Closing Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST

Vacancy Type: Support Staff - Full-time

Position Summary

(First consideration for support staff and academic positions will be given to internal applicants in accordance with the respective collective agreements)

The Financial Aid Advisor supports students by providing expert guidance on the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and other funding sources. This role involves processing financial aid applications, interpreting policy, resolving complex issues and collaborating across departments to ensure students receive timely and accurate financial support.

Successful candidates will be required to conduct work within Ontario and must be available to work on campus as required. It is anticipated that this position will meet the department's needs through a hybrid work arrangement, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with 2-3 days in office at the Doon campus, located at 299 Doon Valley Drive in Kitchener, ON, and 2-3 days working remotely.

Responsibilities

OSAP

- Interpret and apply OSAP policies outlined by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence, and Security (MCURES)
- Assess application data to determine student eligibility for provincial and federal funding
- Review complex and sensitive supporting documentation from government agencies, education and financial institutions, medical professionals, social and legal services, etc.
- Validate the authenticity of documents and professional credentials
- Review French-language OSAP forms and refer to the Bilingual Advisor or the Ministry for processing
- Review student citizenship status and residency history to confirm eligibility for OSAP
- Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and privacy standards
- Identify and elevate atypical applications for special case assessment




- Write and maintain internal process guides and manuals
- Report suspected fraud to the Ministry in conjunction with the Associate Registrar
- Advise students on funding programs, eligibility, budgeting and potential options
- Meet with students to provide support on complex financial aid inquiries
- Verify the accuracy of financial need assessments
- Offer budget planning and money management guidance for students
- Troubleshoot issues with the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC)
- Recommend financial aid options for students with complex financial or family situations
- Refer students in emotional distress due to financial hardship to financial support programs or campus support services, where appropriate

Academic progress reviews

- Analyze student academic performance to determine OSAP eligibility
- Review student discontinuance decisions and apply academic penalties to the OSAP file
- Analyze cases of academic failure or non-participation
- Issue academic progress penalties (e.g., probation, restriction)
- Assess student documentation to determine continued funding eligibility; reassess and reinstate OSAP eligibility for students who meet the terms of their probation or restriction

Appeals

- Analyze student OSAP issues and recommend appropriate appeals
- Ensure required documentation is collected and submitted
- Review Personal Circumstance Review (PCR) requests for academic progress penalties and provide recommendations to the appeal committee
- Update OSAP applications with PCR outcomes and process any resulting changes

Funding

- Administer OSAP funding, enrolment confirmations, and account reconciliations
- Process student refunds and loan repayments
- Monitor NSLSC transactions and resolve funding or account issues

Events

- Represent Student Financial Services at college recruitment events

Qualifications

- A two-year diploma in business, communications, social sciences, French, French studies or related field is required
- Minimum

📌 Financial Aid Advisor (Waterloo)
🏢 Conestoga College School of Business
📍 Waterloo