Financial Aid Counselor 2

Financial Aid Counselor 2

Job ID: 286514
Location: Summerville Campus
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary:

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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 10,500 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

This position determines eligibility for and manages the awarding of student financial aid from federal, state, institutional and other sources. The responsibilities include assisting students and families with the completion of the FAFSA, counseling and advising students and parents on the financial aid programs, reviewing documentation and maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with requisite federal and state laws as well as federal, state, system, and university regulations. Ultimately, this position works to enroll and retain students who may not otherwise be able to attend or graduate without financial assistance.

Responsibilities

COUNSELING: Provide comprehensive counseling to students and their families regarding financial aid eligibility, available aid programs, disbursement procedures, and requirements for aid renewal. Educate students on how changes in enrollment status may affect their aid eligibility, including the implications of withdrawal and failure to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards. Advise on alternative funding options such as payment plans to assist with meeting institutional deadlines and financial obligations.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: Deliver high-quality customer service by assisting students and families with FAFSA submissions, documentation requirements, and navigating the federal verification process. Proactively identify and support students facing challenges that may impact their academic and financial standing. Communicate with students to resolve outstanding aid issues and provide outreach related to incomplete applications. Liaise with external agencies for fund disbursement and collaborate with internal departments including Admissions, Registrar, Academic Advising, and Student Accounts to ensure financial aid alignment with enrollment and billing activities.

RECORD MAINTENANCE: Review, reconcile, and verify financial aid data submitted via the FAFSA and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies. Investigate rejected FAFSAs and employ analytical skills to determine appropriate resolutions. Assess cases for special or unusual circumstances that may justify professional judgment or dependency override. Make and report corrections to the Department of Education and ensure all documentation is complete and audit ready.

AWARDING AND ADJUSTMENTS: Maintain compliance with complex federal, state, and institutional regulations governing financial aid programs. Interpret and apply policy updates while assisting with the awarding and adjustment of financial aid packages, including state scholarships and grant programs. Use accounting and reconciliation skills to ensure accuracy in fund disbursement, perform Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations, and resolve fiscal discrepancies. Support technical processes such as system file loads and data integrity tasks as needed.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with regulatory and institutional changes. Support the implementation of new departmental initiatives and contribute to process improvement projects. Provide training and mentorship to other staff as needed.

OTHER: Perform all other duties assigned.

Required Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Department of Education software (i.e. FAA Access, National Student Loan Data Systems (NSLDS), COD, Return to Title IV, etc.) and Ellucian Banner and CampusLogic.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

KNOWLEDGE

Understanding and adherence to federal and state statutes regarding eligibility and distribution of student financial aid.

Knowledge of and strict adherence to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Detail-oriented with strong prioritization and organizational skills.

ABILITIES
Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to learn and adapt to financial aid systems such as Ellucian Banner SIS,CampusLogic, Technolutions Slate CRM, and other related databases or interfaces.

Demonstrated ability to assess issues, make decisions independently, and address problems efficiently.

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks efficiently, maintaining high levels of accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, faculty, students, and other stakeholders, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.

Ability to provide exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries and guiding students and families through the financial aid process.

Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days; M-F

Pay Band: B7

Salary: $20.29/hourly- $21.89/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.

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!

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 706-721-9365

To apply, visit