Job Description

About Durham College:

Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution that supports students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the ever-changing workforce.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Durham 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, media, art and design.

Our modern campuses in Oshawa and Whitby offer 145 programs \xe2\x80\x93 including six honours bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degrees and nine apprenticeship programs \xe2\x80\x93 to more than 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students. In addition, more than 14,600 students participate in professional and part-time learning. More than 110,500 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world.

A forward-looking organization committed to collaboration, innovation and sustainability, Durham College is ranked annually as one of the GTA\xe2\x80\x99s Top 100 employers and one of Canada\xe2\x80\x99s Greenest Employers and has been recognized as a Top 50 Research College in Canada, 10 times.

DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region and is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve by contributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-being through partnerships, investments and collaboration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working under the direction of the Director, Financial Aid & Awards, The Financial Aid Coach is responsible for individual coaching on financial aid and related academic matters at Durham College. This position supports the enrolment of new students and the retention of current students by providing guidance and coaching to students, parents and other third parties and community agencies on a variety of financial aid programs including the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), Durham College (DC) bursaries, scholarships & awards and all other student aid programs available to DC students. The incumbent is responsible for interpreting financial aid conditions along with reviewing and processing OSAP applications and appeals in an accurate and timely manner. The financial aid coach will develop and present workshops promoting a variety of financial aid programs and awards and will positively represent DC to prospective students, parents and external community agencies while participating in recruitment activities. The coach will assist students in attaining their educational goals by providing support with financial related issues.

Student Support

Financial Aid coaching requires sensitivity and active listening skills, along with the ability to question without judgement, especially when working with students who are discouraged or have identified personal and financial barriers to reaching their academic goals.

\xc2\xb7 Coach students on an individual basis and in group sessions on financial aid matters, bursaries, budgeting and personal financial management by asking probing questions and providing a range of options and possible outcomes.

\xc2\xb7 Interpret and apply academic and government financial aid policy to evaluate and determine student eligibility for all programs including full and part time financial aid, awards, emergency funding, bursaries and employment programs.

\xc2\xb7 Review and assess conditions for students with immediate financial challenges and accommodate through tuition fee deferrals, food or book vouchers, emergency bursaries or referral to extremal financial supports.

\xc2\xb7 Determine student eligibility for internal, external and government scholarships and grants.

\xc2\xb7 Coach and advise students on non-routine financial aid and appeal cases, assisting in the preparation for submission and reviewing of documentation for acceptability

\xc2\xb7 Review and makes decisions on OSAP and bursary appeal cases that are within the authority of the Financial Aid Office.

\xc2\xb7 Provide budget coaching to clients and when appropriate refer to outside sources of financial assistance programs.

\xc2\xb7 Plan, promote and execute financial aid activities that support recruitment, retention, and individual financial literacy of students.

\xc2\xb7 Work with academic advisors to support retention and continued financial support of at-risk students.

\xc2\xb7 Provide proactive support to individuals in distress to prevent physical or mental injury or harm. Make referrals to appropriate DC or external services and supports.

\xc2\xb7 Coach students on repayment options available to student borrowers, repayment assistance programs and on maintaining good standing on outstanding loan debt.

Administrative and Records management:

\xc2\xb7 Make case notes after client meetings where appropriate

\xc2\xb7 Enter and maintain Student OSAP records via Ministry and DC on-line systems.

\xc2\xb7 Identify and request missing information for file changes

\xc2\xb7 Review, approve and record or upload supporting documents for OSAP applications, appeals, and changes in eligibility.

\xc2\xb7 Evaluate and authorize tuition refunds applying institutional refund policy and OSAP tuition refund policies.

\xc2\xb7 Review and update OSAP cost codes for new programs, additional program offerings, or program of study changes.

Verification of and release of Aid funding:

\xc2\xb7 Verify the accuracy of financial aid entitlements

\xc2\xb7 Analyse and verify student registration, academic status, academic progress and eligibility for student aid programs

\xc2\xb7 Approve distribution of financial aid loans, grants and bursaries in compliance with Ministry Policies.

\xc2\xb7 Work and verify multiple queues within the OSAP system that support the accuracy, eligibility, assessment and release of government aid funding.

\xc2\xb7 Evaluate and report academic progress resulting from withdrawals, failures, drops in course load, and multiple program changes.

Marketing, Presentations/Workshops:

\xc2\xb7 Develop, implement and deliver educational workshops regarding OSAP and alternative financial aid programs to students, parents, teachers, counsellors and external community agencies.

\xc2\xb7 Deliver OSAP repayment seminars and provide education to students to proactively manage OSAP default.

\xc2\xb7 Provide individual and group budgeting sessions to coach students on financial management skills

\xc2\xb7 Compose and edit material for print, web, and electronic publication

\xc2\xb7 Represent Financial Aid & Awards at student outreach activities such as, college open houses, program information and orientation days

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A minimum of a three-year advanced diploma or degree in Business or related discipline.

2. A minimum of five (5) years of related work experience in a financial aid office.

3. Candidate must have demonstrated knowledge of coaching principles, and have experience coaching students.

4. Excellent student service orientation. Incumbent should remain current in financial aid policy and process and have experience in a financial aid environment including advising and coaching prospective students on financial aid programs, money management and financial literacy.

5. Demonstrated experience in dealing with sensitive and confidential information, meeting AODA and FIPPA compliance, and in assisting and advising potential/current students and other clients from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

6. Should conduct ongoing research and other professional development to ensure thorough knowledge of government, institutional, bank, and private financial aid and award programs as well as financial literacy and money management techniques and practices. Proven experience in developing, implementing and presenting workshops for educational purposes.

Required Skills

Starting Rate: $38.01 Four Year Rate: $44.05

Full-time Support Staff Position Opportunity (Temporary Employee Replacement (Appendix D, see page 109 of collective agreement), February 2024 \xe2\x80\x93 September 2024

Required Experience

Please apply below by submitting your cover letter and resume to the online portal. Job Competition closes on February 14, 2024 Competition number SS24-15.

This position is located at 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa. .

Durham College