Job Description

Financial Aid Processing and Verification Officer
COMPETITION NO. SS25-47
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 - including six honours bachelor's degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs - 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's Top 100 employers and one of Canada's 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.
Position Information:
Full-time Support Staff Position Opportunity
Payband: Band I; Starting Rate: $40.39; Four Year Rate: $46.64
Department: Financial Aid + Awards
Hours: 35 hours per week (1) one hour lunch; Mon - Fri (8:30 am - 4:30 pm)
Reporting To: Director, Financial Aid + Awards
Campus Location: Oshawa
Vacancy Status: Existing vacancy
Duties and Responsibilities:
Working under the direction of the Director, Financial Aid & Awards, the Financial Aid Processing & Verification Officer is responsible for reviewing, verifying, and processing student financial aid applications and related documentation. The incumbent ensures compliance with Ministry of Colleges and Universities guidelines, institutional policies, and other applicable government regulations.
This role focuses on document verification, compliance monitoring, and accurate processing of OSAP applications, bursaries, scholarships, grants, and other student aid programs. The incumbent interprets policies and manuals from government organizations, conducts audits, and provides guidance to staff on complex financial aid files to ensure regulatory compliance and proper fund distribution.
The position also includes front-line operational tasks, such as responding to phone calls, emails, and in-person inquiries from students, parents, and external partners, ensuring a high level of service while maintaining compliance and accurate documentation. The officer collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to maintain accurate records, ensure timely disbursement of funding, and supports the integrity of the financial aid process.
Document Processing & Verification:

• Review, verify, and process OSAP applications, appeals, bursaries, awards, scholarships, and other financial aid documentation.

• Analyze student registration, academic status, and eligibility to ensure compliance with Ministry and institutional requirements.

• Verify accuracy of financial aid entitlements and approve disbursement of loans, grants, and bursaries.

• Maintain and update student financial aid records in OSAP and DC systems.

• Review and manage OSAP system queues to ensure accurate assessment, verification, and release of funding.

• Evaluate supporting documentation and request missing information as required.

• Conduct compliance audits of student files to ensure adherence to Ministry and institutional policies.

• Collaborate across departments to resolve complex eligibility or documentation issues.

• Assist in training staff on verification and processing standards.

Student Support:

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

• Review student circumstances involving immediate financial challenges and assist by arranging tuition fee deferrals, food or book vouchers, emergency bursaries, or referrals to external financial supports.

• Assess student eligibility for internal, external, and government scholarships and grants.

• Provide guidance to students on non-routine financial aid and appeal cases, assisting with documentation requirements and submission.

• Review and make decisions on OSAP and bursary appeal cases within Financial Aid Office authority.

• Provide individualized budget support and refer students to external financial assistance programs when appropriate.

• Plan, promote, and deliver financial aid activities that support recruitment, retention, and student financial literacy.

• Collaborate with academic advisors to support retention and continued financial assistance for at-risk students.

• Provide proactive support to individuals in distress to help prevent harm; connect students with appropriate DC or external services and supports.

• Support students in understanding student loan repayment options, repayment assistance programs, and requirements to maintain good standing on outstanding loan debt.

• Provide guidance to internal teams regarding OSAP and institutional financial aid processes.

• Assist in the development of informational materials and resources regarding financial aid policies and procedures.

Compliance Analysis & Reporting:

• Interpret government policies, manuals, and institutional guidelines for compliance verification.

• Assess academic progress, withdrawals, course load changes, and other factors affecting funding eligibility.

• Identify potential compliance issues and escalate as required.

• Prepare reports for internal and external audits and compliance inspections.

Workshops & Communications:

• Support internal teams by providing guidance on OSAP and institutional financial aid processes.

• Assist in preparing informational materials and resources regarding financial aid policies and procedures.

Other duties as assigned:

• Participate with the Director and other departmental staff in the development of long and short-term priorities, goals and strategies as well as other special projects as assigned including leading process improvements.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of a 3-year diploma or degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Data Management, Policy or related field.

• A minimum of five (5) years of work experience in financial aid or government program administration, document verification, or compliance-related roles within post-secondary institutions or government organizations.

• Strong knowledge of OSAP policies, procedures, and provincial guidelines.

• Proven experience reviewing, verifying, and processing student aid applications and appeals.

• Ability to interpret policies, manuals, and guidelines for compliance purposes, and experience conducting audits, compliance inspections, or quality assurance reviews.

• Ongoing research and professional development to maintain knowledge of government, institutional, bank, and private financial aid programs, as well as financial literacy practices.

• Demonstrated experience handling sensitive and confidential information, ensuring compliance with AODA and FIPPA standards.

• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with sensitivity to students' financial, social, and academic circumstances. Experience assisting and advising students and clients from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds is an asset.

• Proven experience developing, implementing, and presenting workshops for educational purposes.

• Ability to train and guide colleagues in verification and processing procedures.

• Proficiency in student information systems (e.g., Banner, SIMS) and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with online document management systems preferred.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a high-volume environment.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to assess complex student files and ensure accurate processing.

• Highly developed organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.

Please apply below by submitting your cover letter and resume to the online portal. Job Competition closes at 7:00 p.m. EST on January 6, 2026. Competition number SS25-47.
Contact Us T:905.721.3073 HumanResources@durhamcollege.ca
C Wing, Second Floor - 2000 Simcoe St. N. Oshawa, ON
Durham College invites applications from all qualified individuals. Durham is committed to fostering workplace diversity, and, provides accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout our hiring process. If you require this information in alternate format; require communication supports; an accommodation in applying for a posting and/or if you are selected for an interview, please contact our Human Resources (HR) department and an HR assistant will work with you to meet your needs.
We thank you for your interest in employment with Durham College however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Land Acknowledgement
Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.

Skills Required