Types of Work Study
The purpose of the Northwest University Work Study program is to provide financial assistance to financially needy students by facilitating part-time employment. To participate, you must be awarded “Work Study” as part of your financial aid package.
Work Study is a job in which you earn a regular, hourly wage, paid in a normal paycheck. It is recommended that you find a Work Study job related to your academic or career goals. There are many job opportunities available (both on-campus and off-campus) for students year-round, although Northwest University cannot guarantee each student a Work Study position.
One benefit of participating in the work study program, is that it can give you valuable career experience that could give you a head start upon graduation. Another benefit is that when you complete the FAFSA for the following year, any funds earned at a work study job are not counted as part of the student’s expected contribution.
Keep in mind that funds awarded for Work Study are not counted by the Student Accounts Office in calculating your balance owed, because these funds are paid directly to you in the form of a paycheck, not disbursed to your account.
If you are not eligible for the Work Study program you may seek employment through the NU JobSearch program. NU JobSearch is ready to assist you in identifying part-time employment when you arrive at Northwest University. Information regarding NU JobSearch can be obtained through the Human Resources Office.
Washington State Work Study (Off Campus)
What is it?
State Work Study students work off-campus, for an approved employer, and are paid by their employer. Washington State Work Study positions are administered by the Financial Aid Services Office. Students must not be pursuing a major or minor in the College of Ministry and must be a Washington State resident.
There are a variety of off-campus Work Study employers including health care providers, financial planners, attorneys, city governments, non-profits, insurance agents, and a variety of other businesses.
How do I get started?
If you are interested in finding a State Work Study job off-campus, you will need to contact employers that are hiring. Click here for a list of current Work Study employers. You will also need to make sure the Conditions of Award and Employer Referral Form are completed prior to starting your job. Stay in contact with the Work Study Coordinator to make sure you complete the necessary steps before starting your new job.
Important Information for Off-Campus Work Study Students
- All Off-Campus Work Study students must complete two forms, the Conditions of Award and Employer Referral Form
prior to starting the Work Study position. These forms can be obtained from the Work Study Coordinator in the
Financial Aid Services Office. - An additional Conditions of Award and Employer Referral Form must be completed for summer Work Study.
- Work Study Students must submit timesheets to the Work Study Coordinator. Timesheets are available in the
Financial Aid Services Office. - Only the first 19 hours of work each week can be considered Work Study. Any hours above 19 will not be considered
Work Study.
Federal Work Study (On Campus)
What is it?
Most Federal Work Study employees work on-campus and are paid by the university. Students work an average of 12-15 hours per week. The Federal Work Study program is administered by the Financial Aid Services Office.
How do I get started?
If you are interested in getting a job on campus, you will need to complete an employment application and submit it to the Human Resources department at NU. Employment applications can be found at the Human Resources Office or online at www.northwestu.edu/current/jobs. (This job application is the same one required for full-time employment.) Your application will be sent to the different departments on campus that have positions available. These departments will contact you to set up an interview. If you are hired, you will just need to complete hiring paperwork with the Human Resources department; the Work Study Coordinator will track, and take care of the Work Study paperwork.
Federal Community Service Work Study (Off Campus)
What is it?
It is PAID community service! Federal Community Service employees work off-campus and are paid by their employer. You’ll work for an approved Federal Community Service Employer performing a variety of tasks. These jobs are open to students of any major.
How do I get started?
If you are interested in getting a Federal Community Service Work Study job contact the Work Study Coordinator and request a Referral Agreement for Federal Community Service. This is a license, of sorts, for looking for a Work Study Job. Once you receive this form, you can begin looking for a job.
Check out the list of currently approved Federal Community Service Work Study Employers:
Washington Initiative for Supported Employment – Click here for a job description.
Lakeview Elementary School: Family Literacy Project – Click here for a brochure.
Mercer Island Youth and Family Services – Click here or check NU JobSearch for current openings.
Kirkland Boys and Girls Club – Click here for a listing of their current job openings.
After you receive the Referral Agreement, you may contact any of these employers directly and ask if they have any job openings. If you have any trouble contacting any of these employers, talk to the Work Study Coordinator who can help you get in touch with them. They may have positions available, but are not advertising them.
Currently Employed?
If you already have an off-campus community service job, it may be possible to participate in the work study program at the same time. In some cases, students are able to utilize work study while fulfilling academic requirements (or vice-versa). There are several requirements for determining if a community service job could be turned into Work Study:
-You must be paid.
-You must receive an hourly wage.
-Work Study can be used for a maximum of 19 hours per week.
If your current job meets these requirements, contact the Work Study Coordinator, John Hadley, at 425/889.4090 to see if your employer may qualify for Work Study. (There are some restrictions in regards to the political or religious affiliation of the employer.)
Important Information for Off-Campus Work Study Students
- All Off-Campus Work Study students must complete two forms, the Conditions of Award and Employer Referral Form
prior to starting the Work Study position. These forms can be obtained from the Work Study Coordinator in the
Financial Aid Services Office. - An additional Conditions of Award and Employer Referral Form must be completed for summer Work Study.
- Work Study Students must submit timesheets to the Work Study Coordinator. Timesheets are available in the
Financial Aid Services Office or online. - Only the first 19 hours of work each week can be considered Work Study. Any hours above 19 will not be considered
Work Study.