Customer Service Specialist 1

Customer Service Specialist 1

Salary

$22.51 - $26.63 Hourly

Location

1601 39th Ave SE, Puyallup, WA

Job Type

Classified Permanent PT

Job Number

C2625

Division

Fiscal Services

Opening Date

08/27/2026

Closing Date

9/10/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

Position Summary:

This is a non-permanent, part-time position with a 12-month duration. The starting salary range for this position is $22.51 to $26.63, with most candidates starting at $22.51. This is a part-time, non-permanent, classified, overtime-eligible position with the Pierce College District working approximately 16 hours per week, not to exceed 69 hours per month. The main work location is at the Pierce College Puyallup campus and reports directly to the Student Financials Manager. This position requires regular and consistent attendance and is not eligible for telework.

The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities to 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. We work to ensure that every student in the Pierce College District feels valued, respected, and inspired to achieve their goals. We provide a brave space for Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ/QTPOC students, students with disabilities, and all students and staff to seek refuge, and an opportunity for them to cultivate their strengths, intelligence, resilience, and creativity.

To learn more about our Equity, Engagement, and Belonging efforts, please visit:https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/equity-engagement-and-belonging.

The Customer Service Specialist I assists students in identifying District processes and procedures, resolving problems, and receiving payments for tuition and fees. This position also assists students in completing Tuition Installment Plans and other customer service-related inquiries. The Customer Service Specialist 1 provides assistance and problem resolution to District departments, customers, and students.

About the District:

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.

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.

Essential Functions

Essential Functions:

Customer Service & 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.
• Process any incoming cash, check or credit card deposit within a 24-hour period, including posting payments to student accounts or department deposits.
• Prepares scholarships to be booked into department receipts and add student information to Teams shared folder for FA award to the student account. Verify that scholarships are posted correctly on the Student Account.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of FERPA (Family Education Rights & Privacy Act) and related legislation and apply to departmental activities/procedures to protect the confidentiality of student information.
• Positively responds to customer service inquiries and complaints, by deescalating the situation and identifying the issue. Using the established procedures to identifying available solutions that meet the needs of the student/customer, when possible.
• Effectively communicates to ensure all receivable related questions are answered, and resolved, in a timely manner.
• Effectively communicates with students, to ensure all questions related to their accounts are answered, and resolved, in a timely manner.
• Effectively communicates with outside third parties, such as scholarship donors and third-party agencies, to ensure all questions related to their accounts are answered, and resolved, in a timely manner.

Accounts Receivable

• Using established guidelines to provide fiscal support to the Fiscal Specialist 1, such as but not limited to maintaining Accounts Receivable files (with prior approval from a Student Financials Supervisor, Student Financials Manager and/or Director of Fiscal Services).

Teamwork

• Participates with and serves as backup for other Finance Department activities, including but not limited to: mailing of invoices, financial aid check distribution, invoicing at the military sites, and any duties outlined as a Customer Service Specialist 1, to include working a cashiering session.
• Complete special projects as assigned by the Student Financials Supervisor or Student Financials Manager.
• Assists in preparation of records, annually, for archival.

Policies & Procedures; Communication & Relationships

• Serve as required, or assigned, on various committees throughout the District.

• Serve as liaison with and advise departments regarding Cashiering/Accounts Receivable policies and procedures. Assist in providing guidance, direction, and training to district departments on Accounts Receivable policy and procedure to enhance district effectiveness and customer service.

• Foster partnerships across the District and State.

• Update and maintain Cashiering manuals.

Qualifications

Required Education:

• GED or High School Diploma

Required Experience:

• Must have at least two years cash handling experience and customer service experience.

• Experience using current 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

• The successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal background check after a conditional offer of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position

Required Competencies: Knowledge, skills, abilities, traits and characteristics:

• 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). Utilization of the previously referenced items is outlined in the State of Administrative & Accounting Manual (SAAM) or the SBCTC Fiscal Affairs Manual (FAM). Additionally, knowledge and understanding of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) fund accounting practices is preferred.
• Must have working knowledge and understanding of the integrated processes that impact the Cashiering & Customer Accounts Module of the Fiscal Management System (FMS), including but not limited to: the Student Management System (SMS) and the Financial Aid Auto Application process that runs through the Financial Aid Management System (FAMs).
• Ability to monitor and review input and output of financial data, and develop fiscal queries and reports.
• Ability to interpret and explain applicable state and federal regulations.
• Computer skills: MS EXCEL, MS WORD, MS ACCESS (preferred) Office 365
• Ability to work effectively and positively and with individuals of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and educationally diverse populations.
• Maintains an open, approachable manner, and treats others fairly and respectfully; preserves others' self-confidence and dignity, and shows regard for their opinions.
• Respects and maintains confidentiality. Earn the trust, respect, and confidence of co-workers and students through consistent honest, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions.
• Responds positively to change, embracing and using new practices or values to accomplish goals and solve problems.

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)
• Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and conferral date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: https://www.naces.org/members (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)
• Upload (attach) a list of at least three (3) professional references with names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. At least one reference 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): "How does this position impact the Colleges goal to support all students and to achieve racial and social equity in pursuit of mission?" Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.
• For definitions of certain equity, engagement, and belonging language, please visit: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/eeb-definitions

Special Note: To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

Terms of Employment:

This is a part-time (16 hours per week), classified, overtime-eligible position with the Pierce College District. This is a non-permanent, part-time position with a 12-month duration. The primary work location is at the Pierce College Puyallup campus. This position not eligible for telework. Standard work hours are between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours required. This position may be subject to reassignment between campuses or sites. This position reports directly to the Student Financials Supervisor and requires regular and consistent attendance.

Salary & Benefits:

The starting hourly range for this position is $22.51 to $26.63 annually with annual increments up to $22.51. The salary will be determined based on the candidates qualifications and related experience. Most candidates will start at $22.51. 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. For more information, please visit our Benefits and Leave website at:https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr- benefits.

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 states 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 Districts needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Conditions of Employment:

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 applicants 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. 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:

Pierce College supports and values the dignity of each member of its community and visitors, and is committed to maintaining an environment free from discrimination and harassment. This commitment applies to all levels and areas of operations and programs and is intended to ensure that all students and employees are provided equitable opportunities to realize their goals and to function safely and effectively within the Pierce College environment.

Pierce College recognizes its responsibility under state laws and their implementing regulations to investigate, resolve, implement corrective measures, and monitor the educational environment and workplace to stop, remediate, and prevent discrimination on the basis of 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. Pierce College prohibits discrimination against and harassment of members of these protected classes, as well as any additional class(es) protected by local, state, or federal law. Any individual found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including the possibility of exclusion from Pierce College facilities, dismissal from Pierce College as a student, and/or dismissal from employment, as applicable.

Members of the college community, guests, or visitors who believe they have been the subject of discrimination or harassment should report the incident or incidents to the District Title IX/EEO Coordinator identified below. If the complaint is against that Coordinator, or if for some other reason a report cannot be made to the Coordinator, the complainant should report the matter to one of the alternate designees listed below.

District Title IX Coordinator and District Section 504 Coordinator

Kelly Benson

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

Cascade Building, Room 237

9401 Farwest Drive SW, Lakewood, WA 98498-1999

253-964-6716

TitleIX@pierce.ctc.edu

District Affirmative Action Officer

Paula Henson-Williams

253-864-3229

PHenson@pierce.ctc.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

District Athletics

Duncan Stevenson

253-964-6612

DStevenson@pierce.ctc.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Student Conduct

Julie Draper Davis

253-912-2331

JDraperDavis@pierce.ctc.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Pierce College at Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Ron Burleson

253-912-2242

RBurleson@pierce.ctc.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

EEO/Human Resources

Deena Forsythe

253-964-6586

DForsythe@pierce.ctc.edu

Insurance and Retirement Benefits:

This position is currently ineligible for healthcare and retirement benefits. Eligibility for benefits is determined according to the regulations outlined in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). For additional information on retirement eligibility, please refer to WAC 415-108-010 and https://www.drs.wa.gov/. For additional information on healthcare benefits eligibility, please refer to WAC 182-12-114 and 182-12-131 and https://www.hca.wa.gov/pebb-benefits-admins/state-agencies-and-institutions-higher-education.

Leave:

As a part-time, permanent classified employee, you will begin to accrue the following leave benefits: in addition to paid holidays, you will receive vacation leave, a personal holiday, personal leave days per contract year (July-June) and sick leave. All leave and paid holidays will be paid/accrued on the same proportional basis that their appointment bears to a full-time appointment.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness:

At Pierce College, we value the contributions of our employees and strive to support their professional and personal growth. One significant benefit of working with us is our eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. As an employee of a qualifying public service organization, you may be eligible to have your federal student loans forgiven after making 120 qualifying payments (10 years). This program is designed to support those who dedicate their careers to public service, giving you the opportunity to significantly reduce your student loan debt while making a positive impact in the community.

Financial Peace of Mind: With Public Service Loan Forgiveness, you can focus on your mission to serve others without the burden of overwhelming student loan debt, allowing you to dedicate your skills and talents to providing quality educational opportunities to a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world.

Flexible Repayment Options: We encourage our employees to explore various repayment plans, including income-driven options that can make monthly payments more manageable during your service as a public employee.

Join Our Dedicated Community Now:

If you are committed to helping Pierce College become an anti-racist institution; ensuring that every student in the Pierce College District feels valued, respected, and inspired to achieve their goals than Pierce College needs you! We provide a brave space for Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ/QTPOC students, students with disabilities, and all students and staff to seek refuge, and an opportunity for them to cultivate their strengths, intelligence, resilience, and creativity. This role that not only enhances your career but also offers financial benefits through programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness. We encourage you to apply!

Bargaining Unit:

Classified employees of Pierce College are covered by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA). For more information, please visit http://www.wpea.org/.

Discounted Health Education Center Membership:

Employees of the college receive a discount on Health Education Center membership, which provides access at both campuses to a complete set of cardiovascular and strength training equipment and a full gymnasium at the Fort Steilacoom campus. Personal trainers and physical education classes are also available for an additional fee.

01

"How does this position impact the Colleges goal to support all students and to achieve racial and social equity in pursuit of mission?" Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.

Required Question

Employer Pierce College

Address 9401 Farwest Drive SW

Lakewood, Washington, 98498

Phone 253.964.7342

Website https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr