Financial Aid Counselor 1

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About Us

Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state. More than 12,000 students choose Augusta for educational opportunities at the center of Georgia's cybersecurity hub and experiential learning that blends arts and application, humanities, and the health sciences. Augusta is home to Georgia's only public academic health center, where groundbreaking research is creating a healthier, more prosperous Georgia, and world-class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today. Our mission and values make Augusta University an institution like no other.


Augusta University's distinct characteristics in education and research include real-world experiences and community engagement, as well as a culture of building community, corporate and government partnerships that address health, security, economic and societal concerns locally and across the state.


The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at


Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at .


Location

Augusta University-

Our Health Sciences Campus: 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912

Our Summerville Campus: 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904


College/Department Information

The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) at Augusta University is part of Enrollment and Student Affairs. We are dedicated to providing guidance and assistance for students to help ease the financial burdens associated with their education. We inform prospective and current students of the resources and services available to them to secure funds for financing their education. We advise students of their eligibility for financial assistance, assist with completing documents, and counsel students regarding their rights and responsibilities of receiving aid. Our goal is to help students and their families make the best use of financial aid resources so they may achieve their educational accomplishments.


Job Summary

The Financial Aid Counselor 1 position is responsible for determining eligibility for all aspects of federal, state, institutional, and other sources of student financial aid processed, and works closely with students and other parties who play a role in providing educational support for students. The Financial Aid Counselor 1 will support the persistence and retention of students receiving financial aid benefits through processing of required paperwork in a timely manner, advocating on behalf of the student when it is needed, and supporting the goals of the Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs and the Office of Student Financial Aid.


Responsibilities

The duties include, but are not limited to:

COUNSELING : Counsel students and families regarding financial aid eligibility and advise on aid programs, distribution of aid, and renewal requirements. Counsel students on how enrollment affects aid amount awarded and how withdrawing or not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) affects future aid eligibility. Advise students and families regarding non-aid options (i.e., payment plan, etc.) to pay institutional charges by the payment deadline.

CUSTOMER SERVICE : Assist students and families with the completion and submission of required documentation. Work with students to identify and mitigate circumstances that might hinder their academic progress. Respond to student inquiries and administer student outreach regarding outstanding or incomplete applications for aid. Work with AU departments regarding admission, registration, academic advising, and account payment regarding aid available for students. Serve as backup for the front desk and participate in financial aid presentations and programs as needed.

RECORD MAINTENANCE : Use problem-solving skills to determine resolutions to records not loading or transmitting to the Department of Education (DOE) or state agency and/or Banner. Use critical thinking skills to determine aid eligibility if the student has flags on the account that may warrant revisions to FAFSA data or changes to student dependency status. Revise any inaccurate data and report corrections to DOE or the state agency. Collect and maintain proper documentation for audits.

FINANCIAL AID PROCESSING : Assist with the review and processing of student aid for accuracy and to ensure compliance with the federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures related to student financial aid programs. Responsible for technical and various system functions for the processing of student aid.

VARIOUS PROJECTS : Assist with various financial aid projects and functions that align with the university and department's mission. Collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely completion of tasks, student support, and adherence to compliance and best practice standards.

OTHER : Perform other duties as assigned.


Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of financial aid or related work experience, such as higher education or customer service required.


Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience with Department of Education software (i.e., National Student Loan Data Systems [NSLDS], Ed Connect, etc.), FA module of Ellucian Banner, and CampusLogic.


Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

KNOWLEDGE
Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer software/databases.

Willingness to learn Ellucian Banner SIS, CampusLogic, Technolutions Slate CRM, and other databases/interfaces.

SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Detail-oriented with strong prioritization and organizational skills.
Verbal Skills: Essential for communicating effectively with students and supporters, explaining financial aid options, and resolving inquiries clearly.
Memory for Detail: Crucial for processing and reviewing numerous financial aid documents, ensuring accuracy in awarding aid, and maintaining records.
Manual Dexterity: Required for handling documents, entering data, and navigating software systems to process financial aid applications.
Hearing: Important for listening to students' concerns or issues during counseling sessions, ensuring a clear understanding, and addressing financial aid needs.
Cognitive Ability: Necessary for interpreting financial aid regulations, reviewing student information, and making accurate determinations based on policies.

ABILITIES
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, faculty, and other constituents.
Willingness to travel to provide training and education.
Demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of people.
Demonstrated ability to efficiently and effectively solve problems and initiate and implement projects independently.
Ability to counsel students and provide excellent customer service.
Ability to comply with federal and state statutes and regulations regarding eligibility and distribution of student financial aid.
Professional judgment and critical thinking skills for interpreting and applying federal and/or state regulations and guidelines governing the awarding of financial aid to students.
Knowledge of and ability to comply with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) laws.
Ability to prioritize tasks, detail-oriented, and possess a teamwork spirit.


Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days; M-F

Pay Band: B5

Salary: $17.88/hourly-$20.61/hourly

Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position

Recruitment Period: Until Filled

Augusta University offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees.

Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.

Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!


Conditions of Employment

All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Augusta University.

If applicable for the specific position based on the duties: the candidate will also need to have a credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage.

Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive an Augusta University vehicle.

For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.

All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive [patient, student, employee, financial, business, etc.] information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond.


Other Information

This position is also responsible for promoting a customer-friendly environment and providing superior service to our patients, students, faculty, and employees. "Augusta University is a patient-and family-centered care institution, where employees partner every day with patients and families for success."

Augusta University is a tobacco-free environment, and the use of any tobacco products on any part of the campus, both inside and outside, is strictly prohibited.


Equal Employment Opportunity

Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.


How To Apply

Consider applying with us today!

Applicants are encouraged to tailor their resumes to the position of interest by clearly highlighting relevant work experience and skills gained from previous employment. Resumes should reflect how your background aligns with the qualifications and responsibilities of the role.

Select University Faculty & Staff > External Applicants if you are a candidate from outside the university

Select University Faculty & Staff > Internal Applicants if you are a current university employee

If you need further assistance, please contact us at View phone number on click.appcast.io