Assistant Director of Financial Aid Counseling Services

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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 Assistant Director for Counseling Services is responsible for supervising front desk operations within the Office of Student Financial Aid. This position provides guidance to students and family members or supporters of students regarding financial aid options, eligibility, and application processes, including scholarships, loans, alternative financing, and debt management. The role involves awarding financial aid, managing student eligibility, and ensuring compliance with requirements such as R2T4, Verification, and audits. Additionally, the Assistant Director will support cross-functional counseling services, delivering high-quality assistance to both internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

The duties include, but are not limited to:

COUNSELING : Counseling students and families regarding financial aid eligibility and advising 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.

SUPERVISION : The Assistant Director will supervise the three Financial Aid Assistants, ensuring they deliver excellent customer service via telephone, email, and walk-in interactions. This includes providing guidance on best practices for handling inquiries, resolving issues efficiently, and maintaining a high level of professionalism. As the supervisor of the Financial Aid Assistants, this person will be responsible for managing staffing and leave requests for the front desk area and the annual performance evaluations for those positions.

TRAINING AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT : The Assistant Director will regularly monitor customer service performance, offer training and support to the counseling team, and implement efficiencies related to the timely and accurate responses to students and parents. By monitoring customer service performance, offering targeted training to the counseling team, and implementing improvements in workflows, the Assistant Director can enhance the overall efficiency of the financial aid office, reducing response times and increasing the accuracy of information provided. This helps improve the overall student and parent experience.

FINANCIAL AID PROCESSING : Responsible for the processing of federal, state, and institutional aid following documented policy and procedures for these financial aid programs. Responsible for technical and various system functions for the processing of student aid.

COMPLIANCE : The Assistant Director ensures financial aid compliance when awarding students financial aid and is transparent when counseling students regarding eligibility. This position is responsible for managing key compliance requirements such as Return of Title IV (R2T4) funds, Verification, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and other requirements. The Assistant Director is responsible for maintaining accurate records, reviewing financial aid counseling processes for compliance with regulatory standards, and working closely with the financial aid leadership team to address any issues. This role is essential in ensuring that financial aid counseling services are compliant and transparent for the integrity of the aid counseling process.

OTHER : Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of financial aid or relevant work experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

Working experience with a student information systems such as Banner and Department of Education software, NSLDS, COD, Ed Connect.

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
Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as public speaking and presentation skills.

Detail-oriented with strong prioritization and organizational skills.

ABILITIES
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Demonstrated ability to efficiently and effectively solve problems and initiate and implement projects independently.
Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to uphold all 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.
Demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of people.
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 (Work outside of the standard business hours may be required)

Pay Band: B10

Salary: $52,500/annually-$54,600/annually

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.

Credit Check

This position will require the acquisition of a P-Card and/or handle cash, credit or other sensitive information and will require a satisfactory Consumer Credit check as a condition of employment.

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

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