Financial Aid Counselor II

Job Summary

The Financial Aid Counselor II is responsible for providing comprehensive advising to students and parents on financial aid programs, evaluating eligibility, packaging aid awards, managing complex cases, ensuring compliance with regulations, and often overseeing the work of junior counselors, all while maintaining a strong focus on student success and retention through proactive outreach and financial literacy initiatives.

The individual will work closely with prospective and continuing graduate students and families in planning and coordinating the funding of their education through eligible student loans, grants, scholarships, and other financial arrangements.

The Financial Aid Counselor II will be responsible for coordinating communication on behalf of the Office of Financial Aid In addition, the Financial Aid Counselor II will be responsible for entering Federal Work Study payroll into Banner, and ensure Federal Work Study students have appropriate authorization to work.

Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Responsibilities

• Conducting detailed consultations with students and families to assess financial need, explain various aid options, and guide them through the application process.
• Handling intricate financial aid situations, including appeals, verification of documents, and resolving discrepancies.
• Processes invoices for dual enrollment and reconciles each semester.
• Assists with reviewing Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals.
• Accurately evaluating student eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid programs based on established guidelines.
• Creating customized financial aid packages for students, considering all available aid sources and balancing affordability with student need.
• Monitoring adherence to federal and state regulations regarding financial aid administration.
• Reviewing financial aid data to identify trends, assess program effectiveness, and inform decision-making.
• Providing guidance and support to less experienced financial aid counselors.
• Conducting workshops, presentations, and information sessions to educate students and families about financial aid options.
• Working closely with academic advisors, student accounts, and other campus offices to ensure holistic student support.
• Helps at the Albany State University Enrollment Service Center and in the call center.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education or Business Administration.
• 3 to 5 years' experience in experience and knowledge of data load processing.
• Experience with online student information systems and personal computers.
• Knowledge of Banner, COD, and NSLDS.
• Demonstrate ability to provide presentations to small and large groups.

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic knowledge and experience using Ellucian Banner Enterprise System.
• Customer service experience in higher education.

Proposed Salary

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Required Documents to Attach

Cover letter.

Resume.

Transcripts.

A list of at least 3 professional references with their contact information.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations.
• Knowledge of Georgia state aid programs and related eligibility and disbursement requirements.
• Knowledge of financial aid awarding processes.
• Knowledge of student information systems such as Banner and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Skilled in analyzing financial data and preparing accurate reports and compliance documentation.
• Skilled in advising diverse student populations on federal and Georgia-specific aid programs through clear written and verbal communication.
• Skilled in critical thinking and applying professional judgment to complex student financial aid situations within regulatory guidelines.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of student financial and personal information.
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload and collaborate with internal departments and external agencies.
• Ability to stay current with changes to federal and Georgia state aid programs and communicate updates effectively to students and campus stakeholders.