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Federal Work-Study 

The Federal Work Study Program is a form of financial assistance available to qualifying students. 

Students are given the opportunity to meet their educational costs through part-time employment. To determine Federal Work-Study eligibility, students should contact their financial aid counselor in the Office of Student Financial Aid. 

The Federal Government establishes eligibility criteria and allocates an annual grant used to fund the student's earnings. The employing department within the Medical University of South Carolina does not contribute to the student's earnings, except in cases where the student's eligibility is exceeded. Because of this unique funding arrangement, the program is governed by policies and procedures representative of both funding agencies. 

The Federal Work-Study is a federal regulated financial aid program authorized by the Higher Education Act of 1965 and subsequent amendments and reauthorizations. A certain percentage of your paycheck is provided through Federal Title IV funds.

What is Federal Work Study?

The Federal Work Study Program provides students financial aid in the form of wages paid to the student for services rendered as a Federal Work-Study employee. As a Federal Work Study employee, you are paid hourly. This is in accordance with MUSC payroll guidelines and as outlined in your FWS contract. Work must not interfere with the pursuit of your education.

The exact amount of your Federal Work Study award depends on your demonstrated financial need determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid, and on available funding from the Federal Government.

If your financial aid award letter includes Federal Work Study, the amount shown is the amount of money you may expect to earn during the academic year as a result of work performed and the hours necessary to perform such work.

 

What is the Role of the Office of Student Financial Aid in the Federal Work Study Program?

In addition to determining the amount of your Federal Work Study award, the Office of Student Financial Aid acts as the coordinating agent between the student, the supervisor and the administrative offices of MUSC like Human Resources, Payroll and Employee Health. Please call 792-2536 for questions about this information.

 

Steps to Finding a FWS Job

  1. Interested students should review the current available jobs and FWS FAQs.
  2. Contact the supervisor of any position in which you are interested.
  3. Be sure you submitted the current year's FAFSA, as this is a requirement for determining FWS eligibility.
  4. Once done, submit the Federal Work-Study Interest Form.
  5. After receiving your interest form, the FWS Coordinator will contact you to begin the onboarding process. This may include reducing your other financial aid to accommodate a FWS award.
  6. Be sure to complete all steps of the hiring process in a timely manner. The FWS Coordinator will tell you when you are cleared to begin working by providing an official start date. You cannot begin working until you have been provided with a start date from the Office of Student Financial Aid. Students that work in non-authorized periods of employment will not be paid from Federal Work-Study funds. There are no exceptions.
  7. Contact your FWS supervisor to establish a work schedule.

 

Essential information and rules

The work study program's rate of pay is $14.50 per hour. 

MUSC's Office of Student Financial Aid does not allow dual employment for Federal Work-Study employees.

A FWS employee must notify the Office of Student Financial Aid if they are working (or plan to work) in another department at MUSC or MUHA external of the Federal Work-Study program. Students already employed in another department at MUSC or MUHA considering a work study position must discuss this information with the FWS Coordinator.

Failure to communicate dual employment information to the Office of Student Financial Aid before being hired may place the student in a situation where the student is ineligible for work study. Any hours worked during an ineligibility period will be paid by the student's supervising department (not the FWS program). FWS may only work one work study job.

Students may work a maximum of 20 hours a week (no more than 8 hours on a particular day). Students working an 8-hour shift must be provided with a lunch break. Students are also governed by other policies which apply to all MUSC employees. MUSC work study students average 8-10 hours per week.

Availability of Federal Work-Study funds and written authorization by the FWS Coordinator will dictate work assignments during the holidays and the summer. If a student is authorized to work during a holiday break or summer, the student may not work more than 25 hours per week. Students may not work during scheduled class periods, clinics, internships, or other required clinical work. Students should notify their supervisor of their availability so that work schedules can be arranged around class schedules.

Notices of Eligibility are sent periodically to advise the student of their estimated remaining eligibility for Federal Work-Study. When a student comes within $500 of exceeding their award allocation, they are sent a letter advising them to plan accordingly so that they will not exceed their FWS awards allocation. 

As a Federal Work Study employee at the Medical University of South Carolina, you have certain employment rights. You have the right to:

  • Expect the Medical University of South Carolina to provide equal opportunity in employment without regard to sex, race, creed, national origin, or handicap.
  • Work free of the threat or actual incidence of racism or sexual harassment.
  • Work in an atmosphere consistent with the MUSC mission and values statement.
  • Be provided with adequate instruction and the necessary working conditions for your duties.

Copies of the Medical University of South Carolina Equal Employment Statement and Affirmative Action Policy are included in your employment packet.

If you have reason to believe your rights are being infringed upon or have questions concerning your rights, please contact the FWS Coordinator in the Office of Student Financial Aid at 843-792-2536.

Federal Work Study employees are expected to approach their employment in a professional manner. A student who accepts a FWS position is expected to:

  1. Complete employment paperwork with the FWS Coordinator prior to work.
  2. File all appropriate forms, as required, with the Office of Student Financial Aid.
  3. Fill out timecards completely and accurately.
  4. Ensure that all timecards are turned in on time.
  5. Perform all duties in compliance with departmental policies.
  6. Treat all members of the MUSC community and all visitors with courtesy and consideration.
  7. Notify your supervisor when you are unable to work as scheduled.
  8. Maintain confidentiality when working with all employment related materials.
  9. Maintain academic standing.
  10. Notify your supervisor and the Office of Student Financial Aid prior to terminating employment (in writing).
  11. Never work during scheduled class times.
  12. Notify your supervisor and the Office of Student Financial Aid prior to starting an out-of-town rotation. Failure to communicate on these dates may cause premature termination of your paperwork from payroll.
  13. Continue to maintain satisfactory academic progress and be enrolled at least half time.

FERPA is a law that protects the confidentiality of student records and information. FWS students who may have limited access to student information should familiarize themselves with the FERPA policy and notify the FWS coordinator for completion of any required OurDay trainings on FERPA as well as signing a FWS confidentiality statement.

FWS students may not acquire student information that is not directly related to their job assignments. They must also not release student information to anyone unless their job specifically requires them to do so. Any information obtained on the job must remain within the scope of the workplace.

Summer Work Study is not guaranteed. It is based on availability of funds and is only available to eligible students. The student must be currently enrolled at the university.

Students do not have to be enrolled for summer courses to receive Work Study funding if they have attended the previous spring term and are planning to return for the fall semester.

Incoming students are not eligible for Work Study prior to matriculating. Graduating students who plan to re-enroll in a new program are not eligible for work study in the summer before classes start.

Available FWS jobs

Federal Work Study Job Board: These are the current jobs available for Federal Work Study. Find a job that interests you and complete the job interest form. 

Job Description: To provide administrative support to the College of Nursing Dean’s Office. Duties will include assisting with activities related to faculty searches, including assisting with downloading applications and setting up files. Scheduling appointments, typing itineraries, requesting references, scheduling rooms, creating Red Cap Surveys, creating Red Cap summaries/reports; Assist with event coordination and preparation, assist with project management and preparation; assist with faculty promotion and tenure process; assist with compiling data for CON reports, plans, policies; provides back-up phone/office coverage for Dean’s Office; and other administrative duties as needed.

Qualifications: Ability to function independently requiring limited supervision. Effective communication and reasoning skills, and competency using basic computer skills are necessary.

Benefits: Access to the functioning of the dean’s office, with exposure to skill sets specific to the College of Nursing Dean’s Office.

Contact: Jo Smith, Executive Assistant to the Dean, smithjo@musc.edu, 843-792-3941

Job Description: Provides administrative support for the Community Aid, Relief, Education and Support Clinic (CARES) Therapy student-run free Clinic, a highly visible and dynamic program. Manages complex online documentation systems. Updates and maintains policy and procedures for the CARES therapy clinic. Optimize clinic workflows and enhance patient scheduling systems, serving as the primary point of contact for patient scheduling and referrals, coordinating student volunteers, scheduling clinicians, coordinating interpreter services, and providing key insights for clinic improvements. Provides visionary assistance along with CARES faculty in ideas to improve the CARES therapy clinic. Provides support for supply ordering and travel arrangements related to the CARES Therapy Clinic. Provide administrative support to CARES.

Qualifications: Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree and some office support experience preferred. Proficient with current office software such as Microsoft Office. Must sign confidentiality agreement to ensure compliance with FERPA.

Benefits: This position supports the CARES Therapy Clinic with administrative responsibilities and is ideal for a MHA, PT, OT, or SLP student but is not limited to those degree programs. This position is critical for the smooth operation of the CARES Therapy Clinic, which offers occupational (OT), physical (PT), and speech therapy services to the uninsured and underinsured in the Charleston area two evenings per week.

Contact: Rebecca Harty, hartyre@musc.edu, 843-792-3375

Job Description: Greeting visitors and customers, answering, and directing telephone calls. Gathering information for Identification cards, processing, and programming of Identification cards. Assist Administrative Coordinator with processing and programing of resident, fellow and student badges, creating and filing records. Assist Business Manager with other projects as needed.

Qualifications: Minimum of six months of administration experience in an office setting. Basic computer proficiency. You must be able to communicate effectively.

Benefits: Interacting with the public, students, faculty, physicians, contractors, and the employees of MUSC. Opportunity to work in a positive workspace, centrally located in the Medical Center Greenway with experienced staff in a University and Law Enforcement environment.

Contact: Jenny Sirisky, Administrative Coordinator, rhodesjs@musc.edu, 843-792-1512

Job Description: Help University HR staff with Resident Onboarding (I9’s; background checks; Employee Health Screening appointments). Ensure residents are on track to start 7/1. I-9 remediation project: review I-9’s with errors and make corrections; non-paid onboarding; and special projects as needed.

Qualifications: Must be a MUSC Student.

Benefits: Great work experience in a high-profile area. Supportive of full-time student workload.

Contact: Katie Richie, HR Manager, richeyk@musc.edu, 843-792-2797

FYI: This position is located “off-campus” in West Ashley (1 South Park Circle).

Job Description: Maintain database of research results; entry of research data into existing database; works with research personnel to ensure compiled data are accurate as compared to original data sources. Assist with general lab duties such as organizing files, equipment, etc.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with experience in Microsoft Office Applications such as Excel and Access.

Benefits: Gain experience in laboratory work and research methods.

Contact: Lois J. Matthews, matthelj@musc.edu, 843-792-3877

Job Description: Filing, Campus Errands, Data Projects & Data Entry, Mailings, Assisting with Program Events, and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: No prior experience is required. Must be a currently enrolled MUSC student.

Benefits: Introduction to administrative support in an academic setting.

Contact: Rebecca Barry, barryr@musc.edu, 843-792-5323

Job Description: Assist the Director of Clinical Education with administrative duties related to clinical placements, update forms, handouts, and handbook related to clinical education; enter data related to clinical placements; assist with marketing and recruitment of clinical supervisors; assist with scheduling clinical placement meetings (students, supervisors).

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree.

Benefits: Opportunity to learn organizational and management skills, the ability to interact with students and faculty professionally, and the importance of record-keeping for clinical placement purposes. Also, learn database management and license laws/accreditation/certification relative to clinical training documentation.

Contact: Dr. Christina Y Pelatti, pelatti@musc.edu, 843-792-3348

Job Description: Under the supervision and direction of course educators, assist in the development of educational material such as slides, handouts, learning activities, etc.; Set-up of lab meetings; and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required. Training or education in adult learning is preferred but not required.

Benefits: The student will develop organizational and time management skills and gain experience in basic office procedures.

Contact: Dr. Scott Hutchison, hutchis@musc.edu, 843-792-2712

Job Description: Enhance personal financial knowledge through training and individual research/study. Provide one-on-one financial coaching to MUSC students virtually and in-person. Lead financial literacy curriculum sessions via presentations and workshops to student groups. Assist in financial literacy event planning, workshops, and campus-wide events. Contribute creative ideas and content to support Financial Success Mentoring and OSFL.

Qualifications: Current MUSC student in good standing, completion of financial and pedagogical training.

Benefits: Enhance financial knowledge, improve communication and teaching skills, leadership development, networking opportunities, and access to financial-specific educational materials.

Contact: Elizabeth Gumbiner, Director, Student Financial Literacy, gumbiner@musc.edu, 843-792-9480

Job Description: Essential duties will include the migration of course content in Brightspace to include text, graphics, layout, and instructional activities under the direct supervision of the Director of Education and IT. Marginal duties will include the coordination of the migration processes with faculty and the instructional design team through email communication.

Qualifications: Candidate is required to have at least an associate degree and two years of work experience in any administrative or education field.

Benefits: Successful candidate will learn intro principals for instructional design for multiple programs in a college of health professions from faculty experts and will the support of education technology specialists. Candidates can make their own hours within a week, work on project timelines with supervision remotely, and add to their technical skill set.

Contact: Katie Weas, Administrative Manager, weask@musc.edu, 843-792-8542

Job Description: Potential research projects involve work in animal models of hearing loss and postmortem human cochlear and nervous system tissues. Specific duties include performing data collection and analysis on hearing function and other behavior tests using animal models of hearing loss and neurodegenerative disorders.

Qualifications: We are seeking a highly qualified and motivated individual with a bachelor's degree (or higher) in Biology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Immunology, Genetics, or other areas of Biomedicine. The ideal candidate should have a record of research experience.

Benefits: Obtain basic knowledge training and skills on the research of auditory neurosciences; to present the research data in the MUSC Student Research Day or other local research conferences; to have the chance to be included as a co-author in publications; to have other career professional development and training opportunities.

Contact: Dr. Hainan Lang, langh@musc.edu, 843-792-8483

Job Description: Operate the Library’s automated circulation system, answers ready reference questions; help patrons using the on-line catalog (MUSCLS); hardware and software in the Mac and DOS/Windows labs and multi-media area, and AV equipment in the LRC. The MUSC Library is open to MUSC faculty, staff, and students of MUSC and other institutions within the Charleston area Educational Consortium. Library facilities and resources are also available to the Charleston medical community and the public. Responsible for assessing and collecting fines, payments, audiovisuals and performing stack maintenance. Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Dependable, good interpersonal skills, able to work independently and manage time effectively, knowledge of Mac and DOS/Windows software.

Benefits: Student will increase their proficiency in using the on-line catalog, numerous Databases, various software applications and the Internet, will have access to books and audiovisuals in the collection.

Contact: Joshua Ivey, iveyjc@musc.edu, 843-792-6306

Job Description: Setting up Brightspace on-line platform with course content, lecture/reading materials, and assignment submission/grading capabilities; attending class, facilitating break-out sessions, grading, and other activities.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree.

Benefits: Exposure to COM, Department of Public Health Office—develops organizational skills and interacts with staff and faculty.

Contact: Dr. JacKetta Cobbs, cobbsj@musc.edu, 843-876-1891

Job Description: Assist the Director of Clinical Education with administrative duties related to clinical placements, update forms, handouts, and handbook related to clinical education; enter data related to clinical placements; assist with marketing and recruitment of clinical supervisors; assist with scheduling clinical placement meetings (students, supervisors).

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree.

Benefits: Opportunity to learn organizational and management skills, the ability to interact with students and faculty professionally, and the importance of record-keeping for clinical placement purposes. Also, learn database management and license laws/accreditation/certification relative to clinical training documentation.

Contact: Dr. Christina Y Pelatti, pelatti@musc.edu, 843-792-3348

Job Description: Assist Federal Work-Study Coordinator and Financial Aid staff with the preparation, copying, maintenance and organization of student files. Serves as courier for mail services. Assist with clerical duties to include answering phones, greeting visitors, filing, copying, etc., and other office related duties.

Qualifications: Ability to function independently requiring limited supervision. Effective communication and reasoning skills, and competency using basic computer skills are necessary.

Benefits: Access to the functioning of the University, with exposure to skill sets specific to the Office of Enrollment Management.

Contact: Mrs. Bernie Rodriguez, FWS Coordinator, rodrigbe@musc.edu, 843-792-2536/3813

Job Description: Routine office procedures including typing, transcribing, filing, mass mailings, scanning, etc. Assist with class prep, PowerPoints, lit searches, surveys, data collection/entry, and special projects.

Qualifications: Must be a responsible student with the ability to work under limited supervision with good computer knowledge and skills.

Benefits: Opportunity to work directly with Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech faculty, and develop skills for clinical work and research.

Contact: Dr. Amanda Giles, bozzelta@musc.edu, 843-792-2023

Job Description: Provide general office support for the Group on Student Affairs including the following duties: Copying, filing, and typing; assist with scheduling meetings; assist in organizing files and meeting correspondence; provide administrative support for Orientation Planning; provide administrative support in the management of the Group on Student Affairs; perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree and some office support experience preferred. Proficient with current office software such as Microsoft Office. Must sign confidentiality agreement to ensure compliance with FERPA.

Benefits: Improve communication skills, enhance organizational capabilities, sharpen attention to detail, and develop leadership skills.

Contact: Myra Haney Singleton, Associate Academic Program Director, haneymk@musc.edu, 843-792-1672

Job Description: This position will be responsible for providing routine office administrative assistance, including Commencement preparation, transcript and enrollment verification mail preparation and drop-off, voicemail check and call forwarding.

Qualifications: Must be a MUSC student with good academic and professional standing. Must be eligible for Federal Work-Study. Must possess clear and effective communication through written and verbal means, be self-motivated, detail oriented, creative, and organized.

Benefits: Improve communication skills, enhance organizational capabilities, sharpen attention to detail, and develop leadership skills.

Contact: Kristen Hua, Associate Registrar, huak@musc.edu, 843-792-9480

Job Description: Assist in the preparation of programs and initiatives organized by The Office of Student Engagement. Duties include but are not limited to the following: set-up/ clean-up and preparation for events, marketing student programs by distributing flyers on bulletin boards, providing customer service to visitors and callers for the SPSD office, data input for online platforms (Engage, Housing Website, Helper Helper), and assisting with special projects as requested.

Qualifications: Must be responsible, dependable, thorough, and flexible. You must be outgoing and willing to work independently. Good interpersonal and communications skills are required, and one must follow through on group responsibilities.

Benefits: Get to know fellow students on a non-academic basis, the opportunity to improve communication and organizational skills, work in an exciting, relaxed environment, and become involved in student life.

Contact: Sabrina Nelson, nelsosab@musc.edu, 843-792-2146

Job Description: Assist study PI with literature reviews, data analysis and project planning. Provide administrative assistance such as filing documents and entering data responses to queries. Provide general office support as needed.

Qualifications: Enrollment in the DPT or OTD curriculum.

Benefits: Gain experience in research methods.

Contact: Alyssa Chesnutt, hydar@musc.edu, 843-792-8171

 

Contact the Office of Enrollment Management 

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45 Courtenay Dr, Flr 3
Charleston, SC 29425

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843-792-2536