Job Title: Financial Aid Counselor 1Location: Summerville CampusRegular/Temporary: RegularFull/Part Time: Full-TimeJob ID: 297072Job SummaryThe 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 Financial Aid Counselor 1 will support the persistence and retention of students receiving financial aid benefits through processing of required paperwork in a timely manner, advocating on behalf of the student when it is needed, and supporting the goals of the Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs and the Office of Student Financial Aid.ResponsibilitiesCounsel 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.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 student 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 determine resolutions to 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 the federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures related to student financial aid programs. Responsible for technical and various system functions for the processing of student aid.Assist with various financial aid projects and functions that align with the university and department's mission. Collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely completion of tasks, student support, and adherence to compliance and best practice standards.Perform other duties as assigned.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of financial aid or related work experience, such as higher education or customer service.Preferred QualificationsPrior experience with Department of Education software (e.g., National Student Loan Data Systems [NSLDS], Ed Connect, etc.), FA module of Ellucian Banner, and CampusLogic.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesProficient in Microsoft Office and other computer software/databases.Willingness to learn Ellucian Banner SIS, CampusLogic, Technolutions Slate CRM, and other databases/interfaces.Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.Detail‑oriented with strong prioritization and organizational skills.Clear verbal communication and listening skills for counseling sessions.Attention to detail in processing and reviewing financial aid documents.Manual dexterity for handling documents, entering data, and navigating software systems.Ability to maintain confidentiality.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, faculty, and other constituents.Willingness to travel to provide training and education.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.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.Knowledge of and ability to comply with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) laws.Ability to prioritize tasks, detail‑oriented, and possess a teamwork spirit.Shift / Salary / BenefitsShift: Days; M-FPay Band: B5Salary: $17.88 /hour – $20.61 /hourBenefits: health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays. Eligible full‑time employees may be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program.Conditions of Employment: all selected candidates must successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting. Credit check may be required for Positions of Trust or approved departmental Purchase Card usage. Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive an Augusta University vehicle.Employees are responsible for ensuring confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies.Equal Employment OpportunityAugusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.#J-18808-Ljbffr
