Financial Aid Counselor I

Inside Higher Ed; Albany (GA); On-site; USD 29,569 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and major medical insurance

Group life insurance

Tuition assistance program

Job summary

A state university in Albany is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor I to guide students through the financial aid process. The position involves advising on aid eligibility, reviewing applications, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree and 2 years of relevant experience. The salary range is $29,569 to $42,000 per year, with benefits like insurance and retirement options provided by the University System of Georgia.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably with relevant coursework.
• Minimum of 2 years of financial aid experience in education.
• Experience with online student information systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance on financial aid applications.
• Review and verify financial aid applications.
• Maintain accurate student financial aid records.

Skills

Mathematical agility

Strong interpersonal skills

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in higher education, finance, or business

Tools

Banner

COD

NSLDS

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Financial Aid Counselor I – Albany State University

Location: Albany State University (West Campus – 2400 Gillionville Road, Albany, GA 31707; East Campus – 504 College Drive, Albany, GA 31705)

Job Summary

The Financial Aid Counselor I will provide basic guidance to students and their families regarding the financial aid application process, reviewing financial aid applications, determining eligibility for various aid programs, and awarding financial aid packages while adhering to federal and institutional regulations, usually with a focus on assisting students with less complex financial situations or serving as an entry‑level position within a financial aid office.

Responsibilities

Student Advising

• Explaining the financial aid application process, including the FAFSA, to students and parents.
• Assessing student eligibility for various financial aid programs such as grants, loans, and work‑study.
• Reviewing financial aid applications and supporting documents to verify accuracy.
• Calculating and awarding financial aid packages based on student need and eligibility.

Data Entry and Record Keeping

• Maintaining accurate student financial aid records within the financial aid management system.
• Entering student information and documentation into the system.
• Tracking student progress and communication regarding financial aid requirements.

Compliance and Regulations

• Staying updated on federal and state financial aid regulations.
• Ensuring compliance with all financial aid policies and procedures.
• Performing necessary verification of student information as required.

Communication and Outreach

• Responding to student inquiries regarding financial aid options and application process.
• Conducting financial aid workshops and presentations for students and parents.
• Participating in recruitment events to inform prospective students about financial aid availability.
• Attending off‑campus workshops, department meetings, and traveling to in‑state and out‑of‑state conferences.
• Performing outreach duties; conducting financial aid workshops on campus and at local high schools.
• Performing any duties assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, preferably with coursework in higher education, finance, or business discipline.
• 2 years of professional financial aid experience or relevant work experience in a higher educational environment.
• Experience with online student information systems and personal computers.
• Knowledge of Banner, COD, and NSLDS.
• Demonstrated ability to provide presentations to small and large groups.

Preferred Qualifications

• Customer service experience in higher education.

Proposed Salary

Salary range: $29,569 to $42,000 per year.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrate mathematical agility.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to produce financial reports and interpret data.
• Knowledge of financial aid policies.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Skilled in customer service.
• Skilled in verbal and written communication.

Contact Information

For more information or questions about this job posting, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (229) 500‑2026, or by email at [e-mail]. For technical support, call OneUSG Connect Support at (877) 251‑2644, or email [e-mail].

Equal Employment Opportunity

Albany State University is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity and affirmative action institution. Recruiting, hiring, training, promoting and educating persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status is required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, AREA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75‑50). Albany State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution. For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Albany State University Office of Human Resources at (229) 500‑2026. Individuals requiring disability‑related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format should contact the Disability Resource Center at 229‑500‑3442.

Benefits (provided by the University System of Georgia)

• Medical and major medical insurance.
• Group life insurance.
• Participation in the Georgia Teachers’ Retirement System.
• Optional retirement plan (faculty and exempt employees only).
• Social Security.
• Tuition assistance program after six months of employment.

Conditions of Employment: All selected candidates are required to pass a background check prior to starting with Albany State University. Certain positions may also require a credit check for positions of trust, a motor vehicle report for positions that require driving an Albany State University vehicle, or a successful pre‑employment drug test.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of 26 institutions of higher education and adheres to core values of Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. For details on the USG Statement of Core Values, Code of Conduct, and related policies, see the UG policy manual online.

Institutional Values

• Excellence: We achieve outcomes of the highest quality, hold ourselves accountable to the highest standard and are committed to continuous improvement in university programs and services.
• Respect: We are directed by ethics, treating others with courteous regard, and being civil in our interactions.
• Community: We strive to build community and value a good mindset.
• Teamwork: We seek partnerships within the university and community, practicing a supportive spirit that leads to shared results.
• Learning: We cultivate a practice of global pedagogy in a learning environment.