Job Title: Financial Aid Specialist (State Programs)
Location: UWG Recruiting Location
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 259004
About Us Since 1906, UWG has been home to those who are eager to take their own path, learn, and grow. With more than 12,700 students from across Georgia, 34 other states and 64 countries, 95+ undergraduate programs and concentrations, and 35 master’s, specialist, and doctoral degree programs, we’ve come a long way since then. Today, we’re a regional powerhouse making a $626 million local economic impact.

With locations in Carrollton, Douglasville, and Newnan, Georgia, we take pride in making a difference in the lives of our students, our neighbors, and the world. In essence, UWG provides a safe, quality and affordable college experience that transforms lives. Amazing things happen when you Go West!

The university is organized into our College of Art, Culture, and Scientific Inquiry; College of Education; Richards College of Business; University College; School of Communication, Film, and Media; Tanner Health System School of Nursing; Honors College; Graduate School; UWG Newnan; and our UWG Douglasville Center.

Job Summary

The Financial Aid Specialist (State Programs) will serve as the lead expert and administer State Scholarship and Grant Programs including HOPE and Zell Miller, REACH, GA Hero scholarship, GA National Guard Service Cancelable loan, GA Public Safety. Provide comprehensive financial aid counseling and related assistance to all eligible students. Ensures student records are maintained within FERPA guidelines for protection of student privacy. Determine eligibility for aid after verifying pertinent documents. Award state aid in compliance with state regulations and program guidelines. This position will collaborate with GSFC and other state colleges to resolve CHECS errors, and ensure students' records are accurate in CHECS and Banner. Duties also include application and disbursement procedures, exercising professional judgment to analyze and process files, and operating in compliance with the regulatory and institutional requirements for federal, state, and college financial aid programs.

Responsibilities

Monitor and Maintain the CHECS Database and Applicable Banner Student Records.

Process Transfer and Readmitted Student's HOPE/Zell Miller Schoalrship Evaluations.

Provide information, in person, telephone, and email to students, prospective students, and families regarding eligibility of state aid, status and documents needed to complete the process.

Provide student academic progress advisement.

Manage the collection and reporting of financial aid data. Assist in maintaining the policy and procedure manual up to date with information and eligibility requirements of federal, and state programs.

Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.

Other Required Qualifications

1 to 3 years of experience in a college enrollment management office or 6 months experience in a college financial aid office required. Excellent communication skills and attention to detail a must. Strong technical skills.. Customer service skills are essential.

Preferred Qualifications

A minimum of two years professional experience in the financial aid field with knowledge of Georgia state aid guidelines. . Excellent attention to detail and follow-through with procedures is a must.

Proposed Salary

$19.71 hourly

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia, as determined by the University of West Georgia in 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 Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of the University of West Georgia to follow federal law in regards to affirmative action and equal opportunity. The University of West Georgia's affirmative action program and related policies are developed in compliance with Executive Orders 11246 and 11375, as amended; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Sections 503 & 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II) and their implementing regulations; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as it amends 38 U.S.C. 4212.