Financial Aid Counselor 1
Inside Higher Ed, Atlanta, GA, United States
Financial Aid Counselor 1
Location:
Summerville Campus (2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904)
Job ID:
297072
Regular/Temporary:
Regular
Full/Part Time:
Full-Time
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 Counselor supports student persistence and retention through timely processing of required paperwork, advocating on behalf of students, 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 and advise 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.
Customer Service:
Assist students and families with completion and submission of required documentation. Work with students to identify and mitigate circumstances that might hinder academic progress. Respond to inquiries and administer outreach regarding incomplete applications. Serve as backup for the front desk and participate in financial aid presentations and programs as needed.
Record Maintenance:
Troubleshoot records that fail to load or transmit to the Department of Education (DOE) or state agency and/or Banner. Determine aid eligibility for flagged accounts and revise inaccurate data, reporting corrections to DOE or state agencies. Collect and maintain proper documentation for audits.
Financial Aid Processing:
Review and process student aid for accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures. Provide technical support for various system functions related to student aid.
Various Projects:
Assist with financial aid projects and functions aligned with the university and department mission. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely completion, student support, and compliance with best practices.
Other:
Perform other duties as assigned.
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 Department of Education software (e.g., National Student Loan Data Systems [NSLDS], Ed Connect); FA module of Ellucian Banner; and CampusLogic.
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:
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Detail-oriented with strong prioritization and organizational skills. Ability to handle documents, enter data, and navigate software systems.
Abilities:
Maintain confidentiality; establish and maintain effective working relationships; counsel students and provide excellent customer service; comply with federal and state statutes and regulations relating to student financial aid; interpret and apply federal and state regulations and guidelines; comply with FERPA; prioritize tasks; work in teams; travel as needed; solve problems independently.
Shift / Salary / Benefits
Shift:
Days; Monday–Friday
Pay Band:
B5
Salary:
$17.88 - $20.61 per hour (commensurate with qualifications)
Recruitment Period:
Until Filled
Benefits
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Life insurance
Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan)
Earned vacation time
Sick leave
13 paid holidays
Tuition Assistance Program eligible for full‑time employees after 6 months
Conditions of Employment
Successful background check review required prior to starting.
Credit check required for Positions of Trust or approved departmental Purchase Card usage if applicable.
Motor vehicle reports required for positions that require driving an Augusta University vehicle.
Faculty hires must provide proof of completed academic degree(s) and post‑secondary transcripts or credential evaluations if foreign institution.
Employees must safeguard sensitive information, follow cybersecurity and privacy policies.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.
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Location:
Summerville Campus (2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904)
Job ID:
297072
Regular/Temporary:
Regular
Full/Part Time:
Full-Time
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 Counselor supports student persistence and retention through timely processing of required paperwork, advocating on behalf of students, 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 and advise 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.
Customer Service:
Assist students and families with completion and submission of required documentation. Work with students to identify and mitigate circumstances that might hinder academic progress. Respond to inquiries and administer outreach regarding incomplete applications. Serve as backup for the front desk and participate in financial aid presentations and programs as needed.
Record Maintenance:
Troubleshoot records that fail to load or transmit to the Department of Education (DOE) or state agency and/or Banner. Determine aid eligibility for flagged accounts and revise inaccurate data, reporting corrections to DOE or state agencies. Collect and maintain proper documentation for audits.
Financial Aid Processing:
Review and process student aid for accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures. Provide technical support for various system functions related to student aid.
Various Projects:
Assist with financial aid projects and functions aligned with the university and department mission. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely completion, student support, and compliance with best practices.
Other:
Perform other duties as assigned.
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 Department of Education software (e.g., National Student Loan Data Systems [NSLDS], Ed Connect); FA module of Ellucian Banner; and CampusLogic.
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:
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Detail-oriented with strong prioritization and organizational skills. Ability to handle documents, enter data, and navigate software systems.
Abilities:
Maintain confidentiality; establish and maintain effective working relationships; counsel students and provide excellent customer service; comply with federal and state statutes and regulations relating to student financial aid; interpret and apply federal and state regulations and guidelines; comply with FERPA; prioritize tasks; work in teams; travel as needed; solve problems independently.
Shift / Salary / Benefits
Shift:
Days; Monday–Friday
Pay Band:
B5
Salary:
$17.88 - $20.61 per hour (commensurate with qualifications)
Recruitment Period:
Until Filled
Benefits
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Life insurance
Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan)
Earned vacation time
Sick leave
13 paid holidays
Tuition Assistance Program eligible for full‑time employees after 6 months
Conditions of Employment
Successful background check review required prior to starting.
Credit check required for Positions of Trust or approved departmental Purchase Card usage if applicable.
Motor vehicle reports required for positions that require driving an Augusta University vehicle.
Faculty hires must provide proof of completed academic degree(s) and post‑secondary transcripts or credential evaluations if foreign institution.
Employees must safeguard sensitive information, follow cybersecurity and privacy policies.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.
#J-18808-Ljbffr