Financial Aid Advisor

Date Posted: 03/18/2024

Req ID: 36578

Faculty/Division: University of Toronto Scarborough

Department: UTSC:Ofc of the Registrar

Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)

Position Number: 00041971

Description:

About us:

The University of Toronto Scarborough is a place of energy, enthusiasm and passion. Our commitment to inclusive excellence attracts the brightest learners, scholars and employees from around the globe. Our success has been made possible by the opportunity given to us by our Indigenous hosts to operate on their territory, and we cherish our continuing partnerships with these communities. The University of Toronto Scarborough is an exciting campus with unlimited potential. Join us on our journey.

The Office of the Registrar is responsible for student recruitment and admissions, direct and online service to current students, including registration, financial aid, scholarships, academic assessments, graduation and petitions. It also provides course scheduling, administration of tests and exams, enrolment data analysis and business intelligence.

It is the vision of the Office of the Registrar to connect every student to success by providing excellent service and support to students, faculty, staff and the broader community. Members of the Office of the Registrar team value accountability, inclusivity, community and leadership and take pride in work that is student-focused and meaningful.

This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.

Your opportunity:

Working under the direction of the Supervisor of Financial Aid, you are responsible for advising undergraduate students on financial aid and related academic matters at University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC). The Financial Aid Advisor will advise students on the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), the University of Toronto Advance Planning for Students program (UTAPS), grants, bursaries and other student aid programs available to UTSC students. The Financial Aid Advisor will fulfill the role by interpreting academic award and financial aid conditions, reviewing and processing OSAP requests and appeals, developing and presenting workshops, and promoting a variety of financial aid programs and awards.

The Financial Aid Advisor will assist students with developing and attaining their education goals by providing support with financial related issues. Work is accomplished through appointments, presentations, webinars, emails and processing of student documentation.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Advising students on financial aid matters, bursaries, budgeting and personal financial management by probing and providing a range of options and possible outcomes
• Interpreting and applying academic and government financial aid rules to ensure students meet requirements
• Providing detailed information to students regarding completing financial aid applications
• Reviewing and assessing financial aid appeals for acceptability
• Updating and maintaining procedures and protocols to comply with Federal Government legislation
• Analyzing processes and recommending changes for more efficient coordination of operations
• Providing proactive support to individuals in distress and making referrals to specific university services
• Serving as a resource to others by providing (non-supervisory) job-related guidance

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum four (4) years related work experience advising students in a post-secondary environment.
• Experience processing student financial aid applications and advising on OSAP and other financial aid programs, bursaries and grants.
• Experience developing and delivering presentations.
• Direct experience in a financial aid environment, advising students on financial aid programs, monitoring and trouble-shooting budgets and encouraging and assessing scholarship and grant applications.
• Excellent knowledge of financial aid and academic policies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including listening, facilitating, presenting and de-escalating.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and student information system(s) such as ROSI.
• Attention to detail and ability to handle a heavy workload.
• Excellent customer service skills – tact, diplomacy, sound judgement and demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to solve complex problems involving individual and group needs and to identify systemic implications and impacts on access and financial aid.
• Applicants are also expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.

Assets (Nonessential):

• Proficiency using ROSI.
• Exposure to and understanding of the Ministry of Colleges and Universities Financial Aid database.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Accountable
• Approachable
• Diligent
• Patient
• Possess a positive attitude
• Team player

Notes:

• This is a term opportunity until January 2025.
• A copy of the full job description is available upon request from the UTSC HR Office.

Closing Date: 03/27/2024, 11:59PM ET

Employee Group: USW 

Appointment Type: Budget – Term 

Schedule: Full-Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: 

USW Pay Band 12 — $78,308 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $100,144. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol. 

Job Category: Registrarial Services

Lived Experience Statement

Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.

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