Financial Aid Counsellor (Program Admin Officer 1-2)

Government of Nova Scotia; Halifax; On-site; CAD 39,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A temporary position as a Program Administration Officer at the Student Assistance Office, assisting Nova Scotians with financial aid. The role involves presentations, assessments, and communication with diverse stakeholders, requiring strong interpersonal skills and a Bachelor’s Degree.

Benefits

Career Development Opportunities

Engaging Workplace

Qualifications

• 1 year of related experience or equivalent training.
• Ability to explain complex program criteria.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with financial aid inquiries.
• Deliver presentations to schools and institutions.
• Assess financial issues for student loan applicants.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Public Speaking

Conflict Resolution

Communication

Analytical Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

SAP Workflow Management

Job description

At the Student Assistance Office, we provide an opportunity for all academically qualified Nova Scotians to have equity of access to post-secondary education and training. The program offers needs-based assistance to students who cannot afford educational costs due to insufficient family resources. We also administer the Canada Student Loans and Grants programs on behalf of the federal government and provide debt management tools to assist students post-graduation.

About Our Opportunity

As a Program Administration Officer, you will assist post-secondary students in navigating financial aid programs administered by the Nova Scotia Student Assistance Office. Your responsibilities include responding to inquiries in person and by phone from students, parents, educational and financial institution officials, and government representatives.

You will serve on the Lower Appeal Board and support the Higher Appeal Board.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Program Administration Officer:

1. Deliver off-site information presentations to high schools and post-secondary institutions.
2. Identify and assess financial issues faced by student loan applicants, assist with form completion, and perform manual assessments when needed. Explain reasons for assistance refusal and the appeal process, providing written explanations as necessary.
3. Represent the Student Assistance Office at meetings with other departments, student groups, and partners.

Qualifications and Experience

Successful candidates will have a Bachelor’s Degree plus one year of related experience; an equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

You should possess excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills, with the ability to explain complex program criteria to diverse stakeholders. Strong conflict resolution and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and focus on customer service.

Additionally, you should have knowledge of and experience with:

• Handling sensitive personal information with discretion and tact
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and SAP workflow management systems
• Explaining complicated program criteria
• Analytical and organizational skills

An understanding of government and non-government programs affecting student assistance (e.g., employment insurance, income assistance, income tax, immigration, investments) is considered an asset.

Assessment Tools

Qualifications will be assessed via written exams, standardized tests, oral presentations, interviews, and reference checks.

Equivalency

Applicants claiming education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate these in their application.

Working Conditions

Must possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel extensively across the province, including overnight stays, for presentations.

Additional Information

This is a temporary position with an anticipated end date of 12/06/2024. Employment status depends on the start date.

What We Offer

• Career development opportunities with guidance, tools, resources, and training.
• An engaging workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and connected.
• Various career paths.

Pay Grade: PR 06 - PR 10; Salary Range: $1,;- $2,; bi-weekly.