What are the responsibilities and job description for the Office Coordinator - HEP position at Portland State University?
Position Details
Proposed Start Date
04/01/2025
Classification Title
Office Specialist 2
Working Title
Office Coordinator - HEP
Department
222720 - UGE Higher Educatn in Prison (HEP)
Position Number
D99782
Representation
OP - SEIU/OPEU Local 503
Position FTE
.75 - 1.0
End date, if applicable
06/30/2026
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Portland State’s 49-acre downtown campus is located in the heart of one of America’s most vibrant centers of culture, business and technology. We are recognized throughout the world for programs like Urban Planning, Social Work, and Environmental Studies that directly engage the community, and aim our students towards the creation of a better, more sustainable world.
The Higher Education in Prison program is housed in University Studies, the largest general education program for Portland State. It is required of all undergraduates with the exception of students in the honors program and certain pre-professional health programs. University Studies collaborates widely across academic units at Portland State University, working with 40 academic departments and programs to deliver over 150 UNST-specific and almost 200 affiliated courses per term. As our mission statement explains, University Studies’ inclusive, interdisciplinary, and inquiry-based pedagogy:
- Provokes students to build self-efficacy through relational learning across difference.
- Encourages a community of educators to practice engaged teaching for transformative learning.
- Advances civic engagement, reflective practice, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.
The mission of Portland State University’s Higher Education in Prison (HEP) program is to expand rigorous, quality higher education at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility and to support justice-impacted students post-release.
Position Summary
This position provides administrative program assistance to the Higher Education in Prison program. This includes coordinating HEP program elements, assisting students and answering inquiries about the program, scheduling meetings, taking notes, basic bookkeeping and managing document workflows, and databases.
The ideal candidate performs duties as assigned independently and completes varied tasks, often using their judgment to decide on appropriate courses of action for unrelated assignments and technical functions which support the growth and development of the HEP Program.
The ideal candidate performs duties as assigned independently and completes varied tasks, often using their judgment to decide on appropriate courses of action for unrelated assignments and technical functions which support the growth and development of the HEP Program.
Minimum Qualifications from Classification
Two years of general clerical experience. One year of which included typing, word processing, or other experience generating documents; OR
An Associate’s degree in Office Occupations or Office Technology; OR
Graduation from a private school of business with a Certificate in Office Occupations or Office Technology AND one year of general clerical experience.
Note:
College courses in Office Occupations or Office Technology will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
An Associate’s degree in Office Occupations or Office Technology; OR
Graduation from a private school of business with a Certificate in Office Occupations or Office Technology AND one year of general clerical experience.
Note:
College courses in Office Occupations or Office Technology will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Additional Minimum Qualifications for this Position
- Reliable Transportation to the corrections facilities (Coffee Creek, Oregon State Penitentiary, etc.).
- Eligibility to receive volunteer credentials with the Oregon Department of Corrections
- Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
- Experience working in a culturally diverse environment.
- Demonstrated ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure, use judgment in accomplishing tasks that are urgent or of a sensitive or confidential nature, and balance conflicting priorities
- Strong attention to detail, organizational, and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively interact with diverse stakeholders
- Highly proactive with demonstrated ability to work independently
- Experience with relevant computer applications
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience developing processes and procedures that improve service or increase program efficiency
- Experience with higher education in prison
- Understanding of the current landscape of the field of higher education in prison in Oregon, and nationally
- Experience with re-entry processes.
Key Cultural Competencies
Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
Adheres to all PSU policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
Adheres to all PSU policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, some evenings or weekends
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
The starting annual salary rate for this position will be between $18.16- $20.55 per hour. Portland State has an excellent benefits package including 95% employer-paid health insurance premiums (employees and eligible dependents) and significantly reduced tuition rates for employees and eligible dependents at any of the Oregon Public Universities. After completing six full months employees are eligible to choose between our two employer-paid pension programs in addition to two voluntary retirement programs. Wellness options include access to the PSU Rec Center at a reduced rate and free wellness programs. For a comprehensive view of all PSU benefits, visit the PSU Total Compensation Calculator.
Application Instructions
Additional Information
This is a temporary grant funded position, set to end on 6/30/2026, unless funding is extended.
A background check is required for this position.
A background check is required for this position.
Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
Please upload the emails and phone numbers of three professional references.
Background Check Required
Yes
If you have questions
Please email Nahlee Suvanvej at nahlee@pdx.edu
Salary : $18 - $21
