Closing Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 11:59 PM ESTVacancy Type: Support Staff - Full-timePosition 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.ResponsibilitiesOSAPInterpret 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 fundingReview 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 credentialsReview French-language OSAP forms and refer to the Bilingual Advisor or the Ministry for processingReview student citizenship status and residency history to confirm eligibility for OSAPMaintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA)



and privacy standardsIdentify and elevate atypical applications for special case assessmentWrite and maintain internal process guides and manualsReport suspected fraud to the Ministry in conjunction with the Associate RegistrarAdvise students on funding programs, eligibility, budgeting and potential optionsMeet with students to provide support on complex financial aid inquiriesVerify the accuracy of financial need assessmentsOffer budget planning and money management guidance for studentsTroubleshoot issues with the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC)Recommend financial aid options for students with complex financial or family situationsRefer students in emotional distress due to financial hardship to financial support programs or campus support services, where appropriateAcademic progress reviewsAnalyze student academic performance to determine OSAP eligibilityReview student discontinuance decisions and apply academic penalties to the OSAP fileAnalyze cases of academic failure or non-participationIssue 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 restrictionAppealsAnalyze student OSAP issues and recommend appropriate appealsEnsure required documentation is collected and submittedReview Personal Circumstance Review (PCR) requests for academic progress penalties and provide recommendations to the appeal committeeUpdate OSAP applications with PCR outcomes and process any resulting changesFundingAdminister OSAP funding, enrolment confirmations,



and account reconciliationsProcess student refunds and loan repaymentsMonitor NSLSC transactions and resolve funding or account issuesEventsRepresent Student Financial Services at college recruitment eventsQualificationsA two-year diploma in business, communications, social sciences, French, French studies or related field is requiredMinimum three years of practical experience in student or client services and experience working with multiple large database systems, ideally in an educational environmentDirect experience working with OSAP, other financial aid or social assistance programs, including eligibility criteria or case management, is requiredExperience with sensitive and confidential information and understanding of FIPPA legislationStrong communication and client service skills, with the ability to respond with tact, diplomacy, integrity, and professionalismAbility to interpret and explain complex government and institutional policies and proceduresAbility to deliver professional, efficient customer service in high-demand environmentsProficient in Microsoft Office, particularly in ExcelStrong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills to interpret policy and address student concerns effectivelyAbility to communicate clearly with diverse student populations, including those whose first language is not English, students with disabilities and students at high risk of academic failureComfortable working both independently and in a team environmentConestoga College is a leader in polytechnic education. Our career-focused education, training, and applied research programs prepare students for success, support industry, and workforce needs and promote economic prosperity throughout our region and across Ontario.We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Conestoga College is committed to workplace diversity and provides accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If you require accommodation, please contact Human Resources via the Contact page.#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Financial Aid Advisor (Winnipeg)
🏢 Conestoga College
📍 Winnipeg