Financial Aid Counselor 2

Augusta University; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

13 paid holidays

Job summary

Augusta University is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor 2 for our Summerville Campus to determine eligibility and manage the awarding of student financial aid. You will guide students and families through the FAFSA process while ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with federal and state regulations.

This role emphasizes attention to detail, professional judgment, and collaboration with Admissions, Registrar, Academic Advising, and Student Accounts to align financial aid with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and at least 2 years in financial aid, customer service, or related work.
• Experience with ED software like FAA Access, NSLDS, COD, Return to Title IV.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and confidentiality with FERPA awareness.

Responsibilities

• Counsel students and families on aid eligibility, programs, and renewal requirements.
• Assist with FAFSA submissions and verify documentation; resolve outstanding aid issues.
• Maintain accurate financial aid records and perform data reconciliation.
• Ensure compliance with federal/state laws and university policies in awarding aid.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Registrar, and Student Accounts on enrollment and billing.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Customer service skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Teamwork / relationship-building

Confidentiality (FERPA)

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Ellucian Banner

CampusLogic

Slate CRM

NSLDS

Job description

Financial Aid Counselor 2

Job ID: 301804

Location: Summerville Campus

Full/Part Time: Full Time

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 12,000 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. 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. 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.

LocationAugusta University -Our Health Sciences Campus:1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912Our 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 determines eligibility for and manages the awarding of student financial aid from federal, state, institutional and other sources. The responsibilities include assisting students and families with the completion of the FAFSA, counseling and advising students and parents on the financial aid programs, reviewing documentation and maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with requisite federal and state laws as well as federal, state, system, and university regulations. Ultimately, this position works to enroll and retain students who may not otherwise be able to attend or graduate without financial assistance.

Responsibilities

• COUNSELING: Provide comprehensive counseling to students and their families regarding financial aid eligibility, available aid programs, disbursement procedures, and requirements for aid renewal. Educate students on how changes in enrollment status may affect their aid eligibility, including the implications of withdrawal and failure to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards. Advise on alternative funding options such as payment plans to assist with meeting institutional deadlines and financial obligations.
• CUSTOMER SERVICE: Deliver high-quality customer service by assisting students and families with FAFSA submissions, documentation requirements, and navigating the federal verification process. Proactively identify and support students facing challenges that may impact their academic and financial standing. Communicate with students to resolve outstanding aid issues and provide outreach related to incomplete applications. Liaise with external agencies for fund disbursement and collaborate with internal departments including Admissions, Registrar, Academic Advising, and Student Accounts to ensure financial aid alignment with enrollment and billing activities.
• RECORD MAINTENANCE: Review, reconcile, and verify financial aid data submitted via the FAFSA and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies. Investigate rejected FAFSAs and employ analytical skills to determine appropriate resolutions. Assess cases for special or unusual circumstances that may justify professional judgment or dependency overrides. Make and report corrections to the Department of Education and ensure all documentation is complete and audit ready.
• AWARDING AND ADJUSTMENTS: Maintain compliance with complex federal, state, and institutional regulations governing financial aid programs. Interpret and apply policy updates while assisting with the awarding and adjustment of financial aid packages, including state scholarships and grant programs. Use accounting and reconciliation skills to ensure accuracy in fund disbursement, perform Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations, and resolve fiscal discrepancies. Support technical processes such as system file loads and data integrity tasks as needed.
• OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES: Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with regulatory and institutional changes. Support the implementation of new departmental initiatives and contribute to process improvement projects. Provide training and mentorship to other staff as needed and perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of 2 years of progressive experience in financial aid, customer or financial services or related work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Department of Education software (i.e. FAA Access, National Student Loan Data Systems (NSLDS), COD, Return to Title IV, etc.) and Ellucian Banner and Campus Logic.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• KNOWLEDGE: Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, with the ability to learn and adapt to financial aid systems such as Ellucian Banner SIS, CampusLogic, Technolutions Slate CRM, and other related databases or interfaces. Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding and adherence to federal and state statutes regarding eligibility and the distribution of student financial aid, as well as the ability to apply these regulations consistently. FERPA Compliance: Knowledge of and strict adherence to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) laws to protect student confidentiality.
• SKILLS: Strong Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and effectively in-person, through writing, and over the phone. Customer Service Skills: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to provide exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries and guiding students and families through the financial aid process.
• ABILITIES: Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to assess issues, make decisions independently, and address problems efficiently. Task Prioritization and Attention to Detail: Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks efficiently, maintaining high levels of accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment. Teamwork and Relationship-Building: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, faculty, students, and other stakeholders, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment. Confidentiality: Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive student financial data.

Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days; M-F

Pay Band: B7

Salary: Minimum: $20.29/hour - Midpoint: $21.09/hour

Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position

Recruitment Period: 8/5/2026 -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.

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.