Financial Aid Counsellor (Program Admin Officer 1-2)

About Us

At the Student Assistance Office, we provide an opportunity for all academically qualified Nova Scotians to have equity of access to qualify 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 were not sufficient to cover their educational costs.

We also administer, on behalf of the federal government, the Canada Student Loans and Grants programs. We also offer a suite of debt management tools to help students who have trouble repaying their loans after leaving school.

About Our Opportunity

As the Program Administration Officer, you assist post-secondary students in navigating through the financial aid programs administered by the Nova Scotia Student Assistance Office.

This includes responding in person and by telephone to inquiries from students, parents, officials from financial and educational institutions, and representatives of government departments.

In this position you will serve on the Lower Appeal Board and provide support to the Higher Appeal Board.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Program Administration Officer :

• You deliver off site information presentations to educational institutions, both high school and post- secondary.
• You identify and assess financial problems encountered by student loan applicants, assists in the completion of relevant forms, and completes manual assessments when required.

The Officer explains the reason for refusal of assistance and the appeal process, providing written explanations when necessary.

You will also represent the Student Assistance Office at meetings with other departments, student groups, and client partners.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful you have a Bachelors’ Degree plus one-year related experience, and equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

You possess excellent interpersonal skills, experience in public speaking, with the ability to understand and explain complex program criteria to a wide range of stakeholders.

You bring exceptional conflict resolution and communication (written and verbal) skills when dealing with the public, explaining complicated program criteria with the ability to function under pressure meeting deadlines within a customer service focused environment.

You will also have knowledge and understanding of the following :

• Ability to deal with highly sensitive, personal information and must utilize a high degree of discretion and tact
• Experience using Microsoft office programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook), SAP (workflow management systems)
• Explaining complicated program criteria
• Superior analytical and organizational skills

An understanding of the various government and non-government programs which impact student assistance (employment insurance, income assistance, income tax, immigration, investments) would be considered an asset.

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, a Temporary Employee shall be paid the applicable rate of pay plus eleven percent (11%) biweekly in lieu of benefits.
• For internal applicants, please refer to the Civil Service agreement for benefits information (clause

Working Conditions

Must have valid driver’s license and be able to travel extensively doing presentations throughout the province, including overnight stays, when required.

Additional Information

This is a Temporary employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of12 / 06 / 2024. The appointment status ( term’, 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 : PR 06 - PR 10 Salary Range : $1,;- $2,;Bi-Weekly