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Financial Aid Counselor 1

Inside Higher Ed, Atlanta, GA, United States


Overview

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. Location details: Health Sciences Campus – 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912; Summerville Campus – 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904. The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) at Augusta University is part of Enrollment and Student Affairs. We guide and assist students to ease the financial burdens of education, inform prospective and current students of available resources, advise eligibility for financial aid, assist with documents, and counsel on rights and responsibilities of receiving aid. Job Summary

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

COUNSELING: Counsel students and families regarding financial aid eligibility, aid programs, distribution of aid, and renewal requirements. Advise on how enrollment affects aid amount and how withdrawal or not meeting SAP affects future eligibility. Advise on non-aid options (e.g., payment plans) to pay institutional charges by the payment deadline. CUSTOMER SERVICE: Assist with completion and submission of required documentation. Help students identify and mitigate circumstances affecting academic progress. Respond to inquiries and conduct outreach regarding outstanding or incomplete applications. Coordinate with AU departments on admission, registration, advising, and account payment related to aid. Serve as backup for the front desk and participate in financial aid presentations as needed. RECORD MAINTENANCE: Resolve issues with records not loading or transmitting to DOE or state agencies and/or Banner. Assess aid eligibility when account flags may warrant FAFSA data revisions or changes to dependency status. Correct inaccurate data and report corrections to DOE or state agencies. Collect and maintain documentation for audits. FINANCIAL AID PROCESSING: Assist with review and processing of student aid for accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies. VARIOUS PROJECTS: Support financial aid projects and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely tasks, student support, and compliance with best practices. OTHER: Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of financial aid or related work experience (e.g., higher education or customer service). Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience with DOE software (e.g., NSLDS, Ed Connect), FA module of Ellucian Banner, and CampusLogic. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge: Proficient in Microsoft Office and other software/databases; willingness to learn Ellucian Banner SIS, CampusLogic, Technolutions Slate CRM, and other systems. Skills: Strong written and verbal communication, public speaking and presentation skills; detail-oriented with prioritization and organizational abilities; professional judgment and critical thinking for interpreting regulations governing financial aid. Abilities: Maintain confidentiality; comply with FERPA laws; work with diverse individuals; solve problems and manage projects independently; counsel students and provide excellent customer service; comply with federal and state regulations; prioritize tasks and collaborate effectively; travel for training as needed. Shift, Salary & Benefits

Shift: Days; Monday–Friday. Salary: $17.88/hour to $19.07/hour; Pay band B5. Salary is commensurate with qualifications within the established range. Recruitment period: Until Filled. Augusta University offers comprehensive benefits for full-time employees, including health/dental/life insurance, retirement options, paid time off, holidays, and potential tuition assistance after six months of employment. Equal Opportunity

Augusta University is an equal opportunity employer and a tobacco-free campus. We welcome applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans. How to Apply

Apply through the official career site. Resumes should clearly reflect alignment with the qualifications and responsibilities of the role. Visit https://www.augusta.edu/hr/jobs/ for more information. Select University Faculty & Staff > External Applicants or Internal Applicants as appropriate. For assistance, contact 706-721-9365.

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