Student Financial Aid Specialist (OSAP Expert)

University of Guelph; Guelph; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario is seeking a Financial Aid Assistant to support OSAP and provincial student aid programs. You will process applications, review documentation, and help students navigate funding options.

Reporting to the Assistant Registrar, you will maintain accurate records, apply policies, and provide clear guidance while upholding privacy standards. This role requires strong organizational skills and a student-centered approach in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Two-year community college diploma or equivalent; undergraduate degree an asset.
• Experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with accuracy.
• Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to explain complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams).
• Experience with student information systems or financial aid platforms.

Responsibilities

• Process provincial and territorial government student aid applications and documentation.
• Review documentation for completeness and accuracy, identify discrepancies and follow up.
• Assess routine eligibility and update government aid systems (OSAP, etc.).
• Support Confirmation of Enrolment and resolve registration-related discrepancies.
• Process OSAP summer extension requests and CIFS applications.
• Coordinate documentation for Out-of-Province student aid programs.
• Assist with disability funding programs (BSWD) activities.
• Review student accounts and coordinate return of funding to NSLSC when required.
• Respond to inquiries via in-person service, email, live chat, and phone.
• Explain policies, deadlines, and funding implications clearly to students and families.
• Assist students with appeal processes and funding concerns.
• Support Lincoln Alexander Student Service Centre with guidance on financial aid processes.
• Maintain understanding of financial aid policies, systems, and regulations.
• Help develop internal resources and procedural documentation.
• Ensure compliance with FIPPA and protect student confidentiality.

Skills

Customer service

Policy interpretation

Communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Data entry

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Teams

Education

Two-year community college diploma

Undergraduate degree an asset

Tools

Colleague

WebAdvisor

OSAP One-Key

Job description

The University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario is seeking a Financial Aid Assistant to support OSAP and provincial student aid programs. You will process applications, review documentation, and help students navigate funding options.

Reporting to the Assistant Registrar, you will maintain accurate records, apply policies, and provide clear guidance while upholding privacy standards. This role requires strong organizational skills and a student-centered approach in a fast-paced environment.