Financial Aid Assistant

**About Durham College**:
Durham College (DC) is leading the way as a post-secondary institution, offering an innovative and transformative student experience and hands-on learning opportunities. With this focus top of mind for our students and our employees, DC is proud to be one of the fastest-growing colleges in the province and annually ranked as one of the GTA’s Top 100 employers.

The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinary management, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction and trades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and community services, justice, media, art and design. With a focus on experiential learning, DC graduates are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need. More than 104,000 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world.

Serving the Durham Region and Northumberland County communities for over 50 years, with campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, the college offers over 12,500 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 full-time post-secondary programs - including four honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. Led by over 1,860 full
- and part-time staff, DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:
The Financial Aid Assistants are responsible for timely and accurate administration, processing, and delivery of the OSAP program, bursaries and awards within the Financial Aid and Awards Office. The team supports the enrolment of new students and the retention of current students by providing excellent customer service and advice to students, parents, and other third parties on a variety of financial aid programs. The incumbent positively represents Durham College to prospective students, parents, and third parties while participating in recruitment activities.

**Financial Aid Administration**:

- Assess and determine student eligibility for all programs based on specific criteria.
- Approve distribution of loan funding, grant and bursary cheques to eligible students according to Ministry policies.
- Address and correct technical/systems/process errors.

**Records Management**:

- Examine and evaluate incoming documentation and inform students of discrepancies and further requirements.
- Compile and process end of year archiving for the Ministry, ensuring accuracy and all policies and procedures are followed.
- Scan and upload secure documents for Ministry records, maintaining a high level of tact, and confidentiality.

**Presentations & Workshops**:

- Assist with the development and implementation of workshops regarding OSAP and alternative financial aid programs to students, parents, teachers and counsellors.
- Explain and guide students (and potential students) on next steps in the OSAP process.
- Compose and edit material for print and electronic publication.
- Present information regarding budgeting and financial aid options to individuals and group settings.
- Assist in the preparation of, and attend the annual awards events and open houses

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
A minimum of a three-year advanced diploma in Business or Office Administration is required.

A minimum of two (2) years of work experience in an office environment, preferably in a post-secondary institution.

Work experience in a financial aid and awards environment is an asset.

Understanding and knowledge of government, university, bank and private financial aid and award programs is an asset.

Experience in marketing or communications is an asset.
- A high degree of detail, accuracy and customer service.

Proven ability to carry out concurrent projects involving shifting deadlines and priorities.

Must demonstrate strong planning and organizational skills, with demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills.

Excellent oral and public speaking skills.

Excellent judgement and integrity are imperative in maintaining Financial Aid policies.

**Required Skills**:
Payband: E: Starting Rate: $27.81; Four Year Rate: $32.24

Hours: 35 hours per week (1) one hour lunch; Mon - Fri (8:30 am - 4:30 pm)

Required Experience