Financial Aid Assistant

Student Affairs is committed to creating a vibrant and engaging learning community to inspire and enrich the lives of our students in support of the University of Victoria’s vision “to be a university of choice for outstanding students, faculty, and staff from BC, Canada, and around the world”. The Student Affairs portfolio includes: Office of the Registrar, Athletics and Recreation, Campus Services, Student Services.

In working to achieve this vision, the Office of the Registrar (OREG) places students at the centre of operations and supports students to achieve their academic and life goals. Individual connections with OREG team members and services, as well as interactions with on-line services, contribute to students’ growth in knowledge, independence and confidence. Registrarial services strive to directly support students’ success in their university studies, campus life and subsequent life pursuits. The range of services provided by the units within the OREG appear at every point in the student life cycle, beginning with recruitment and admissions, all the way through to convocation. Members of the OREG team strive to be consistent in their interpretation, communication and application of regulations, policies and procedures while being both professional and respectful of the diversity and complexity of needs across the university campus. The OREG interacts with staff, students, faculty, university and external community members in order to assist in the delivery of core services that cross operational and departmental boundaries (e.g., registration, class and exam scheduling). It is important that students and our university colleagues are well-informed and well-supported by the OREG and the services offered.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Student Awards and Financial Aid, Financial Aid Assistants provide excellent customer service to students, staff and faculty in person at the front counter, on the phone and via email. This includes providing information regarding all Student Awards and Financial Aid programs such as bursaries, scholarships and work study. Providing advice and guidance to students regarding various government aid programs (student loans) is also a large part of these positions.

Financial Aid Assistants access government databases and portals on a daily basis to confirm, update and obtain student loan information. They also verify student status in Banner in accordance with government regulations with regard to registration and course load and to process student loan withdrawal and academic completion information.

Financial Aid Assistants work as part of a team to ensure a continuity of excellent service in a busy environment with the goal of positively contributing to student learning and success.

Job Requirements

Skills:
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required to relate effectively with the University community and external contacts.

Strong organizational skills and the proven ability to handle a high volume of in person, email and phone inquiries involving complex financial aid situations on a daily basis are required.

Dedicated problem-solving skills with the ability to determine when a problem needs to be taken to a higher authority.

Must be able to input records into a database or spreadsheet with a high degree of accuracy.

Ability to work in a team environment or individually.

Specialized Knowledge/Education:
Have working experience with a complex Student Information System such as Banner Student or a similar database.

Experience:
One year of proven clerical skills in a post-secondary institution (or a similarly large and complex administrative office environment).

Strong customer service background, including at least two years of related experience in a post-secondary, financial, government or student service environment.

Experience answering general and complex inquiries by applying knowledge of existing policies or procedures.

Demonstrated knowledge and experience with office software such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, as well as online information systems such as the UVic website and online portal is required.

Prefer experience working in accordance with regulations outlined in the British Columbia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA).

Knowledge of government student aid programs or post-secondary award programs an asset.

UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity.

Read our full equity statement here: www.uvic.ca/equitystatement.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process may contact: [email protected]. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

Additional Information

997903-SAFA Financial Aid Assistant PB7 JD