Federal Work-Study 

Job Description: Update forms and handbook; assist with special projects; assist with assessment, accreditation, and learning activities; assist with program development and enhancements; assist with marketing initiatives (i.e., website); assist with public relations and community outreach (i.e., alumni, newsletters); general administrative tasks.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree

Benefits: Opportunity to learn organizational and management skills, the ability to interact with students and faculty in a professional manner, and the importance of record-keeping for program-specific activities. Also learn about documentation of accreditation and university-required aspects.

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

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 in developing and implementing individualized accommodations to support visually impaired students or employees in accessing materials, environments, and technologies.  Collaborate with disability services, instructors, and other stakeholders to ensure accessibility in instructional content and workplace tasks. Provide guidance on adaptive tools such as screen readers, Braille materials, and tactical graphics. Collaborate with faculty members to ensure that modified content meets the learning goals for the course.

Qualifications: Strong organizational and time management skills; strong written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits: The position offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting a university research core, academic program coordination, and engage in health services research focused on support for visually impaired students.

Contact: Kelly McGloon, PhD, mcgloon@musc.edu, 843-792-6443

Job Description: Perform analysis of morphometric, behavioral, and physiological datasets (experience helpful but not necessary). Coordinate with team members and participate in discussions on results. Maintain records of analysis. Support lab operation by maintaining lab supplies and workspaces, organizational tasks to maintain a safe and efficient lab environment.

Qualifications: Coursework in biology and computer skills are highly beneficial; interest in research; commitment to lab safety and responsible research practices; and the ability to work both independently and as part of the la team are required.

Benefits: This is primarily a dry lab position ideal for balancing academic and other commitments. This position provides training and mentorship in data management and analysis techniques, critical and scientific thinking, lab safety and practices, and preparation for future research experiences or projects.

Contact:  Dr. Brent A. Wilkerson, wilkersb@musc.edu, 843-792-4171

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: The work study student will support a range of administrative and research-related activities, including activities related to data collection and storage (physical and electronic), conducting follow up phone calls with participants to encourage study participation and verification of current addresses, preliminary cleaning of entered self-report assessment data, scanning of paper self-report assessments and assist with other team tasks as needed.

Qualifications: Strong organizational and time management skills; strong written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel and Sharepoint. Familiarity with on-line survey tools (REDCap experience is a plus).

Benefits: The position offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting a university research, academic program coordination, and engage in research focused in spinal cord injury, particularly longitudinal quality of life research under the direction of Dr. James Krause.

Contact:  Dr. Richard Aust, aust@musc.edu, 843-792-2605.

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: The student will assist members of the Group on Diversity Affairs with data/information entry for pipeline programs.  Help with the website upkeep by uploading meetings, workshops, and other events as needed.  Provide general office assistance by answering phones, Xeroxing, running errands on campus, email reminders to students and Publishing needs.

Qualifications: Must have good interpersonal skills.  Must be dependable, responsible, thorough, organized and be willing to work independently.

Benefits:  Student will gain experience and knowledge in administrative tasks and in the management of various support programs.

Contact: Kelli A. Jenkins, andke@musc.edu, 843-876-5070

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

Federal Work Study (FWS) is a federally 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.

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. You may not work during class time, nor should work interfere with schoolwork.

The exact amount of your Federal Work Study award depends on your demonstrated financial need determined by the Office of Financial Aid Services and available funding from the Federal Government. If you are awarded, the amount awarded is what you may expect to earn during the academic year as a result of work performed and the hours necessary to perform such work. The average FWS award is $7,000. Depending on the type and amount of other financial aid assistance you receive, your FWS award may be less than $7,000.

Schools are required to spend at least 7% of their annual allocation earmarked for jobs whose services benefit the community or general public, Community-Service Work Study. Example of community service jobs include those in the clinics, hospital, outreach programs from the departments, research studies and the library. 

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.

Work Study offers you the opportunity to:

Gain work experience

Explore possible career opportunities

Gain valuable references for future employment

Reduce loan indebtedness

Students can work right on campus versus securing employment outside of the University. Convenience of location and flexibility with scheduling are definite advantages to FWS versus employment in the community.

All Federal Work Study jobs must be on campus. 

No. Dual employment within MUSC/MUHA is not permitted while participating in the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program. Students who hold another position within MUSC or MUHA are not eligible to apply for or continue in an FWS position. Employment outside of MUSC is permitted, provided it does not interfere with your FWS responsibilities. If you begin employment in another MUSC/MUHA department after being hired for FWS, you must notify the FWS Coordinator immediately, as you will not be allowed to continue in your FWS assignment. Coordination between departments is required to ensure proper transfer through the OurDay system. Failure to disclose dual employment may result in ineligibility for Federal Work-Study.

Interested students should contact the Work Study Coordinator (WSC) in the Office of Enrollment Management – Student Financial Aid Services (843-792-2536). WSC will email student information about the FWS Program and ask if they are still interested after reviewing the information, they should indicate they want to proceed, and the onboarding process can begin. If there is a Waiting List, then their name will be placed on the Federal Work Study Waitlist until the hiring process can begin.

Eligibility is determined by students completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Students must exhibit financial need as determined by the FAFSA. A Financial Aid Counselor will determine your eligibility based on your financial need and federal regulations.

Work study is counted in a student’s Total Cost of Attendance, just as loans and scholarships are. If a student has requested maximum loans, then we are required to reduce the loans to accommodate work study. You may reduce your loans proportionately to the amount of FWS funds. This will reduce your stipend/refund each semester. Ex: Your budget is $40,000. You’ve received $40,000 in loans. You can reduce your loan debt to $33,000 to receive a $7,000 FWS award. If you have met your budget, you cannot go over it. Federal Work-Study (FWS) can reduce how much you can borrow in the future because it counts as financial aid when calculating your eligibility. We take it and your unsubsidized and grad plus loan totals together to make sure you are not over-awarded.

There is no penalty if you don’t earn the entire amount of your FWS award. You should be able to receive the remaining award amount via a loan refund.

We will notify you when you get close to your limit. Generally, your work study job will end once your funds are depleted or when the end of the contract is reached. It may be possible to increase the award, but only if funds are available and if you still have remaining eligibility.

NO. Federal Work Study funds are awarded to the school by the government, not directly to each student or each department. Placement in a work study job is a first- come, first-served basis, once eligibility is determined. Once the funds granted to the school are fully awarded, the government does not award additional funds until the following year.

Work Study eligibility is recalculated each school year. Although we try to award eligible students every year, our funding is limited and based on the student's financial need and other financial aid received. Students should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1st for priority consideration. It is possible to be eligible one year and not the next.

The number of hours authorized for the award period will be documented on your FWS contract, along with your contracted hours per week. You may work a minimum of 2 hours and a maximum of 20 hours per week (40 hours bi- weekly). You may not work more than 8 hours in a day. Students working 8-hour shifts must be provided with a lunch break.

All Federal Work-Study employees are paid $14.50 per hour (as of May 2025). Pay is issued bi-weekly via direct deposit.

Time is submitted through OurDay.

If you are going out on rotations for a semester and intend to come back to FWS, you have the option of being placed on Leave of Absence (LOA). A written notice to the FWS Coordinator is required. You will be placed on LOA until your return. Please note that LOA is only intended for an average of six to eight weeks. If your rotation schedule is longer than that, you will have to be terminated from the program.

If you need to resign your contract early, a written notice is required and you will be terminated from the program, effective your last day worked.

If you do not submit hours into OurDay on a regular basis, FWS Policy states that we terminate you after 3 pay periods of inactivity, which means you must be working on a regular basis to avoid being terminated. Consistently submitting late timesheets can also put you in jeopardy of termination.