Student Services Welcome Specialist

Gaston College • Dallas, NC

8d

About The Position

The Student Services Specialist serves as the initial guide for new, current, and returning students and provides front-line administrative support within the Student Services division. The position assists students with enrollment, registration, advising, financial aid, orientation, testing, and other college processes; triages inquiries; connects students with specialized Student Services staff; and provides information and referrals professionally, welcomingly, and confidentially. It also supports Student Pantry operations, including check-in, pantry access, and inventory tracking.

The position represents the College professionally, protects confidentiality, follows policies and procedures, and contributes to collaborative, high-quality service for students, faculty, staff, and other clients. It may involve cross-training and assisting in other Student Services areas, as well as serving as backup administrative assistant to the Vice President for Student Services and the Dean of Student Development and Support Services. Evening and weekend hours vary according to College needs, registration, and special events.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED/HSE.
• Two years of clerical experience in a business or educational setting with extensive public contact and accurate recordkeeping.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of standard office equipment and related tools and technology.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated clerical competencies through internal testing.
• Knowledge of FERPA rules and regulations.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant associate degree from a regionally accredited college.
• Career Readiness Certificate (CRC).
• Working knowledge of Student Pantry tracking and inventory software, student information systems such as Watermark or Colleague, and related data-entry systems.
• Strong cross-cultural skills and fluency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Represent the College professionally, maintain confidentiality, and follow applicable policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Manage situations and problems responsibly and work cooperatively with colleagues toward team and College objectives.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and provide a high level of customer service.
• Participate in cross-training and assist in other Student Services areas and functions as needed.
• Provide information to students, faculty, and staff through in-person contact, telephone, and email.
• Greet students in person or by telephone; route inquiries, take messages, answer questions, and help resolve concerns.
• Assist students with admissions, financial aid, curriculum and continuing education registration, orientation, and testing processes.
• Handle student matters and emergencies confidentially.
• Assist with walk-in and scheduled appointment check-ins and help students use online portals and forms.
• Complete help desk tickets for technical or repair issues for the second floor of the Myers Center as needed.
• Support Student Pantry check-in and recordkeeping, including using tracking software, adding students to the system, and maintaining accurate and confidential participation records.
• Help students access the Student Pantry by providing directions or an escort as needed and maintaining a welcoming, organized, and respectful experience.
• Enter and update Student Pantry inventory information in tracking software and help keep inventory records accurate and current.
• Keep the Welcome Desk stocked with handouts, brochures, maps, calendars, and other materials.
• Stay informed about departmental, divisional, and College procedures.
• Enter data for Student Services areas as needed and assist with document imaging of student files.
• Serve as backup administrative assistant to the Vice President for Student Services and the Dean of Student Development and Support Services when the administrative assistant is away from the desk.
• Stay knowledgeable about student information needs across relevant College offices and services.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor and/or the Vice President for Student Services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED