Educational/Financial Aid Advisor

Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:30

Reporting to the Registrar, the Educational/Financial Aid Advisor provides information on College programs and courses, including admissions eligibility and the registration process, to the general public, current and prospective students. The Educational/Financial Aid Advisor assists students prepare their educational plans, explore career options and refers to other college services as appropriate. The Educational/Financial Aid Advisor participates in recruitment activities as required. The Educational/Financial Aid Advisor is aware of the Mission and Values of North Island College, incorporating and practicing the values in everything they do.

- Job Knowledge
- Judgment
- Teamwork
- Planning & Organization
- Customer Service Excellence
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Educational Advising:

1. Remain current and provide accurate information about NIC programs and courses to students
2. Knowledgeable about Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs from BC Post-secondary. institutions. Helps interpret general information on programs offered by other Canadian institutions to support educational advising for NIC students.
3. Coach prospective students, current students, and key influencers through educational and career options in person and in group presentations.
4. Advise high school students off-site to provide admission and timetabling support
5. Promote the image, mission and professionalism of the NIC by participating in high school, NIC, and community events.
6. Liaise with high schools and community partners including Employment agencies, WorkBC, First Nations Bands and Literacy Centres, etc.
7. Develop student resources including information on website, handouts, worksheets, and advising syllabus.
8. Support students how to use NIC enrollment tools including My NIC and Student Planner.
9. Document student communication for internal and external uses.
10. Screen students for assessments and refer accordingly. Review assessment results and coach students through next steps regarding programs and pathways.
11. Create and monitor educational plans with students.
12. May be the initial contact for struggling or distressed students. Coach students toward resolution, refer to NIC and community supports and follow up as required.
13. Remain informed and current with mental health and disability barriers in order to respond and make appropriate referrals.
14. Expectation of ongoing professional development to keep Advising knowledge current, either through professional affiliations, such as NACADA, or other recommendations for PD supported by the Registrar.
15. Is aware and provides advising to students on NIC’s educational partnerships and pathways (i.e. Dual Admission, Guaranteed Admission, Transfer Agreements).
16. Work in conjunction with the entire student services team to provide input and information with regards to the advising role.
17. Advocate internally for changes to processes to ensure internal services are meeting the needs of students; includes but not limited to library services, peer tutoring, department chairs.
18. Support and manage a cohort of assigned students with a certain criterion (academic probation, a given program etc.).
19. Work with Department Chairs to maintain specialty program knowledge. Disseminate knowledge to other Educational Advisors and Student Services staff.
20. Liaise with post-secondary institutions to support students’ transfer plans and admission to other institutions.
21. Perform other duties related to the position, as assigned by the Registrar.

Financial Aid:

1. Maintain currency with respect to the financial policy and procedures of external agencies, which provide services to students.
2. Coach students through financial decisions, financial health (budgeting, planning, repayment & debt), awards applications, understanding funding packages, and appeals as required.
3. Assess student financial need, prepare financial aid forms and information.
4. Participate in the college-wide committee recommending award of bursaries and scholarships.
5. Assist in the administration of supplementary financial aid programs (such as Board of Governor bursaries, NIC Foundation awards etc.).
6. Develop and maintain good communication and effective working relationships with the staff of funding agencies including WorkBC, WorkSafeBC and First Nation Bands.
7. Advise internal users (NIC Foundation & Departments) on student financial need, trends in financial need, qualification of student loans to aid those departments in decision making.
8. Confirm student enrollments for banks, RESPs, sponsors, and government funding. Assess student financial need; prepare campus-specific financial aid data for the Ministry of Advanced Education reporting.
9. Consult with internal financial aid personnel, other institutional financial aid departments, provincial user groups and Student Services Branch of the Ministry of Advanced Education.
10. Advocate for internal (ex. academic schedule) or external (ex. Ministry rules) change where needed to support NIC students’ financial considerations.
11. Recommends supplementary financial assistance (such as bursaries) for qualified students with unmet financial needs.
12. Perform duties for senior Financial Aid Advisor, as necessary.

1. Minimum four successful years of post-secondary education – Bachelor’s degree preferred.
2. 3- 5 years of experience of current related work experience in a comparable environment, or equivalent combination of education and experience with preference for experience directly related to Educational/Financial Aid Advising.

1. Good knowledge of the BC Post-Secondary system and a comprehensive understanding of North Island College programs and courses.
2. Excellent interpersonal and coaching skills, communication and conflict resolution skills and the ability to work effectively with both the public and College staff.
3. Comprehensive knowledge of available financial aid programs for students, including services provided by government agencies such as Service Canada.
4. Proven ability to work cooperatively as part of a team and use good judgment, tact, diplomacy and discretion.
5. Proven ability / experience as a liaison with community agencies and groups.
6. Knowledge / experience with a database student records system is preferred. Knowledge of Student Financial Aid systems (SFAS) is an asset.
7. Excellent organizational and time management skills.
8. Ability to work independently in a busy multi-tasking, heavy volume environment.
9. Ability to speak in public, organize presentations, prepare written material in a clear and concise manner.
10. Must possess a valid BC driver’s license.
11. May be required to work evenings and weekends.

Please scan copies of your transcripts into one document for attachment. If your transcripts are not available at the time of application, please attach a letter or certificate of confirmation from the educational institution.

Support Staff Temporary