PROGRAM SPECIALIST II-DOE - 48001384

State of Florida; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Department of Education is seeking a PROGRAM SPECIALIST II-DOE to perform intermediate-level work within the Office of Student Financial Assistance. You will assist with administration of state and federal scholarships and grants, and provide technical guidance on program requirements.

The role emphasizes accurate data evaluation, timely disbursement of funds, and collaboration with students, districts, and colleges. Working conditions are on-site in Tallahassee.

Qualifications

• One year’s experience with student financial aid programs.
• One year’s experience of working with students.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of administering educational programs.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Identifies system issues and suggests improvements.
• Evaluates applicant data and determines eligibility for awards and disbursement of funds.
• Provides technical assistance on program requirements to applicants, parents, districts, schools, and institutions.
• Prepares and reviews statistical and demographic reports on program applicants and recipients.
• Evaluates program policies and operating procedures and drafts improvements.
• Performs other duties as required.

Skills

Experience with student financial aid

Experience with students

Problem-solving ability

Effective communication

Report writing

Education

Associate degree substitution of work experience

Job description

SALARY IS BASED ON CANDIDATE’S EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Salary Range: $40,320.81 to $42,336.85

Location: Tallahassee/Turlington

Pay Plan: Career Service

Working Title: PROGRAM SPECIALIST II-DOE - 48001384

Position Number: 48001384

Posting Closing Date: 11/13/2026

Job Description

This position performs intermediate-level work under the general guidelines and supervision of the within the Program Specialist IV-DOE-SES in the State Scholarships, Loans & Grants Section of the Office of Student Financial Assistance, Division of Finance and Operations. The section administers financial assistance programs funded by state and federal sources including scholarships & grants and provides technical assistance to students, parents, high school and district personnel, and college financial aid officers.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Identifies system issues and deficiencies and provides suggestions for improvement.


• Evaluates applicant data and documentation to determine eligibility, suggests award evaluations, and ensures timely and accurate disbursement of funds to all eligible award recipients. Process includes the evaluation of academic transcripts using the Online Transcript Entry and Evaluation System (OTEES).


• Provides technical assistance and, regarding program requirements to applicants, parents, school districts, high schools, institutions, and other interested parties. This includes explaining complex financial aid issues, interpreting policy, appeal consideration, and providing the supervisor with recommendations on eligible programs of study based on the interpretation of statutes, rules, regulations, and explanation of office procedures.


• Prepare and review statistical and demographic reports on program applicants and recipients to provide a current snapshot of the program at any given period.


• Evaluate program policies and operating procedures, and draft recommendations for improvements.


• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Licensure/Registration/Certification/Experience or Education:

• One year’s experience with student financial aid programs


• One year’s experience of working with students

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of student financial aid programs.


• Knowledge of state program statutes, rules, policies, and procedures.


• Knowledge of the principles and practices of administering educational programs.


• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.


• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.


• Ability to prioritize workload.


• Ability to develop various reports.


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.


• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing


• Ability to plan, organize and direct program activities.


• Ability to be productive under tight timeframes, balance multiple and competing priorities and maintain goal-directed behavior and performance sometimes under stressful conditions.


• Ability to interact courteously with others.


• Ability to demonstrate consideration of the workload concerns of others and must not negatively affect productivity and morale of the unit.

Educational Substitutions

F.S. 112.219 – Substitution of work experience for postsecondary educational requirements.

• An associate's degree from an accredited college or University in can substitute for 2 years of direct experience.

Related work experience may not substitute for any licensure, certification, or registration required by an agency and indicated in the advertised job description.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT

Every day the Department of Education works hand in hand with parents, teachers, educators, and community members to improve Florida’s education system for students of all backgrounds and abilities. Our site reflects the cooperative relationship and the role that so many Floridians play in ensuring student success.

The FDOE’s mission for Florida’s Early Learning-20 education system is to increase the proficiency of all student within one seamless, efficient system, by allowing them the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills through learning opportunities and research valued students, parents, and communities.

Serving approximately 3 million students, 4,400 public schools, 28 colleges, 200,000 instructional staff, 46,000 college professors and administrators, and 340,000 full-time staff throughout the state, FDOE enhances programs and services for Florida’s students from early learning through college and career development. In addition, FDOE manages programs that assist individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or disabled succeed either in school settings or careers – encouraging independence and self-sufficiency.

FDOE’s Goal Is To Hire Individuals To Provide

• Higher Student Achievement


• Seamless Articulation and Maximum Access


• Skilled Workforce and Economic Development


• Quality Services

WORKING FOR THE STATE OF FLORIDA HAS BENEFITS!

• State Group Insurance coverage options+


• Nine paid holidays and a Personal Holiday each year


• Student Loan Forgiveness Program (Eligibility required)


• Tuition Fee Waivers (Accepted by major Florida colleges/universities)


• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions ( www.myfrs.com )


• Annual and Sick Leave Benefits


• Flexible Spending Accounts


• Ongoing comprehensive training provided


• Career Growth


• Maternity and Parental Leave Benefits


• Highly skilled, professional environment

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com

• We care about the success of our employees.


• We are always improving our technology, our tools, our customer’s experiences and ourselves


• We care about the success of our clients.


• A rewarding experience for reliable, compassionate and professional employees.

LEAVE INFORMATION: (CS)

• Annual Leave: All full-time Career Service employees filling established positions earn annual leave in varying increments dependent upon years of creditable service. Employees with up to 5 years of creditable service earn 8.667 hours per month, with 5 to 10 years earn 10.833 hours per month and those with over 10 years of service earn 13 hours per month.


• Sick Leave: Career Service employees earn 8.667 hours of sick leave credits per month.

BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT

It is the policy of the Florida Department of Education that applicants for employment/volunteer undergo Level 2 Background screening in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, Florida Statutes, as a condition of employment or being permitted to serve as a volunteer. You will be required to provide your Social Security Number to conduct required verifications. No applicant for a designated position will be employed, contracted, or permitted to volunteer until the Level 2 screening results are received, reviewed and approved by the Department. Level 2 background screening shall include, but not be limited to, finger printing for all purpose and checks under this requirement, statewide criminal and juvenile records checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, federal criminal records checks through the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and local criminal records checks through local law enforcement.

SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM (SSS) AND REQUIREMENT

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion in the Other Personal Services (OPS) or Career Service (CS), or appointment in the Selected Exempt Service (SES) or Senior Management Service (SMS) unless they are registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS.

Verification of Selective Service registration will be conducted prior to hire.

SPECIAL NOTE

Please note that this position requires an on-site schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Telework is not available for this role.

Equal Opportunity

• The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority in advance. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with section 112.0455, F.S. Successful applicants will be screen in accordance with Chapter 435, F.S., as applicable.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.

Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here . All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.