Financial Aid Counselor

Savannah State University established in 1890, is the first public historically black college or university in the state of Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. The university's students select majors from four colleges — Business Administration, Education, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and Sciences and Technology. The campus is by far the most picturesque in the state of Georgia. The moss-laden sweeping oak trees, expansive marsh and historic architecture create a resplendent yet tranquil atmosphere. Beneath the beauty and splendor is a vibrant residential campus bursting at the seams with the vim and vigor of quality collegiate life: relevant academic majors, engaging lectures, cutting-edge research, quality student-faculty engagement and a nurturing environment.

Reporting to the Director, the Financial Aid Counselor advises students about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, costs, indebtedness, money management and financial planning. The incumbent individualizes information to the particular needs and situation of the student. Additionally, the incumbent collects and/or analyzes financial data on students to determine aid eligibility and make awards within federal, state, and institutional guidelines. May be directed to perform job related tasks other than those specifically delineated in this description.

NOTE: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not offer sponsorship for employment visas.

• Evaluate financial need of students from a variety of sources including documentation of financial status and personal interviews.
• Award financial aid according to federal, state, and institutional regulations and guidelines.
• Present financial aid information to students, parents, high school guidance counselors and university constituents.
• Provide good customer service by responding to student and parent inquiries accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintain a working knowledge of all federal, state, and institutional programs administered by the Financial Aid Office.
• Make referrals for students over a wide range of subjects relating to the financial aid processes and eligibility requirements.
• Keep abreast of all changes in federal, state, and institutional rules and regulations by reading aid literature and attending various training sessions.
• Maintain detailed records and documentation for assigned student cases.
• Contact students to clarify questions or to request additional information.
• Represent the department at special events such as high school college nights, orientations, financial aid workshops, financial literacy workshops, open campus days, etc.
• Answer telephone calls and respond to emails on behalf of the office.
• Follow NASFAA's Statement of Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct.
• Perform assigned responsibilities, duties, and tasks according to established practices, procedures, techniques, and standards with minimal supervision.

• Bachelor's degree required and one year of experience at an institution of higher education focusing on financial aid and/or student counseling OR Associate's degree with three (3) years of experience at an institution of higher education focusing on financial aid and/or student counseling.
• Professional work experience in counseling, advising, and disseminating information to educate relevant constituencies
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer software and general office applications

The proposed salary is $43,900.00 annually.

• Knowledge of federal, state, USG and institutional processes, procedures and guidelines related to federal financial aid
• Knowledge of database management
• Skilled in customer service with ability to adapt in a dynamic work environment
• Skilled in communication (interpersonal, oral, and written)
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and a positive orientation toward customer service
• Ability to handle difficult situations with sensitivity and responsiveness to student needs; handle confidential information with discretion and good judgement
• Ability to take initiative and follow through to completion all assignments and projects in a timely manner
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and collaborate with staff and management

For best consideration, apply by May 9, 2025.

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu. For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email support@usg.edu.

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 on-line 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 on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Savannah State University's Core Values: T.I.G.E.R

• Teamwork is our distinction. Through mutual support, cooperation, encouragement, and shared goals, we at SSU believe that by working together, our university family of students, faculty, staff, alums and community supporters are serving and advancing our institution.
• Integrity as we will act honestly, fairly, impartially, unbiased and ethically, creating a trust that is evident in all University activities and decision-making.
• Greatness in our transformation and wisdom as we maximize the potential in each student through a nurturing environment in which our resources are safeguarded, and we are good stewards of the human, intellectual, physical, and fiscal resources given to our care.
• Excellence is our campus standard. Through the performance of campus duties, a commitment to the greatness of teaching and learning, scholarship, student engagement, stewardship and tradition, SSU will continue to be the catalyst for innovation and discovery.
• Respect through recognizing the inherent dignity and rights of every person. We will do our utmost to fulfill our resulting responsibility to treat each person with fairness, compassion and decency.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Savannah State University, as determined by Savannah State University, 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. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

All employment processes and decisions, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and tenure, shall be free of ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements. The basis and determining factor for all such decisions should be that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role, and is believed to have the ability to successfully perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and duties associated with the position for which the individual is being considered. At the core of any such decision is ensuring the institution's ability to achieve its mission and strategic priorities in support of student success.

For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Savannah State University, Office of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu.

• The work is typically performed in an office setting while sitting at a desk or table with intermittent standing, bending, or stooping.
• The work may require lifting light objects up to 15 pounds.
• The work will require travel and may necessitate overnight travel for workshop and conference attendance.
• The work may require some evening and weekend work during seasonal or peak periods.

• Applicants must include a list containing the name, e-mail address and telephone number for three (3) professional references (e.g. supervisor, mentor, colleague).
• Applicants must upload transcript(s) with the application. Unofficial are acceptable. Official transcript(s) required upon hire.