Program Assistant - Bilingual (English/French)

We are looking for a team player with great customer service skills that enjoy interacting with people every day. This rewarding and important position helps students obtain financing for their postsecondary education and starting the journey towards a career.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

As an organized and motivated individual, you will:

• Provide a range of services to students who are applying to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and other bursaries/awards and scholarships
• Respond to telephone inquiries on the Branch's general inquiries line regarding student aid programs, policies and procedures
• Respond in writing to general correspondence received from applicants and financial aid representatives
• Work with applications to assess and evaluate submissions to ensure correctness and completeness
• Liaise with students to address issues and concerns

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• You must possess oral and written French language skills at the advanced level. Your proficiency level will be confirmed before hire.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills:

• You have demonstrated oral and written communication skills to explain decisions, program policies and procedures on the phone or in writing to applicants.
• You are able to gather information from clients while maintaining confidentiality.
• You can exercise tact and diplomacy when working with members of the public.
• You have well developed organizational and prioritization skills to manage your work in a high volume environment.
• You have proven attention to detail, accuracy and judgment abilities to review and complete files.

Reasoning and Analytical Skills:

• You have demonstrated analytical, reasoning and problem solving skills to research and analyze case information and determine priority and urgency.
• You have planning, organizing and coordinating skills to handle multiple tasks as well as perform regular duties.
• You have the ability to interpret and apply relevant legislation, regulations and related policies and directives.

Computer Skills:

• You are proficient in computer software abilities including word processing and online systems.
• You have the ability to administer database systems, correspondence and other information tracking systems.

Technical Knowledge:

• You have an understanding of the Student Support Branch programs, policies and procedures for programs relating to loans, bursaries/awards and scholarships to provide information to clients.

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Thursday, March 30, 2023 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.