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
• Liaise with the Indigenous Student Services Office in creating financial access opportunities for Indigenous students
• Assist in the preparation of detailed, specific operational and business procedures (statistical) to support the ongoing systems & policy requirements as they relate to Financial Aid & Awards.
• Responsible for developing new queries and modifying as required, in response to policy changes. This requires in-depth knowledge of all tables relating to FAA, Student Financials, Admissions, Records and HR.
• Responsible for working with the Manager and I.T team as well as many student service departments in the development and restructuring of internal systems to align with OCAD U’s strategic priorities’ and acting as a main contact in developing all new processes through the Colleague student information system.
• Support the Manager in monitoring the accuracy of numerous FA reports through testing, analysis (QA). The incumbent will ensure that the reports are completed in a timely manner, and in accordance with policy.
• Responds to all FAA social media inquiries in a timely manner. The incumbent will also administer/design all social media activities in all aspects of the FAA portfolio
• 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
• Assist the Manager in the administration of BSWD (Bursary for Students with Disabilities), including maintaining the Ministry’s Bursary Recording System and liaising with the Centre for Students with Disabilities where required.
• Supports the FAA portfolio by ensuring accurate data, and set up criteria to support the bursary decision-making process for OCAD U. The incumbent will monitor and maintain a procedure for adjustments/reconciliations within Ministry and internal student information systems.
• Assists in uploading accurate data to MAESD Bursary Recording System (BRS) ensuring institutional data is accurate and up to date in the awarding panels, and that the BRS reflects this data at all times.
• Maintain the strictest confidence regarding student records in accordance with 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 Manager, Financial Aid & Awards • 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 & Awards Advisors and Manager, Financial Aid & Awards in other related tasks that contribute to the successful operation of the Financial Aid & Awards 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

Salary: $50,274.70 to $66,086.25

Contact Information

Andre De Freitas
Manager, Financial Aid & Awards
adefreitas@ocadu.ca
416.977.6000 x 3845

Employer Profile

Reporting to the Manager, Financial Aid & Awards, the incumbent 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 financial aid programs; responsible for the timely, accurate assessment and appeals processing of OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) and related sub programs based on the policy guidelines of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAES