The Opportunity: The Program Assistant provides front-counter customer service and administrative support for Student Services at the Whidbey Island Campus. This position serves as a welcoming first point of contact for students and the general public, assists with student referrals and scheduling, supports admissions and enrollment activities, and contributes to the coordination of student services, admissions events, and operations.

The job is a 100% full-time, classified position working 40 hours per week, 12 months per year, with a flexible schedule to accommodate limited evening hours. This position works onsite at the Whidbey Island Campus in Oak Harbor, WA.

The Program Assistant for Student Services reports to the Admissions Program Specialist 2.

The Location: Skagit Valley College is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People’s, especially on Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, and Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. Located in a geographically diverse region between the dynamic metropolitan hubs of Seattle and Vancouver, BC, SVC is never far from world-class outdoor recreation, urban arts scenes, and local cultural events. SVC serves our local communities with a campus in Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, and centers in Friday Harbor, a Marine Technology Center in Anacortes, and a Brewing Academy in Burlington.

Mission: Skagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational, personal, and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities.

Vision: The primary focus of Skagit Valley College is student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to:

• Equitable student outcomes in access, achievement, and community;
• Our Guiding Principles;
• Decisions based on strategy and evidence;
• The development of our employees;
• A diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs.

• An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our diverse community.
• Support for innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship.
• Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth.
• Diverse cultural and environmental benefits of rural, suburban, and urban lifestyles.
• Friendly, supportive, and diverse work environments.
• Excellent benefits include competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs.

Office Operations and Administrative Support

• Maintain informational displays, flyers, bulletin boards, whiteboards, and promotional materials within Student Services areas;
• Assist with development and distribution of informational and promotional materials in collaboration with campus departments;
• Provide administrative support to Student Services staff through document preparation, including copying, printing, filing, data entry, and other routine office functions;
• Provides event support for New Student Registration (NSR) and other admissions-related activities by coordinating registration materials, preparing event supplies, assisting with room reservations, and supporting logistical needs to ensure successful event operations;
• Support NSR events: setup, check-in, student navigation, and post-event activities;
• Under the direction of the Director of Entry Services, conducts outreach communications to students requiring placement assistance or follow-up prior to Admissions and registration events; provides guidance, answers questions, and connects students with appropriate resources to support enrollment readiness and successful completion of enrollment steps;
• Perform miscellaneous clerical, administrative, and customer service duties as assigned;
• Supports special projects, strategic initiatives, and cross-functional efforts within Student Services departments as operational priorities and workload demands allow;
• Contribute to a welcoming, inclusive, and student-centered campus environment;
• Participate in departmental meetings and attend campus events as assigned.

• Serve as the primary front counter contact for students, community members, and campus visitors;
• Provide exceptional customer service in person, by phone, and through electronic communications;
• Provide comprehensive customer service to students navigating through admissions, registration, and placement;
• Support student access by assisting with appointment scheduling for placement testing, Counseling and Advising, faculty, Dual Credit programs, and Outreach services through institutional scheduling platforms, in coordination with and under the direction of the appropriate department;
• Assist students with reservations for New Student Registration events;
• Check-in students for their appointments with Counseling and Advising, Veterans, Financial Aid, and Faculty appointments;
• Monitor the Admissions and Enrollment Services email inbox daily as assigned.

• Connect students and visitors with appropriate departments, programs, and personnel through effective referrals;
• Collect and relay student contact information to appropriate staff for follow-up and service coordination;
• Receives and reviews student forms, applications, and supporting documentation; verifies completeness and accuracy; and routes materials to the appropriate Student Services offices for processing.
• Maintains confidentiality of student records and follows institutional procedures, FERPA requirements, and established document management practices.

• Ability to establish positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members;
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively in a diverse environment;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines;
• Commitment to student success, equity, and inclusion.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Strong customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills;
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Ability to multitask and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Previous customer service or office support experience;
• Experience working in a higher education, student services, or public service environment;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Familiarity with appointment scheduling software and office technology;
• Bilingual in English and Spanish or multilingual communication skills.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary is based on Range 39, Step A, $3,565 per month with periodic increments to $4,633 per month. Starting salary may be dependent on education, qualifications, and experience. Salary and benefits are subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates and collective bargaining agreements.
• This position is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and is dependent upon continued grant funding.
• This is a union-represented position subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
• Retirement, medical, and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with state regulations. Additional information on benefits can be found at https://fortress.wa.gov/hca/pebbhealthplan/compare.aspx.

1. Meet the minimum qualifications and;
2. Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at www.skagit.eduthat includes the following:
   • The online application, which includes answers to all supplemental questions and contact information for at least three (3) professional references;
   • A current resume; (Attachment: Resume);
   • A letter of interest addressing the minimum, desired qualifications, and your education and experience as it supports the responsibilities of this position; (Attachment: Cover Letter).

• Prior to employment, 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.

• 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 Skagit Valley College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.
• If hired you will be required 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.
• This classification is included in the classified staff bargaining unit, represented by the Washington Public Employees Association, WPEA.