Lead Financial Aid Advisor, Client Services

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the Office of Student Financial Aid

The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) manages and executes the financial aid operations, programs, and processes for the campus. OSFA oversees the administration of federal, state, and institutional aid provided to the UGA student body. With approximately 42 employees OSFA has responsibility for all financial aid received by the UGA student body in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work programs. OSFA annually administers in excess of $500 million in student financial aid for UGA students.

Responsibilities

• Advise accurately and efficiently students and parents who call, visit, or email the office regarding financial aid information and processes throughout lifecycle of financial aid application through receipt of aid funds and after.
• Provide assistance to students, families, and colleagues in completing financial aid application processes.
• Maintain a current working knowledge of relevant student information and financial aid processing systems.
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality of student and family data and information.
• Maintain security of student records and related information.
• Accurately award and revise student financial aid in accordance with federal, state and university policies and procedures.
• Remain current regarding federal, state and university regulations, policies and procedures concerning financial aid related matters.
• Monitor relevant systems (e.g., BANNER and the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)) for changes to students' federal aid eligibility and revise or cancel financial aid awards.
• Reconcile award discrepancies with Student Accounts and work with UGA departments as needed to resolve financial aid related issues.
• Adhere to all statutory, regulatory, and policy guidance, including office policies and procedures.
• Provide professional leadership to the office by assigning and monitoring the completion of designated reports in accordance with regulations, policies, and procedures; ensure all report procedures are created and kept current.
• Monitor and assist colleagues in analyzing reports that identify student records that may require award or eligibility adjustments (e.g., not enrolled, enrolled less than half-time, change in graduation date, etc.).
• Assist new or entry-level staff in accurately interpreting the necessary action required to work the reports and that they are worked in a timely manner.
• Serve as a mentor in training new employees with respect to student and program eligibility, award revisions, reports, clear documentation and complex advising circumstances.
• Serve as office lead for Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals.
• Routinely conduct random checks of worked reports for accuracy.
• Collaborate with other employees and serve on office committees regarding policy, procedures, and training opportunities.
• Participate in approved training and professional development activities in coordination with supervisor.
• Assist with presentations and financial aid outreach events, delivering information and responding to questions accurately, timely, and professionally.
• Assist in training new employees (permanent and temporary, including interns and graduate assistants).
• Provide clear and accurate documentation of transactions, conversations, interactions, and edits to records affecting student eligibility and/or compliance with applicable regulations, statutes, and/or policies.
• Provide backup assistance for office reception duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned, which may include working in other areas of the office.

Qualifications

Minimum: Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience.

Preferred: Prior experience working in Student Financial Aid.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong customer service and public speaking skills
• Work effectively under pressure of deadlines and complex regulatory environment
• Acute attention to details and deadlines
• Multi-task with high levels of accuracy
• Mentor and train new or entry-level employees

Physical Demands and Work Schedule

• Climb stairs
• Lift up to 30 pounds or more
• Sitting for extended periods of time doing computer work
• Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm; some evening or weekend hours may be needed
• Some travel needed