"Financial Aid Counselor 2"

Job Summary

This position plays a critical role in determining eligibility for, and managing the awarding of, student financial aid from federal, state, institutional, and other sources, particularly for students attending Augusta University's Health Science campus, including students pursuing medical and dental degrees. In alignment with the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and AU standards, this role supports learners across all stages of their academic journey. Responsibilities include assisting students and their families in completing the FAFSA, providing individualized counseling and advising on available financial aid programs, reviewing documentation, maintaining precise and confidential records, and ensuring full compliance with federal and state laws as well as institutional and system regulations. By ensuring that students, especially those training for careers in health care, have access to necessary resources. This position directly contributes to the enrollment, retention, and graduation of individuals who might otherwise be unable to pursue or complete their education. Note: Some travel is required to meet with medical students on other sites within the State of Georgia.

Responsibilities

• COUNSELING: Provide individualized guidance to students (and their families) in Health Science fields, such as medicine and dentistry, regarding financial aid eligibility. Advise on available aid programs, the distribution and renewal of awards, and complete entrance and exit counseling with loan borrowers. Counsel students on how changes such as withdrawal or not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements can affect future eligibility. Offer information on non-aid payment options (e.g., payment plans) to ensure timely payment of institutional charges. Note: Some travel is required to meet with medical students on other sites within the State of Georgia.
• CUSTOMER SERVICE: Assist students and families with FAFSA submission and completion, submission of required documentation, and the verification process. 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. Collaborate with federal, state and outside agencies to report aid awarded so funds can be drawn down. Also work with AU departments regarding admission, registration, academic advising and account payment regarding aid available for students.
• RECORD MAINTENANCE: Reconcile FAFSA data with submitted documentation to verify for accuracy and resolve inconsistencies. Review and analyze FAFSA rejections and use problem solving skills to determine resolutions. Use critical thinking skills to determine if student has special circumstances warranting revisions to FAFSA data or changes to student dependency status. Revise any inaccurate data and report corrections to Department of Education. Collect and maintain proper documentation for audits.
• AWARDING AND ADJUSTMENTS: Ensure compliance with voluminous and detailed federal, state, and local statute and regulations, and often coordinate campuswide compliance. Assist with interpretation and implementation of federal, state and institutional policies and procedures related to student financial aid programs. Assist with technical functions and reporting requirements.
• EVENTS AND COMMITTEES: Maintain professional currency through consistent professional development. Assist with planning and implementation of new initiatives. Participate and represent the financial aid department at events on- and off campus, required even if event is not during regular workdays or hours. Serve on various committees as needed. Assist and train other staff.
• : Perform all other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

Preference given to candidates with experience with Department of Education software (i.e. FAA Access, National Student Loan Data Systems (NSLDS), COD, Return to Title IV, etc.) and knowledge of federal tax laws FA module of Ellucian Banner and CampusLogic.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

KNOWLEDGE

Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer software/databases. Knowledge of and ability to comply with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) laws.

SKILLS

Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Detail-oriented with strong prioritization and organizational skills. Demonstrate strong public speaking and presentation skills.

ABILITIES

Ability to maintain confidentiality. Demonstrate ability to work with a wide range of people. Demonstrate ability to efficiently and effectively solve problems and initiate and implement projects independently. Ability to learn software systems (Ellucian Banner, CampusLogic, Slate, other databases/interfaces). 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 issue 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 prioritize tasks, detail oriented, and possession of a teamwork spirit. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, faculty and other constituents. Willingness and ability to travel to provide training and education at other AU medical student sites.

Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days; M-F. Pay Band: B7. Salary: $20.29/hourly-$23.07/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.