Job Details

Financial Aid Counselor 2

Position Number: 6553045
Location: Augusta, GA
Position Type: Financial Aid

Financial Aid Counselor 2

Job ID: 289920
Location: Summerville Campus
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary:

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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 10,500 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 https://www.augusta.edu/about/mission.php make Augusta University an institution like no other.

Augusta University's distinct characteristics in education and research include real-world experiences and community engagement, as well as a culture of building community, corporate and government partnerships that address health, security, economic and societal concerns locally and across the state.

The University System of Georgia https://www.usg.edu/hr/orientation/welcome_to_the_board_of_regents_university_system_office is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Location

Augusta University-

Our Health Sciences Campus: 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912

Our Summerville Campus: 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904

College/Department Information

The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) at Augusta University is part of Enrollment and Student Affairs. We are dedicated to providing guidance and assistance for students to help ease the financial burdens associated with their education. We inform prospective and current students of the resources and services available to them to secure funds for financing their education. We advise students of their eligibility for financial assistance, assist with completing documents, and counsel students regarding their rights and responsibilities of receiving aid. Our goal is to help students, and their families make the best use of financial aid resources so they may achieve their educational accomplishments.

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. Consider applying with us today!

Conditions of Employment

All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Augusta University.

If applicable for the specific position based on the duties: the candidate will also need to have a credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage.

Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive an Augusta University vehicle.

For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.

All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive [patient, student, employee, financial, business, etc.] information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond.

Other Information

This position is also responsible for promoting a customer-friendly environment and providing superior service to our patients, students, faculty, and employees. "Augusta University is a patient-and family-centered care institution, where employees partner every day with patients and families for success."

Augusta University is a tobacco-free environment, and the use of any tobacco products on any part of the campus, both inside and outside, is strictly prohibited.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.

How To Apply

Consider applying with us today! https://www.augusta.edu/hr/jobs/

Select University Faculty & Staff > External Applicants if you are a candidate from outside the university

Select University Faculty & Staff > Internal Applicants if you are a current university employee

If you need further assistance, please contact us at 706-721-9365

To apply, visit https://careers.hprod.onehcm.usg.edu/psp/careers/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=12000&JobOpeningId=289920&PostingSeq=1