Financial Aid Counselor

Job Title: Financial Aid Counselor II

Location: Albany State Rec. Location

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Albany State University is a fully accredited senior unit of the University System of Georgia. Employees receive benefits provided by the University System of Georgia, including, but not limited to, medical and major medical insurance, group life insurance, participation in the Georgia Teachers' Retirement System, Optional Retirement Plan (Faculty and exempt employees only), Social Security and Tuition Assistance Program after six months of employment.

Location

Our West Campus is located at 2400 Gillionville Road, Albany, GA 31707. Our East Campus is located at 504 College Drive, Albany, GA 31705. The Human Resources office for both campuses is located on the West Campus in Building K, Suite 209.

Job Summary

The Financial Aid Counselor II is responsible for providing comprehensive advising to students and parents on financial aid programs, evaluating eligibility, packaging aid awards, managing complex cases, ensuring compliance with regulations, and often overseeing the work of junior counselors, all while maintaining a strong focus on student success and retention through proactive outreach and financial literacy initiatives.

The individual will work closely with prospective and continuing graduate students and families in planning and coordinating the funding of their education through eligible student loans, grants, scholarships, and other financial arrangements.

The Financial Aid Counselor II will be responsible for coordinating communication on behalf of the Office of Financial Aid In addition, the Financial Aid Counselor II will be responsible for entering Federal Work Study payroll into Banner, and ensure Federal Work Study students have appropriate authorization to work.

Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Responsibilities

• Conducting detailed consultations with students and families to assess financial need, explain various aid options, and guide them through the application process.
• Handling intricate financial aid situations, including appeals, verification of documents, and resolving discrepancies.
• Processes invoices for dual enrollment and reconciles each semester.
• Assists with reviewing Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals.
• Accurately evaluating student eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid programs based on established guidelines.
• Creating customized financial aid packages for students, considering all available aid sources and balancing affordability with student need.
• Monitoring adherence to federal and state regulations regarding financial aid administration.
• Reviewing financial aid data to identify trends, assess program effectiveness, and inform decision-making.
• Providing guidance and support to less experienced financial aid counselors.
• Conducting workshops, presentations, and information sessions to educate students and families about financial aid options.
• Working closely with academic advisors, student accounts, and other campus offices to ensure holistic student support.
• Helps at the Albany State University Enrollment Service Center and in the call center.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education or Business Administration.
• 3 to 5 years' experience in experience and knowledge of data load processing.
• Experience with online student information systems and personal computers.
• Knowledge of Banner, COD, and NSLDS.
• Demonstrate ability to provide presentations to small and large groups.

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic knowledge and experience using Ellucian Banner Enterprise System.
• Customer service experience in higher education.

Proposed Salary

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Required Documents to Attach

Cover letter.

Resume.

Transcripts.

A list of at least 3 professional references with their contact information.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations.
• Knowledge of Georgia state aid programs and related eligibility and disbursement requirements.
• Knowledge of financial aid awarding processes.
• Knowledge of student information systems such as Banner and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Skilled in analyzing financial data and preparing accurate reports and compliance documentation.
• Skilled in advising diverse student populations on federal and Georgia-specific aid programs through clear written and verbal communication.
• Skilled in critical thinking and applying professional judgment to complex student financial aid situations within regulatory guidelines.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of student financial and personal information.
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload and collaborate with internal departments and external agencies.
• Ability to stay current with changes to federal and Georgia state aid programs and communicate updates effectively to students and campus stakeholders.

Contact Information

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (229) 500-2026, or by email at ***email_hidden***. For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251-2644, or by email at [email protected].

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 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 on-line at

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at

Institutional Values

Excellence

We achieve outcomes of the highest quality, hold ourselves accountable to the highest standard and are committed to continuous improvement in University programs and services.

Respect

We are directed by tenets of ethics, treating other with courteous regard, and being civil in our interactions.

Community

We strive to build community and value a good mindset.

Teamwork

We seek partnerships within the University and community. We practice a supportive spirit that results in the implementation of plans, actions and shared results.

Learning

We cultivate a practice of global pedagogies in a learning environment.

Conditions of Employment

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

Certain positions may also require the selected candidate to submit to or have:

• a credit check completed for "Positions of Trust" and/or approved departmental purchase card usage
• a motor vehicle report for positions that require driving an Albany State University vehicle
• a successful pre-employment drug test

Equal Employment Opportunity

Albany State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, working, and studying. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the ASU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the ASU community.

For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Albany State University Office of Human Resources at (229) 500-2026. For individuals requiring disability-related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Disability Resource Center at 229-500-3442.