Entry Level Counselor Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

About Us
Albany State University is a fully accredited senior unit of the University System of Georgia. Employees receive benefits provided by the University System of Georgia, including, but not limited to, 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 and Tuition Assistance Program after six months of employment.
Location
Our West Campus is located at 2400 Gillionville Road, Albany, GA 31707. Our East Campus is located at 504 College Drive, Albany, GA 31705. The Human Resources office for both campuses is located on the West Campus in Building K, Suite 209.
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.
Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Responsibilities
Student advising:

• Explaining the financial aid application process, including the FAFSA, to students and parents.
• Assessing student eligibility for various financial aid programs like 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 verifications 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.
• Attend off-campus workshops, department meetings, and travel to in-state and out of state conferences.
• Perform outreach duties; conduct Financial Aid workshops on campus and at local high schools.
• Perform any duties assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, preferably with course work in higher education, finance, or Business discipline
• 2 years' 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.
• Demonstrate ability to provide presentations to small and large groups

Proposed Salary
Salary is commensurate with education and experience.
Required Documents to Attach
Cover letter.
Resume.
Transcripts.
A list of at least 3 professional references with their contact information.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrate mathematical agility
• Ability to maintain strictest confidentiality
• Ability to produce financial reports and understand data
• Knowledge of financial aid policies
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of Banner, COD, and NSLDS
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Skilled in customer service
• Skilled in verbal and written communication

Contact Information
For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (229) 500-2026, or by email at hrasu@asurams.edu. For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251-2644, or by email at support@usg.edu.
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia 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 .
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 tenets of ethics, treating other 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. We practice a supportive spirit that results in the implementation of plans, actions and shared results.
Learning
We cultivate a practice of global pedagogies in a learning environment.
Conditions of Employment
All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Albany State University.
Certain positions may also require the selected candidate to submit to or have:
* a credit check completed for "Positions of Trust" and/or approved departmental purchase card usage
* a motor vehicle report for positions that require driving an Albany State University vehicle
* a successful pre-employment drug test
Conditions of Employment
All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Albany State University.
Certain positions may also require the selected candidate to submit to or have:
* a credit check completed for "Positions of Trust" and/or approved departmental purchase card usage
* a motor vehicle report for positions that require driving an Albany State University vehicle
* a successful pre-employment drug test
Equal Employment Opportunity
Albany State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, working, and studying. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the ASU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the ASU community.
For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Albany State University Office of Human Resources at (229) 500-2026. For individuals requiring disability-related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Disability Resource Center at 229-500-3442.