Financial Aid Counselor (Front Desk)

The University of North Georgia; Dahlonega (GA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, GA, is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor to staff the front desk, assist students with the financial aid application process, and explain eligibility rules in line with federal and state regulations.

The role requires processing aid applications, coordinating with the Bursar and other offices, and contributing to a supportive, student-centered financial aid office.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of routine office equipment and procedures.
• Knowledge of various software programs.
• Knowledge of financial aid application procedures and forms.
• Requires effective communication skills.
• Accurate typing/data entry skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population.
• Ability to utilize BANNER or a similar relational database.

Responsibilities

• Process all steps of the financial aid process and records; ensure accurate processing and timely funds release.
• Assist in development and delivery of assessment tools to confirm students are on track to graduation.
• Process records for Title IV and state aid programs to ensure smooth operations.
• Lead one or more financial aid programs (e.g., TEACH, VA, Private Scholarships).
• Maintain knowledge of Verify My FAFSA, SURFER, COD, NSLDS; coordinate with Bursar's office on refunds and invoicing.

Skills

Routine office equipment knowledge

Software programs

Financial aid procedures

Communication skills

Typing / data entry

Diversity & inclusion

BANNER or relational database

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

BANNER

Job description

Job Title: Financial Aid Counselor (Front Desk)

Location: UNG-Dahlonega, GA

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 302884

About Us

Located in the fastest-growing region of the state, the University of North Georgia is a multi-campus university with an enrollment of over 20,000 students, making it one of the largest institutions in the University System of Georgia. UNG is focused on a mission of educational excellence, leadership development and community engagement opportunities that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. Through a variety of educational pathways that provide access and range from certificates and associate degrees to a professional doctoral program, UNG is responsive to regional education and economic development needs. Federally designated as a senior military college, one of the university's signature leadership programs is its 800-member Corps of Cadets on UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

Job Summary

The University of North Georgia is currently accepting applications for a Financial Aid Counselor (front desk). The department is seeking an experienced, customer-service oriented professional as part of a collaborative team in the Office of Student Financial Aid. The team member will work with students, parents, and staff across the university to process student financial aid applications and explain financial aid policies and processes. Responsible for general financial aid duties, including but not limited to, working the front desk and counseling students through the financial aid application process, determining eligibility in accordance with State and Federal regulations, and electronic processing functions and other customer service duties.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all steps of the financial aid process and processing records according to federal, state, and established institutional parameters, policies, and procedures to ensure accurate processing and timely release of funds. Possess working knowledge of Title IV and State Programs to ensure compliance and audit requirements. Ability to identify issues, investigate possible reasons/solutions, evaluate possible outcomes, and develop the most efficient plan of action for each individual situation. Evaluate and make independent decisions in relation to unusual cases and special requests. Assist student by phone, email, or in-person.
• Assists in development and delivery of assessment tools to confirm students are on the road to graduation. Provide timely intervention if student needs assistance i.e. CPOS, losing state aid and federal aid.
• Process records and perform specific functions related to Title IV and state aid programs to ensure smooth operations of the Office, timely disbursement and reconciliation of funds.
• Be the lead on one or more FA programs (such as (TEACH, Private Loans, VA, Private Scholarships, Consortium, Communications, etc.).
• Assist with additional FA functions such as but not limited to maintaining a working knowledge of Verify My FAFSA, SURFER, COD, NSLDS, and front desk duties. Work with Bursar's office to coordinate refunds and invoice processing, Work with other departments to coordinate the customer service needs of the students. Function as an integral part of the Office of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.
• Participates in community financial events including Student Orientations, Nighthawk preview and high school nights.
• Assist the Director of Student Financial Aid and Team Leaders on projects as needed and perform all other duties in the Office of Student Financial Aid/Enrollment Management as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of routine office equipment and procedures
• Knowledge of various software programs
• Knowledge of financial aid application procedures and forms
• Requires effective communication skills
• Accurate typing/data entry skills
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population
• Ability to utilize BANNER or a similar relational database

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• Two years of experience as financial aid, bank, or retail associate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluent in Spanish preferred.

Proposed Salary

Salary Range $18.34 - $20.17

Required Documents to Attach

• Resume, and Cover Letter
• Contact information for three professional references

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 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 on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.218_personnel_conduct.

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

Institutional Values

The University of North Georgia, a regional multi-campus institution and premier senior military college, provides a culture of academic excellence in a student-focused environment that includes quality education, service, research, and creativity. This is accomplished through broad access to comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. The University of North Georgia is a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia. More details on the UNG Mission, Values, Vision, and Culture can be found at https://ung.edu/about/mission-vision-values.php.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of North Georgia, as determined by University of North Georgia in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of North Georgia, a unit of the University System of Georgia, is an Affimative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sex or national origin, age, disability, religion, genetics or veteran status. Georgia is an open records state. Also, UNG is a federal contractor and desires priority referrals of protected veterans.

Other Information

This is not a supervisor position
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position will not travel.
This position does not require security clearance.

Background Check

• Position of Trust

Please note: the University of North Georgia career board updates daily, positions are subject to be removed without prior notice or before the posting expires.