Mediabistro logo
job logo

Financial Aid Counselor 1

Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States


Financial Aid Counselor 1 Job ID: 297079

Location: Summerville Campus

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 role supports the persistence and retention of students receiving financial aid benefits through counseling, record processing, advocacy, and alignment with the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Responsibilities

Counsel students and families regarding financial aid eligibility and advise on aid programs, distribution of aid, and renewal requirements.

Advise 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 (payment plan, etc.) to pay institutional charges by the payment deadline.

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 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.

Use problem‑solving skills to resolve 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.

Assist with the review and processing of student aid for accuracy and to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures.

Assist with various financial aid projects and functions that align with the university and department’s mission.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

One year of financial aid or related work experience, such as higher education or customer service.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience with Department of Education software (NSLDS, Ed Connect, etc.).

Experience with FA module of Ellucian Banner and CampusLogic.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer software/databases.

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

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

Detail‑oriented with strong prioritization and organizational skills.

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.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Knowledge of and ability to comply with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) laws.

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.

Ability to prioritize tasks, be detail‑oriented, and possess a teamwork spirit.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, faculty, and other constituents.

Willingness to travel to provide training and education.

Shift & Salary & Benefits

Shift: Days; M‑F.

Pay Band: B5.

Salary: $17.88/hour – $19.07/hour, commensurate with qualifications.

Benefits include health, dental, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.

Other Information This position also promotes a customer‑friendly environment and provides superior service to students, faculty, and employees.

Equal Employment Opportunity Augusta University is a proud equal‑opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.

#J-18808-Ljbffr