Pierce College
Customer Service Specialist 1
SALARY
$3,393.00 - $4,093.00 Monthly
$40,716.00 - $49,116.00 Annually
LOCATION
Pierce College District, WA
JOB TYPE
Full Time
JOB NUMBER
C2550
DIVISION
Fiscal Services
DEPARTMENT
Cashiering - FS
OPENING DATE
11/07/2025
CLOSING DATE
11/21/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Summary
Please Note: The salary range for this position is $40,716.00 - $47,988.00 annually, depending on qualifications, with periodic increments up to $49,116.00 annually.
The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. The Pierce College District is committed to being an anti-racist institution; to truly be anti-racist we must work deliberately to eliminate barriers that have prevented the most promising and capable students from entering and thriving in college.
The Customer Service Specialist 1 supports students by guiding them through District processes and procedures, resolving inquiries, and processing tuition and fee payments. This role also assists students with Tuition Installment Plans and other customer service-related matters.
Additionally, the Customer Service Specialist 1 provides problem resolution and support to District departments, customers, and students. This position reports to the Student Financials Supervisor and requires regular, consistent attendance.
About the District
Pierce College is a high-performing, mission-driven, data-informed, student-focused district committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. For 55 years, Pierce College has developed a national reputation for academic excellence and support services to ensure student success. The district is proud of the many awards and recognitions it has received. Pierce College is an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction and was the 2017 recipient of their prestigious Leah Meyer Austin Award, given for measurable improvements in student outcomes.
Named as a Top 5 Finalist and a Rising Star for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom was recognized for exceptional achievements in student learning, certificate and degree completion while in community college and after transferring to a four-year institution, employment and earnings rates after graduation, and access for and success of minority and low-income students. Pierce College District was named as a Top 10 finalist for the 2021 Aspen Prize and a Top 25 for 2023. Pierce is also one of 30 original AACC Guided Pathways colleges and one of first five College Spark Washington pathways colleges. We have bold goals to have all students on a career pathway to increase completion rates for all students and to close achievement gaps by 2027. Want a feel for our District. Take a peek with aerial campus views!
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community, recreational park, and Waughop Lake.
Pierce College Puyallup
Located on an expansive site with 125-acres of wooded land with beautiful hideaways.
Pierce College at JBLM
Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active-duty families that are serving our country.
Our colleges enjoy a strong presence in the communities in which they serve and participate in numerous partnerships with business, community, government, and educational organizations.
Essential Functions
The Customer Service Specialist 1 will be responsible for the following, but not limited to:
Customer Service Specialist/Cashiering
Use established procedures to process and apply payments in the PeopleSoft/ctcLink system.
Use established procedures in maintaining all records and reports for the Cashiering module.
Ensure all incoming payments (cash, check, credit card) are deposited and posted to student accounts or department deposits within 24 hours.
Processes scholarship awards by recording them in department receipts, updating student information in the shared Teams folder, and ensuring accurate posting to student accounts.
Stay current on FERPA (Family Education Rights & Privacy Act) regulations and apply them to departmental activities and procedures to protect student confidentiality.
Respond to customer service inquiries and complaints, de-escalate situations, identify issues, and apply appropriate solutions using established procedures.
Effectively communicate with students to ensure all questions related to their accounts are answered and resolved in a timely manner.
Effectively communicate with internal customers to ensure all receivable-related questions are answered and resolved in a timely manner.
Effectively communicate with external customers, such as scholarship donors, sponsors, and other account holders, to ensure all questions related to their accounts are answered and resolved in a timely manner.
Accounts Receivable
Provide fiscal support to the Fiscal Specialist 1 by maintaining Accounts Receivable files, in accordance with established guidelines, with prior approval from a Student Financials Supervisor, Student Financials Manager, or Director of Fiscal Services.
Teamwork
Participate in and serve as a backup for various Finance Department activities, including but not limited to mailing invoices, distributing financial aid checks, and performing duties as outlined for a Customer Service Specialist 1, such as cashiering sessions.
Complete special projects as assigned by the Student Financials Supervisor o Student Financials Manager.
Assist with the annual preparation of records for archiving.
Policies and Procedures, Communication and Relations
Serve on various committees throughout the district as required or assigned.
Act as a liaison to departments, advising on Cashiering/Accounts Receivable policies and procedures.
Foster partnerships across the District and State to enhance collaboration.
Provide guidance, direction, and training to district departments on Accounts Receivable policies and procedures to improve district effectiveness and customer service.
Update and maintain Cashiering manuals to ensure accuracy.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education Required
GED or High School Diploma.
Experience Required
Must have at least two (2) years cash handling experience and customer service experience.
Experience following established cash handling procedures in a business environment OR Experience using standard cash handling procedures in a business environment.
Experience documenting and updating information in written or electronic format to maintain accurate and complete records.
Special Requirements
After a conditional offer of employment, the successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal records background check. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability to perform in this position.
For roles in finance or those with cash handling requirements, the successful candidate must consent to and pass a credit check after a conditional offer of employment. Information from the credit check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability to perform in this position.
Must not be in default on any student loans.
Required Competencies
Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and applicable Office of Financial Management (OFM), State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), or Washington State regulations as outlined in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) fund accounting practices is preferred.
Understanding of the integrated processes that affect the Cashiering and Customer Accounts modules of the Fiscal Management System (FMS), including related systems such as the Student Management System (SMS), the Financial Aid Management System (FAM), and the Financial Aid Auto Application process.
Ability to monitor and review financial data, develop fiscal queries and reports, and interpret and explain applicable state and federal regulations.
Interpersonal Skills
Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, while modeling openness, inclusiveness, honesty, and candor.
Builds and maintains trust with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds and supports team and departmental goals.
Establishment of Rapport
Ability to interact effectively with others, building respectful, cooperative, and constructive relationships while maintaining an open, approachable manner and preserving the dignity and confidence of all individuals.
Teamwork
Ability to work effectively and productively with others, prioritizing team and organizational goals while recognizing and valuing the contributions and perspectives of team members.
Provides constructive feedback, shares information and expertise, keeps team members informed, and fosters collaboration to achieve shared success.
Personal Responsibility
Demonstrates responsible personal and professional conduct, upholding ethical standards and integrity while contributing to the mission and goals of the College.
Earns the trust and respect of students and colleagues through honesty, professionalism, confidentiality, and accountability.
Maintains high ethical and quality standards, acting with integrity, civility, and respect for others, and consistently delivers results while addressing challenges directly and professionally.
Adaptability & Flexibility
Ability to adapt to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities, responding positively to change and embracing new practices or values to accomplish goals and solve problems.
Technology Proficiency
Proficient in MS Excel, MS Word, and MS Access (preferred).
Application Process
Application Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must:
Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
Complete the online application profile at https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr and apply for the specific job opening.
Cover Letter: Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
Resume: Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience.
References: Upload (attach) a list of at least three (3) professional references with names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. One of which must be your current or most recent supervisor. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted.
Supplemental Question: Provide a response to the following question.
Briefly describe how you have worked in your previous or current positions to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in your organizations and how you would do that in this position. Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.
To learn more about our Equity, Engagement, and Belonging efforts, please visit: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/equity-engagement-and-belonging.
Special Note
To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.
All correspondence regarding your application status will be sent to the email address associated with your SCHOOLJOBS.COM account. Please make sure to check your spam folder periodically, in the case of an automated, incorrect delivery.
Terms of Employment
This is a full-time (40 hours per week) classified, overtime-eligible position with Pierce College District. This position is permanent after serving a 6-month probationary period. The primary work location will be at Pierce College, Fort Steilacoom campus.
Occasional travel to Pierce College campuses or sites may occur. Work hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00p.m. Monday through Friday with occasional evenings and weekend work, and occasional travel as required. This position may be subject to reassignment between campuses or sites. Regular and consistent attendance is required.
Salary & Benefits
The starting salary for this position is $3,393.00 to $3,999.00 per month, depending on qualifications, with periodic increments up to $4,093.00 monthly. However, your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long-term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided.
Physical Work Environment
This position is required to work indoors in an open office environment, which requires visual concentration on detail, dexterity, precision, and is subject to frequent noise and interruptions.
Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.
Screening & Interview Process:
Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned.
Please Note
This is a competitive selection process. Your application materials will be reviewed and evaluated based on the minimum qualifications listed for the position. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the district’s needs will be eligible for further consideration.
Notification of application status normally occurs 4 to 6 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include written, oral and performance examinations, and final interviews.
Conditions of Employment
Prior to the start of employment, finalist(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check and credit check as a condition of employment. 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.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Conditional offer letters will be accompanied by a declaration and authorization to release information form to be completed by the applicant. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law RCW 28B.112.080.
An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the district to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.
Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.
Bargaining Unit
This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employee Association (WPEA).
Equal Opportunity
The Pierce College District is an equal opportunity employer. The Board of Trustees and Pierce College District are committed to providing equal opportunity and will not discriminate in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. Decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal.
For more information about this position or assistance regarding your application, contact Human Resources at: jobs@pierce.ctc.edu.
Questions regarding equal employment opportunities or discrimination may be directed to the following:
Sean Cooke - Title IX Coordinator & ADACO/Section 504 Coordinator
(253) 840-8472
Deena Forsythe - Vice President for Human Resources
(253) 964-6586
Paula Henson-Williams - District Affirmative Action Officer
(253) 864-3229
Employer
Pierce College
Address
9401 Farwest Drive SW
Lakewood, Washington, 98498
Phone
253.964.7342
Website
https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr
Customer Service Specialist 1 Supplemental Questionnaire
QUESTION 1
Briefly describe how you have worked in your previous or current positions to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in your organizations and how you would do that in this position. Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words. To learn more about our Equity, Engagement, and Belonging efforts, please visit: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/equity-engagement-and-belonging.
Required Question
