Job Description

Competition # : 40217

Department: Advanced Education

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Temporary

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: \xe2\x80\x8b04-Sep-23 \xe2\x80\x8b (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Nova Scotia Student Assistance Office provides an opportunity for all academically qualified Nova Scotians to have equity of access to quality post-secondary education and training. The program provides needs-based assistance to students who would be unable to attend post-secondary study because their family resources are not sufficient to cover their educational costs. Student Assistance also administers, on behalf of the federal government, the Canada Student Loans and Grants programs and offers a suite of debt management tools to help student borrowers in repayment.

About Our Opportunity

As the Portfolio Management Clerk, you will report to the Manager, Portfolio Management and Accountability, and provide accurate and timely accounting support and program administration within the Student Assistance Division. This role performs duties related to the administration of various components of the Student Loan Program, including programs such as Loan Forgiveness, Bankruptcy, Loan Rehabilitation, Severe Permanent Disability Forgiveness, and ad-hoc research.

You will be responsible for entering and retrieving data into and from systems databases, maintaining records and processing documentation, filing systems, maintaining and preparing various documents - including disbursements, refunds, invoice preparation, journal vouchers, proof of claims, rehabilitation documentation, and work as a team player to develop solutions to new processes/procedures.

You will be required to respond to telephone, email, and online inquiries from internal and external stakeholders, as well as the public. You will also assist with the business plan, portfolio management, and contract administration to ensure the effective operation of the division. You are accountable to complete work assignments in a timely manner with accuracy and efficiency. This position requires a high level of confidentiality and the ability to deal with highly sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy.

About You

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have completed high school with 3 years of relevant experience; an equivalent combination of training and experience may be acceptable. You have demonstrated advanced skills in: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access), and the ability to learn new computer applications as required.

You are detail oriented with accurate data entry skills. You have a demonstrated ability to: work independently in a busy and challenging team environment; determine priorities and deadlines; exercise good judgment around issues requiring a high degree of tact and diplomacy. You have office management skills with exceptional organizational, communication, customer service and interpersonal skills.

While not required, it is considered an asset if:

You understand financial/accounting/bookkeeping principles/practices with knowledge of bankruptcy legislation, SQL, and SAP finance. You have familiarity with the Acts and Regulations applicable to both the department and division to effectively answer inquiries and redirect parties to the appropriate resources. You have an accounting background, experience in the maintenance of databases, and experience working with third party service providers.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and Union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click to learn more about our various benefits offering and eligibility criteria.

Additional Information

This is a TEMPORARY/CASUAL employment opportunity with anticipated end date of July 5, 2024. The appointment status (\'temporary\' or \'casual\') is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules

Pay Grade: CL 18

Salary Range: $1,675.62 - $1,874.80 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.

Government of Nova Scotia