Student Financial Aid & Awards Counsellor

Job title: Student Financial Aid & Awards Counsellor

Job description: Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation District 35- Technician/Administrative/Research/Agricultural

Student Financial Aid & Awards Counsellor

Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph

Temporary full-time from March 18, 2024 to March 24, 2025
Temporary absence of the regular incumbent
Hiring #: 2024-0048

Please read the before applying

Please note that this recruitment is for one (1) temporary, full-time appointment for a period of 12 months. The University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus is seeking a Student Financial Aid & Awards Counsellor that will be responsible for financial counselling/advising to prospective applicants and enrolled students regarding financial aid options including federal, provincial, and institutional financial assistance programs. The Student Financial Aid & Awards Counsellor will provide comprehensive, confidential financial aid counselling and advising to students and is responsible for ensuring consistent levels of student service within a student-centric environment. Located in Ridgetown, Ontario midway between London and Windsor, the Ridgetown Campus is home to 650 full-time students, 20 graduate students and has a robust awards, scholarship and bursary program.

This position provides students with direction on all aspects of student financial assistance including confirming student eligibility for financial aid, reviewing applications and required documentation, advising on appeal opportunities, verifying academic and enrolment information and confirming enrolment for the purpose of releasing loan/grant funding. The incumbent will determine the correct program access (e.g. Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)) and advise students on budgeting strategies. The incumbent must adhere to strict privacy legislation as set out by the institution and ministry. The incumbent should also be able to , demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, empathy and compassion, the ability to set priorities, and the ability to handle peaks in workload demands.. The position is also responsible for the delivery of the Student Awards Program and for chairing the Convocation Planning Committee, This position will provide support to the Office of Registrarial Services in answering inquiries and maintaining student records. The incumbent must demonstrate strong communication and time management skills, as well as computer skills to manipulate electronic data files and provide statistical reports as requested by government or Campus leadership.

Requirements for the position include: Completion of an undergraduate degree in Business, Social Sciences, Education, or a combination of education and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience working with students in an advising or programming capacity, social service work, and/or post-secondary educational administration. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate proven counselling and coaching skills, with problem-solving and mediation capability and an elevated level of diplomacy, tact, and sound judgment for dealing with sensitive and confidential matters. The selected candidate will have high-level interpersonal, communication, and relationship building skills, including the ability to maintain effective relationships with staff at Ridgetown Campus, OAC Dean’s Office, and with external stakeholders. The successful candidate should possess the ability to motivate students, coordinate events, and present complex financial aid programs at information sessions.

The successful candidate should be familiar with University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus associate diploma and certificate programs student financial aid options. The incumbent requires advanced knowledge of various software programs including but not limited to spreadsheets, word processing, and databases software (i.e. Colleague). The successful candidate must be able to work both independently and as part of a team by maintaining effective relationships in a respectful workplace.

Covering Position Number 465-012
Classification OSSTF/TARA, District 35 Salary Band 6*
Salary Range $28.85 – $32.23 per hour

*Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

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