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

The student services specialist II at the Financial Aid Office (FAO) at the National Campus works directly under the supervision of the Director of FAO. This role is critical in ensuring that students receive the necessary financial support to achieve their academic goals. The specialist assists with processing financial aid applications, counseling students on eligibility, and coordinating outreach effort, while maintaining close collaboration with other departments to enhance the overall student experience.

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 detail explanations of student’s rights and responsibilities related to the awarding of financial aid, ensuring they fully understand the term 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 Packing and Support
• Processes individual financial aid packages by determining student’s eligibility, financial need and available funding sources.
• Reviews and adjusts financial aid package as necessary, based on updated information or changes in students’ circumstances, ensuring that they continue to receive appropriate funding.
• Communicates the detail of financial aid packages to student, helping them understand the breakdown of grants, loans scholarships, and work-study opportunities.
• Monitors student’s financial aid awards to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulation, making adjustment when necessary to prevent over-awarding or ineligibility.
3. Financial Aid Workshops and Outreach
• Assists in conducting financial aid workshops each semester to educate student, faculty, and staff on the financial aid process, requirement, and deadlines.
• Collaborates with state high school, 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
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date student records, including financial aid documentation, and in collaborations with the college registrar’s office, admission status, program enrollment and academic progress, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Follows 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.
• Advises students on scholarship and external funding opportunities that align with their academic needs.
• Prepares and delivers reports on financial aid activities to the Director of FAO and during regular staff meeting.
• Performs additional duties as assigned including participation in standing committees or work group, broader student services initiatives.

Bachelor’s degree in education also counseling, social sciences, or a related field from a U.S. accredited institution. At least two years of full-time work experience in providing educational services, counseling, or financial aid-related services, with a strong understanding of FSA regulations. Software programs: Proficiency in office suites (e.g., Microsoft office) financial aid software, presentation tools, spreadsheets, and communication platforms. Special skills and knowledge: Thorough knowledge of Federal Student Aid (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 skill 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.

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 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;
6. Criminal background check under 6 months old; and

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.)

Applications will be accepted until November 24, 2024 followed by screening by the committee or until filled. Official and hard copies of college transcripts are require to be mailed directly from schools to HRO when a candidate is being considered.