Lead Financial Aid Advisor, Client Services

Provides leadership to and routinely assists Financial Aid Advisors and support staff in accomplishing their daily responsibilities. Serves as authority for satisfactory academic progress appeals and manages reports on potential changes in student eligibility. Advises students and parents regarding federal, state and institutional aid in an accurate and efficient manner, and assists with related financial aid application processes. Awards, cancels and revises financial aid awards based on office policies and procedures, and in compliance with applicable rules and regulations. Remains current on federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures.

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.

Climb stairs.

Lift up to 30 pounds or more

Sitting for extended periods of time doing computer work.

Some evening and weekend work

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 awards and revises student financial aid in accordance with federal, state and university policies and procedures.

Remains current regarding federal, state and university regulations, policies and procedures concerning financial aid related matters.

Monitors 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.

Reconciles award discrepancies with Student Accounts and works with UGA departments as needed to resolve financial aid related issues.

Adhere to all statutory, regulatory, and policy guidance, including office policies and procedures.

Provides professional leadership to the office by assigning and monitoring the completion of designated reports in accordance with regulations, policies, and procedures; ensures all report procedures are created and kept current.

Monitors and assists 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.).

Assists 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. Serves as a mentor in training new employees with respect to student and program eligibility, award revisions, reports, clear documentation and complex advising circumstances.

Serves as office lead for Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals.

Routinely conducts random checks of worked reports for accuracy.

Collaborates with other employees and serves on office committees regarding policy, procedures, and training opportunities.

Participates in approved training and professional development activities in coordination with supervisor.

Assists with presentations and financial aid outreach events, delivering information and responding to questions accurately, timely, and professionally.

Assists in training new employees (permanent and temporary, including interns and graduate assistants).

Provides 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.

Provides backup assistance for office reception duties.

Perform other duties as assigned, which may include working in other areas of the office.