following documents:

1. A letter of interest addressing how the candidate's professional qualification and experience match the minimum essential requirements of the position (not to exceed 3 pages);
2. COM-FSM application form (http://www.comfsm.fm/jobs/HRdocs/employment08.pdf );
3. A current resume which includes a personal email address and cellular phone number;
4. Copies of college transcripts for all degrees earned;
5. A minimum of three professional reference letters under 6 months old; and
6. Criminal background check under 6 months old.

Documents are to be submitted electronically to hro@comfsm.edu.fm (preferably as PDF attachments) or mailed to:

Human Resources Office
College of Micronesia-FSM
P.O. Box 159
Pohnpei FM 96941

(U.S Postal Service domestic rates apply in the Federated States of Micronesia.)

Official and hard copies of college transcripts are required to be mailed/electronically sent directly from schools to HRO when a candidate is being considered.