Student Services Assistant

Since 1972, Guide Dogs of the Desert (GDD) has made a difference in the lives of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Over the past 50 years, more than 1400 client/dog teams from around the country have graduated from Guide Dogs of the Desert, enjoying richer, fuller and more productive lives. Attending a 28-day in-residence training program on campus, the blind individual is matched with the highest quality dog that is custom-trained to the individual’s personal needs and home environment – at no cost to the client.

Guide Dogs of the Desert is a service provider to the visually impaired supported by over 200 volunteers who raise puppies for training to be service animals for those in need. All dogs are AKC-registered pedigreed animals who are taught obedience and socialization before their intense specialty training as service animals begins.

Guide Dogs is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, totally reliant upon private sector funding

Job Title: Student Services Assistant
FLSA Classification: Non-exempt (eligible for overtime), Full-time
Supervises: No

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Student Services Assistant is responsible for assisting in the processing of prospective student applications, communication with inquiring members of the public, applicants, students, and alumni. Provide administrative support to the Student Services & Training Department, assisting in facilitation of class logistics and advocating for GDD at speaking engagements and school functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

Daily Duties:

Manages and provides a high level of customer service to general callers, applicants, students, and alumni.

Document all calls per Student Services protocol in a timely and appropriate manner, utilizing the appropriate database and other tools.

Identify and appropriately transfer calls requiring other GDD staff assistance.

Communicate with applicant references to gather supporting application materials.

Schedule phone consultations with new applicants for Student Services Manager.

Attends meetings with Student Services Department and Training Department.

Organize and maintain electronic file system. Assist with re-organization of student file documentation, moving to an electronic file system for both active and archived files.

Respond to program related inquiries in a prompt and professional manner.

Provide technical assistance for applicants experiencing challenges navigating the online application.

Mail paper applications to applicants as needed.

Convert paper application materials to electronic documentation.

Adhere to GDD safety policies and procedures and encourage others to do the same. Promptly report incidents and accidents according to campus procedures.

Assist in tracking dorm supply inventories (sheets, towels, soap, etc.).

With Students

Assist in facilitating student shopping needs during class.

Assist in facilitating student mail needs during class.

Assist in overnight dorm coverage as needed when class is in session.

Assist in preparing dormitories prior to student arrival on campus.

Assist in shut-down procedures at the conclusion of class.

Assist with student airport transportation upon arrival & leaving from class.

Provide dormitory coverage from 8am-4pm on Sundays when class is in session.

Other

Responding to calls or inquiries from individuals interested in adoptable dogs through Guide Dogs of the Desert’s career change program.

Customer Service – Follow-up on questions/concerns in a timely manner. Respond to internal/external customer inquiries in an efficient manner.

Teamwork - Demonstrates and promotes teamwork amongst coworkers and students.

Safety – Demonstrates commitment to a healthily and safe environment by following GDD’s safety and security policies and procedures.

Confidentiality - Maintain the security and privacy of all student services data and information.

Flexibility – Ability to adapt to change which could include varying deadlines.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or experience

High School Diploma or GED

Minimum of two (2) years clerical/office experience required.

Minimum of two (2) years customer service experience required.

Experience answering multiple phone lines, taking accurate messages and transferring calls to voicemail system in a professional business manner.

College degree preferred.

Required Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge

Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook and Publisher.

Excellent written and communication skills.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Excellent time management skill, with ability to multi-task.

Able to work evening and weekend hours when required.

Required Technical / Certification / Licenses

• Valid California driver’s license and safe driving record
• Able to pass a pre-employment drug test and background check
• First Aid/CPR Certification to be obtained the first six (6) months of employment

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

License/Certification:

• CA Driver's Lisence (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19