Financial Aid Counselor

Financial Aid Counselor 1

Location:

Summerville Campus

Job Summary:

The Financial Aid Counselor 1 position determines eligibility for all aspects of federal, state, institutional, and other sources of student financial aid processed. The counselor works closely with students and other parties, supporting persistence and retention by counseling students and processing records in a timely manner, advocating on behalf of the student, and supporting the goals of the Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs and the Office of Student Financial Aid.

• Counseling: Counsel students and families regarding financial aid eligibility, advise on aid programs, distribution of aid, and renewal requirements. Discuss how enrollment changes affect aid and how withdrawal or failure to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) criteria impacts future aid.
• Customer Service: Assist with the completion and submission of required documentation, identify and mitigate circumstances that might hinder academic progress, respond to inquiries, and administer outreach regarding outstanding or incomplete applications. Coordinate with AU departments regarding admission, registration, academic advising, and payment of aid‑eligible charges. Provide backup for the front desk and participate in financial aid presentations as needed.
• Record Maintenance: Resolve records that fail to load or transmit to the Department of Education or state agency, and resolve discrepancies in FAFSA data or student dependency status. Revise inaccurate data and report corrections to the DOE or state agency. Collect and maintain proper documentation for audits.
• Financial Aid Processing: Review and process student aid for accuracy and ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies. Manage technical and system functions related to the processing of student aid.
• Various Projects: Assist with financial aid projects and functions aligned with the university’s mission. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to complete tasks on schedule and maintain compliance with best practice standards.
• Other: Perform duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and one year of financial aid or related work experience in higher education or customer service.

Prior experience with Department of Education software (e.g., National Student Loan Data Systems, Ed Connect), the FA module of Ellucian Banner, and Campus Logic.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer software/databases.
• Willingness to learn Ellucian Banner SIS, Campus Logic, Technolutions Slate CRM, and other databases/interfaces.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation.
• Detail‑oriented with strong prioritization and organizational skills.
• Professional judgment and critical thinking for applying federal and/or state regulations governing financial aid.

• Maintain confidentiality and comply with FERPA laws.
• Work with a wide range of people and solve problems independently.
• Counsel students and provide excellent customer service.
• Comply with federal and state statutes regarding eligibility and distribution of student aid.
• Prioritize tasks, detail‑oriented, and work collaboratively.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, faculty, and constituents.
• Travel to provide training and education when necessary.

Shift: Days;
Monday‑Friday
Pay Band: B5 – $17.88 per hour to $19.07 per hour, commensurate with qualifications within the established range.
Benefits available to full‑time, benefits‑eligible employees include health, dental, life, retirement, vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays. Eligible employees may also qualify for a Tuition Assistance Program after 6 months of continuous employment.

Augusta University is a proud equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans. The university is a tobacco‑free environment, and the use of any tobacco products on campus is strictly prohibited.