Job Description / Duties

Provide quality service for students in accordance with their eligibility, needs and expectations with respect to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), including: interacting with students and their parents; using the University’s student information system(s) and MAESD processes and software; interviewing students; assessing individual needs; and processing OSAP applications
Assist in the administration and coordination of US Loans disbursements for international students
Assist students, parents and staff in identifying and understanding other internal or external funding programs for which students may qualify for financial assistance, such as targeted government programs, the University’s scholarship, awards, bursary or work-study programs, repayment assistance programs, and others
Process all aspects of the financial aid programs in compliance with the federal, provincial and internal policies, regulations and audit standards, including: receiving, reviewing and editing financial aid applications and processing student reviews, appeals, changes and corrections, ensuring all appropriate supporting documentation is received and information is accurately processed on online data systems
Liaise with the Indigenous Visual Culture Student Centre & Services Office in creating financial access opportunities for Indigenous students
Assist in the preparation of operational and business procedures (statistical) to support the ongoing systems and policy requirements as they relate to FAA
Responsible for developing new queries from Ministry and Student Information System platforms and modifying as required, in response to policy changes; maintain in-depth knowledge of all tables relating to FAA, Student Financials, Admissions, Records and Human Resources
Work with the Manager, IT Services team and other student service departments in the development and restructuring of internal systems to align with OCAD U’s strategic priorities; act as a main contact in the development of all new processes through the Colleague student information system
Support the Manager in monitoring the accuracy of FAA reports through testing and analysis to ensure that the reports are completed in a timely manner, and in accordance with policy
Respond to all FAA social media inquiries in a timely manner; oversee the FAA’s social media activities
Assist the Manager in the administration of the Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD), including maintaining the Ministry’s Bursary Recording System (BRS) and liaising with the Centre for Students with Disabilities (CSD), where required
Support the bursary decision-making process, including maintaining accurate data and setting up appropriate selection criteria; monitor and maintain a procedure for adjustments/reconciliations within Ministry and internal student information systems
Assist in uploading data to MAESD’s BRS ensuring institutional data is accurate and up-to-date in the awarding panels
Maintain confidence regarding student records in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) requirements and MAESD performance standards
Maintain current knowledge of all internal and external policies, procedures and general student financial assistance issues through official MAESD and Ontario Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA) communications
Assist with initiatives targeted to meeting student needs, such as creating and distributing communications, hosting seminars and workshops, and providing one-on-one counselling and budgeting sessions
Responsible for creating internal training documents in relation to duties as assigned by the Manager
Act as full time backup to the FAA front desk when necessary and perform all duties and functions as required
Participate on relevant University committees and professional associations/external networks, as required
Assist the Financial Aid & Awards Advisors and Manager in other related tasks that contribute to the successful operation of the FAA Office, including occasional outreach events that may fall outside of normal office hours

Qualifications / Required Skills

University degree in a related field, or equivalent; additional coursework (e.g. customer service, project management bookkeeping/accounting, counselling, etc.) an asset
A minimum of five years (5) related experience (e.g. working in a client-focused environment, advising, financial/budget planning, dealing with government agencies, etc.) with demonstrated strength in a teamwork orientation and high quality customer service
Recent knowledge of OSAP policies and procedures, and relevant experience in the administration of student financial assistance programs (e.g. loans, bursaries, grants) an asset
Knowledge of best practices with respect to: customer service principles, using technology to enhance in-person service deliveries, continuous process improvements and change management
Excellent organizational, research, analytical, statistical, numeracy and project management skills
Demonstrated attention to detail, and the ability to meet strict deadlines and work effectively under the pressure of high volume and constantly changing priorities
Advanced computing skills, including word processing, Excel spreadsheets and database management skills; familiarity with OSAP Webulator and Student Information Systems is an asset
Strong interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written communication skills
Proven ability to exercise tact, discretion and sound judgement; ability to maintain confidentiality is essential
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity, and proven ability to deal effectively with a diverse population
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and participate collaboratively in a team environment

Additional Information

Reporting to the Manager, Financial Aid & Awards (FAA), the Financial Aid Advisor supports the success of students through the provision of advisory and consultation services related to the availability and acquisition of financial resources, which facilitate achievement of their academic goals. The incumbent provides excellent customer service and expert advice to students, parents/partners and other third parties on a variety of Federal, Provincial and OCAD University (OCAD U) financial aid programs. The incumbent is responsible for the timely, accurate assessment and appeals processing of the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and related sub programs based on the policy guidelines of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAESD).

Salary: $50,274.70 to $66,086.25

Contact Information

Andre De Freitas, Manager Financial Aid & Awards (adefreitas@ocadu.ca)

Employer Profile

Founded in 1876, OCAD U is dedicated to art and design education, practice and research and to knowledge and invention across a wide range of disciplines. OCAD U continuously builds on its traditional, studio-based strengths, adding new approaches to learning that champion cross-disciplinary practice, collaboration and the integration of emerging technologies. In the Age of Imagination, members of the OCAD U community are uniquely qualified to act as catalysts for the next advances in culture, technology and quality of life for all Canadians.

Our programs and research bridge fields of digital media and design, sustainability, health and wellness, cultural diversity and indigenous cultures.

Our students engage in creative studio-based, aesthetic and technical learning, together with critical, theoretical, scientific and historical knowledge and methods.

Finally, our location inspires. OCAD U is situated at the heart of the nation's art, design, business and new media capital, on the ancestral and traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the New Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabe and the Huron-Wendat — the original owners and custodians of the land on which we stand.