Program Assistant - Running Start

Description

Columbia Basin College ('CBC' or the 'College') seeks a Program Assistant to perform a variety of tasks in support of the Running Start program. This position responds to inquiries regarding office procedures and services, informs staff on data entry issues and concerns, maintains student and general files and schedules appointments. The incumbent represents the program to clients, participants, staff and the community. Running Start serves approximately 1,200 students each year. This position will report to the Director for Running Start.

This position is open until filled. First consideration will be given to applicants whose complete application has been received by May 29, 2023 @ 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

If you have questions or need assistance during the application or search process, please contact the recruiter for this position, Denise Cook at dcook@columbiabasin.edu or (509) 542-4407.

As a condition of employment, Classified staff must be fully vaccinated. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status, having an approved medical accommodation, or having an approved religious accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved accommodation. Need more information? Please contact covidvaccinemandate@columbiabasin.edu .

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide high-level customer service and problem-solving assistance to students participating in Running Start;
• Provide information to students, parents, staff, public and outside organizations on the Running Start Program content, policies and procedures;
• Assist with Running Start applications, including student data input; determine appropriate coding;
• Assist with coordinating registration implementation and processing, while maintaining Enrollment Verification forms and registration records;
• Respond to Running Start department emails, answer phone calls, and meet with students participating in Running Start;
• Accurately process incoming student forms, documents, and other information necessary to complete transactions and processes;
• Review, process and maintain accurate data for the Running Start program;
• Create and maintain an organized filing system to review data for completeness and accuracy;
• Run and provide routine system-generated reports;
• Create marketing material to increase number of students in Running Start; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School graduation or equivalent;
• One (1) year of experience providing assistance to clients/customers regarding inquiries, processes and policies;
• Clerical/secretarial work experience in a professional setting; and
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent education from an institutionally accredited college or university;
• One (1) or more years of experience working in higher education; and
• Bilingual and biliterate in English and in Spanish.

Skills & Abilities

Attendance/Punctuality : Is consistently at work and on time; ensure work responsibilities are covered when absent; arrive at meetings and appointments on time;

Computer Skills : Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; operate personal computer with general understanding of application software; ability to learn office and College-specific software;

Customer Service Skills : Manage difficult or emotional customer situations; respond promptly to customer needs; solicit customer feedback to improve service; respond to requests for service and assistance; meet commitments;

Interpersonal Skills : Focus on solving conflict, not blaming; maintain confidentiality; listen to others without interrupting; keep emotions under control; remain open to others' ideas and try new things;

Oral Communication : Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listen and get clarification; respond well to questions; demonstrate group presentation skills; participate in meetings;

Problem Solving Skills : Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; gather and analyze information skillfully; develop alternative solutions; work well in group problem solving situations; use reason even when dealing with emotional topics;

Professionalism : Ability to approach others in a tactful manner; react well under pressure; treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accept responsibility for own actions; follow through on commitments;

Quality : Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness; look for ways to improve and promote quality; apply feedback to improve performance; monitor own work to ensure quality; and

Written Communication : Write clearly and informatively; edit work for spelling and grammar; vary writing style to meet needs; present numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This position is a twelve (12) month, full-time, represented, classified staff position. The position is overtime eligible and the typical work hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; however, must be available to work a flexible schedule when prior notice is given by the College. This position is available immediately.

PROCESS NOTE:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.

**Please note that selected interview candidates will be subject to supplemental testing that will measure skills and abilities related to this position (e.g., Communication, Analytical Skills, MS Office Simulation [Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word], Customer Service, etc.).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Columbia Basin College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.

If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.

Columbia Basin College operates under an approved affirmative action plan and encourages applications from persons of color, women, veterans and persons of disability. The Human Resources Office is accessible to those with disabilities. If you need accommodation in application or employment, contact the Human Resources Office at (509) 542-4740.

OTHER JOB ELEMENTS:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met and may be encountered by an incumbent when performing the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach and manipulate objects. The position requires mobility including having the ability to move materials on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc. and travel between buildings on campus. Manual dexterity and coordination are required to operate equipment such as computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Usual office working conditions. The noise level in the work area is typical of most office environments with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noises.

UNION CLAUSE:

This is a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA). Internal promotional, transfer and voluntary demotion applicants who have skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position will be considered prior to consideration of other applicants.