Pierce College
Customer Service Specialist - Part Time Floater
SALARY
$19.50 - $23.52 Hourly
LOCATION
Puyallup, WA
JOB TYPE
Classified Non-Permanent
JOB NUMBER
C2514
DIVISION
Fiscal Services
DEPARTMENT
Cashiering - FS
OPENING DATE
02/25/2025
CLOSING DATE
3/11/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Summary
This is a non-permanent, part-time floater position with a 12-month duration.
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 I supports students by guiding them through District processes and procedures, resolving inquiries, and processing tuition and fee payments. This role also assists with Tuition Installment Plans and other customer service-related matters.
Additionally, the Customer Service Specialist I provides problem resolution and support to District departments, customers, and students. This position reports to the Student Financials Manager and requires regular, consistent attendance.
This position actively supports and engages in Pierce College’s goals for equity and inclusion in order to provide access and support for our diverse community of learners and our goal of becoming an anti-racist institution.
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 – Part Time Floater 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; maintain accurate records 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.
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 customer account files, in accordance with established guidelines, with prior approval from a Student Financials Supervisor, Student Financials Manager, or Associate Vice President of Fiscal Services.
Teamwork
Participate in and serve as a backup for various Fiscal Services activities, including but not limited to mailing invoices, distributing financial aid checks, invoicing at military sites, and performing duties as outlined for a Customer Service Specialist, such as cashiering sessions.
Complete special projects as assigned by the Student Financials Supervisor or their designee.
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/Customer Accounts 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
One (1) year of experience providing assistance to clients/customers regarding inquiries, complaints, or problems.
Current or recent experience handling cash transactions, including receiving payments, giving change, and reconciling cash drawers.
Experience documenting and updating information in written or electronic format to maintain accurate and complete records.
Special Requirements
The successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal background check and credit check after a conditional offer of employment. 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.
Must not be in default of any student loans.
Required Competencies
Knowledge Required
Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and any applicable Office of Financial Management (OFM), State Board for Community and Technical College (SBCTC) or Washington State laws as outlined in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) fund accounting practices is preferred.
Ability to monitor, review, and develop financial reports and queries; ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
Interpersonal Skills
Ability to work effectively and build trust with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds, while modeling openness, inclusiveness, and honesty.
Communication Skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate plans and activities that support unit strategies and mission outcomes.
Establishing Rapport
Ability to build constructive working relationships with respect, cooperation, and mutual trust; treat others with courtesy and consideration.
Teamwork
Ability and desire to work cooperatively with team members to achieve the College's mission and outcomes, recognize and appreciate diverse perspectives, provide constructive feedback, share information and expertise, and foster team unity by prioritizing collective success.
Personal Responsibility
Demonstrate professionalism and personal responsibility for work quality and timeliness, earning trust and confidence through ethical conduct.
Adaptability and Flexibility
Respond positively to change, manage stress, and embrace new practices to accomplish goals and solve problems.
Technology Proficiency
Proficient in MS Excel, with a familiarity of PeopleSoft preferred; ability to learn and adapt to new software and tools as needed.
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.
Apply for the specific job opening.
Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. (Cover Letter)
Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience. (Résumé)
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. (References)
Provide a response to the following question. (Supplemental 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.
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 non-permanent, part-time floater (approximately 17 hours per week, not to exceed 69 hours per month; 12-month duration), classified, overtime-eligible position with Pierce College District. The primary work location will be at Pierce College, Puyallup campus, but travel to Fort Steilacoom or Joint Base Lewis-McChord may be required. Typical work hours are four days a week, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This position requires regular and consistent attendance.
Salary & Benefits
The starting salary of this position is $19.50 to $22.98 an hour dependent upon qualifications, with periodic increments up to $23.52 an hour.
This position is not eligible for benefits.
Physical Work Environment
This position works 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
Pierce College is a “fully vaccinated campus” under the state’s higher education guidance, which means that COVID-19 vaccination is highly encouraged for all employees and students.
Prior to the start of employment, finalist(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background 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.
Questions regarding equal employment opportunities or discrimination may be directed to the following:
Sean Cooke - Title IX Coordinator
(253) 840-8472
Davi Kallman - ADACO/Section 504 Coordinator
(253) 912-3715
Deena Forsythe - Interim 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 - Part Time Floater 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.
Required Question
