Financial Aid Access Specialist

Duties:

Vancouver Island University is committed to providing inclusive and responsive support to students that facilitates and enhances their learning and success. We are seeking a skillful, compassionate, knowledgeable, and motivated professional who is committed to supporting at-risk students so they may fulfill their post-secondary goals and pursue a meaningful career path.

The Financial Aid Access Specialist (FAAS) role is critical in assisting students who may have had no previous support in their educational journey. We are looking for a confident and highly adept professional to advance VIU's reputation as a nationally recognized institution for fostering open access education. You will develop initiatives that support marginalized students, primarily former youth-in-care, from the prospect stage through to graduation. Your strategic approach will be complemented by your compassionate skills when meeting students one-on-one.

Reporting to the Manager of Financial Aid and Awards and working in partnership with the existing Financial Aid Access Specialist, you will also be responsible for contributing to the Student Affairs Foundation Plan by providing advice and logistical support to marginalized and vulnerable students that have experienced barriers to post-secondary education.

You will remain current in industry best practices, conduct research, and build positive and productive relationships with VIU student services, faculty members, academic departments, non-profit organizations, community agencies, and branches of government including the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) and the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. You will work closely with the Financial Aid and Awards office in a case management capacity, assisting at-risk students in accessing, navigating, and applying for a wide range of internal and external financial aid resources.

Case Management, Communication and People Skills:

• Serve as the first point of contact for prospective students seeking information about the BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program (BC PTWP); provide initial screening and review of applications with candidates, provide clarity of funding guidelines, and determine if additional supports are required before entrance to VIU.
• Provide individualized service to students from the inquiry stage through to graduation. Assist in navigating the university system and maintain regular contact with students to track their academic progress. Incorporate as part of the individualized service, a wrap-around care approach that integrates connection with other VIU departments as appropriate.
• Support students whose funding has been denied by guiding them through the appeal process.
• Refer students to appropriate supports including: academic advising, off-campus housing, Services for Aboriginal Students, Accessibility Services and counselling services.

Financial Aid Support and Reports:

• Participate on the VIU internal Scholarship, Award and Bursary selection committee.
• Complete bi-annual reports on student progress and potential areas of concern. Reports are to include metrics where appropriate.

Leadership:

• Interview, recommend for hire, train, and supervise Financial Aid and Awards on-campus student employment roles as funding permits.
• Provide operational coverage for the Manager of Financial Aid and Awards when required.
• Research and implement best practices on retaining marginalized students, particularly for former youth-in-care and other vulnerable populations.
• Demonstrate commitment to ongoing professional development as it pertains to at-risk students.

Relationship Building and Conflict Management:

• Build relationships with government and non-profit organizations that provide services to youth in and out of care and adults experiencing social and economic challenges.
• Regularly attend the Campus Navigator Community of Practice meetings facilitated by StudentAid BC. Participate in, and at times lead, committees related to supporting at risk students including Communication Team (FACT), Student Affairs Foundation Plan Oversight Team (SAFPOT), Youth Futures Education Fund (YFEF), VIU Collaborative, Assessment, Referral, and Education (CARE) Team, as well as other committees identified by the manager.
• Manage, maintain, and provide communication and information through various channels including updates to the Financial Aid and Awards website, brochures, handouts, information sessions, presentations, workshops, and orientations.

Strategic Planning & Research:

• Through research and best practices, identify barriers that limit access to post-secondary studies for marginalized students. Formulate and implement processes that alleviate or remove barriers so that students can achieve their academic goals.
• Develop intervention initiatives to minimize attrition and maximize retention.

Successful candidates will participate in a wide range of activities, including, student support; institutional, faculty and departmental committee meetings and other initiatives; and professional activities in keeping with their disciplines in and outside the institution.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., social work, adult education, psychology, human services, child and youth care) from an accredited institution with a minimum of five years of experience.

Knowledge of Core Subject Matter:

• Possess a deep understanding of the barriers faced by vulnerable populations in accessing and completing post-secondary education.
• Demonstrated experience working with at-risk students who have encountered significant academic, socio-economic, and mental health challenges.
• Demonstrated experience developing and activating transitional pathway models that promote access to and success in post-secondary studies.
• Demonstrated experience building positive working relationships with internal and external partners, service providers, governmental, and non-profit organizations.
• Demonstrated training and experience with conflict management.
• Demonstrated ability to diffuse and problem-solve volatile and sensitive situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team while adhering to tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to tactfully communicate with vulnerable students.
• Demonstrated ability in applying strategic and analytical thinking to a report, project, or plan.
• Training and experience related to compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
• Proficient with MS Office, MS Teams, Zoom, websites, and other digital platforms.