JOB PURPOSE

Reporting to the Financial Aid and Awards Coordinator, the Financial Aid Advisor will work with a student oriented team committed to providing strong service excellence to domestic and international students. The advisor will be responsible for advising clients (prospective students, applicants, and enrolled students) regarding financial aid options including federal, provincial and territorial student financial assistance programs, US student loans program and internal/external award (scholarship and bursary) programs. Other responsibilities include assisting the Coordinator in the administration and processing of both internal and external award programs; confirming student eligibility and authorizing loan documents; reporting and recordkeeping, assessing and approving emergency loan funding; verifying academic and enrolment information and providing financial aid proof of enrolment documents.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receive and process document requests by providing accurate proof of enrolment information on documents; communicating with other departments as needed (i.e. registrar’s office, student accounts); recording document related information into SIS Member.

• Provide financial aid and awards advising, through multiple methods including in-person, for full-time and part-time students to understand the application process for government student financial assistance programs; clarifying incorrect assumptions about financial aid; leading annual student loan application workshops; providing students budgeting advice; helping students understand the application process for awards, including how to search for awards and assess their eligibility.

• Promote, process and present scholarships, bursaries and awards; updating and reviewing information in database, assessing award applications, determining eligibility, assisting in award selection; notifying award recipients and student accounts in a timely manner.

• Provide detailed reports for internal and external stakeholders.

• Administer emergency loans for students in need.

• Provide support for students receiving financial aid through the US Direct Loans program including entrance and exit counseling and maintaining a communications plan to ensure student knowledge of and compliance with the program.

• Monitor batch confirmation of Registration for Alberta Student Loans. Match new requests for learner and studies criteria, identify registration problems and conduct student follow-up, work with student accounts to ensure tuition remittance requests are made and submit amend registration records.

• Monitor out-of-province confirmation of registration requests and work with student accounts to ensure tuition remittance requests are made.

• Accurately record student information and communications in SIS Member.

• Maintain knowledge of co-workers responsibilities (as appropriate) in order to cover for peak workload periods.

• Collaborate on creating and delivering student-focused presentations and seminars such as budgeting, student loans, awards and financial literacy.

• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Effective cross cultural, interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with faculty, staff, students and the public. The ability to handle difficult situations in a professional manner.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with ability to problem solve and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and changing priorities.
• Ability to work independently as well as to participate effectively as a member of a team.
• Strong computer and analytical skills. Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with Google Workplace is required with an aptitude to learn other software as required.
• Knowledge of post-secondary regulations, programs and policies as they relate to award programs and government student loan and aid programs.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct workshops, presentations and implement projects.
• Must be able to pass an Edmonton Police Service (EPS) security clearance.
• Must be willing to work an occasional evening or weekend to support institutional recruitment.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Possess an undergraduate baccalaureate degree with proven customer service experience.
• A minimum of two years’ experience in a post-secondary environment in the area of admissions, recruitment, financial aid, or the registrar’s office is a definite asset.