Working Title: Student Services Assistant (Front Desk - Customer Svcs Specialist Int)
Job Class: Customer Service Specialist, Intermediate
Agency: Minnesota State
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Job ID: 96551
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Location: Willmar
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Telework Eligible: No
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Full/Part Time: Full-Time
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Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
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Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
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Date Posted: 08/25/2026
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Closing Date: 09/08/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: MN St Colleges & Universities / Willmar/Hutch TC-Willmr-AFSCME
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Division/Unit: MnSCU Ridgewater Willmar TC / MnSCU Rdgwtr Willmar TC Class
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Appointment Type: Unlimited, Full-time
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Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift ; 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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Days of Work: Monday - Friday
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Travel Required: No
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Salary Range: $21.12 - $28.01 / hourly; $44,098 - $58,484 / annually
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 206 - Clerical/AFSCME
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Work Area: Student Services
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FLSA Status: Nonexempt
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Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
This position serves as the front line of the Student Services department and provides administrative support college-wide, which may include but is not limited to data entry, management of student files and records, document imaging, scheduling appointments, and being assigned special projects by others within the college. This position delivers support to students and their families, faculty, staff, and others in the college community by providing essential information, assistance navigating online resources, answering questions in the areas of course enrollment information, academic records, financial aid, disability services, payments and billing. This position requires a high level of customer service, professional knowledge and ongoing training to research, investigate, problem-solve, and resolve both simple and complex student issues under minimal supervisory guidance, regularly exercising professional judgement and discretion on individual student cases. The person in this position must be able to work independently, with minimal supervision and possess the interpersonal communication skills needed to do work for multiple people.
PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESULTS
Maintain a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the College’s financial aid, records, registration, advising and billing processes, services and resources to provide clear and concise responses to requests for information assistance external customers. Asking inquiring questions is critical before referring to appropriate staff or department. This position provides technical support for using eServices including registration, financial aid, scheduling courses, billing, etc. Answers calls promptly and provides accurate information to callers or routes calls appropriately. Develops rapport and trust with prospective, applicant, and current students to promote the understanding of college policy, procedures, and operations. Demonstrates initiative in resolving situations not requiring personal attention from one of the Directors in Student Services. Treat all interactions with integrity and confidentiality. Direct students and families to resources needed to navigate Student Services. Assist with the intake and handing out of forms/documents. Escalate more complex or time-sensitive issues to the appropriate Student Services staff. Follow-up with students or staff as needed to ensure proper resolution of an issue. This position also includes the following, but is not limited to:
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Greet visitors and assist or direct them appropriately.
- Answers phones, transfers calls, and takes messages as appropriate.
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Provide answers to questions and provide follow-up messages in a professional manner.
- Assists students with special projects and activities.
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Schedule appointments for students.
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Disseminates information or refers customers to appropriate resources.
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Project a positive image for the institution.
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Set up school visits and tours
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Other customer service duties as needed.
Provides clerical and other general office and administrative support for the student services including financial aid office and the college’s faculty, staff, and administration. Duties include but are not limited to:
- Administrative duties for student services: Registration overrides, financial aid tracking, FAFSA support, all forms processed in the student services area (paper and electronic), work with electronic workflow software.
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Preparing purchase requisitions and completing transactions within appropriate software
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Scheduling and taking minutes during faculty advisory board meetings.
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Conducting student background studies for certain programs.
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Preparing, copying, assembling forms, mailings, packets, etc.
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Creating correspondence.
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Creating promotional materials such as flyers.
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Scheduling rooms and appointments.
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Work on special projects.
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Organizing, processing and distributing incoming and/or outgoing mail.
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Knowledge and demonstrated ability to use the following computer/software including: Desire to Learn (D2L), Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, ISRS, etc.
- Monitoring and maintaining inventory of office supplies.
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Provides quality assurance checks on all data entry.
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Assist with student flags in Starfish.
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Other miscellaneous administrative support duties as assigned.
Serve as a backup test administrator to the test center on the Willmar campus.
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
This position requires analytical and problem-solving skills along with a high level of attention to detail and organizational skills. This position also requires skills in the areas of interpretation of information, computation, ability to work well under pressure and deal will people in a professional manner. In this position, human relations and interpersonal skills are of equal importance with technical skills. This position requires the ability to perform duties with a minimum of supervision and must make appropriate decisions.
Minimum Qualifications (required skills to enter the job; must be identified on application materials)
- Knowledge of customer service practices and principles sufficient to identify each customer’s needs, meet quality standards for services, that result in customer satisfaction.
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Ability to explain policies and procedures in a clear, concise, and professional manner to both internal and external customers.
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Skill in customer service sufficient to provide prompt and accurate information to customers in person, on the phone, and through email and other written or electronic correspondence.
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Knowledge of math sufficient to maintain complete and accurate financial records and balance and resolve discrepancies.
- Skill in word processing sufficient
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to prepare, edit, and finalize emails, memos, reports, and/or other documents and types of written communication that are grammatically correct, in proper format, and free of spelling errors.
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Knowledge of standard computer software programs for word processing, spreadsheets, and databases sufficient to create, modify, and protect files.
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Knowledge of document and/or records management systems sufficient to store, categorize, and retrieve electronic files
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Ability to accurately input, verify, and edit electronic data and check input and output data for completeness, accuracy, and discrepancies.
Preferred Qualitifcations(desired but not required)
- Experience using Minnesota State systems, including ISRS, ImageNow, D2L, SharePoint, MS Teams, and/or test bank generators.
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Knowledge of Ridgewater College academic programs, policies and procedures and a commitment to the values of education for all individuals.
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Interview techniques and communication skills sufficient to obtain routine information from prospective students.
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Excellence in positive problem-solving skills/dilemma resolution skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects with precision of detail and with complete follow-through to meet established deadlines.
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Ability to prioritize, multi-task and organize information in an accurate and timely manner despite frequent interruptions.
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Ability to maintain the confidentiality of private information according to law, rules, policies and procedures is essential.
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Ability to work independently and work effectively in a team environment.
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Ability to write and speak multiple languages.
Physical Requirements
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Requires occasional lifting and/or carrying such articles as file folders, ledgers and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties.
To view the full job posting and to apply please go to:https://minnstate.wd115.myworkdayjobs.com/Minnesota_State_Careers/job/RIDG-Willmar-Campus/Student-Services-Assistant-Front-Desk-Customer-Service-Special_JR0000005588.
If you have questions about this position, contact Felicia Telecky at [email protected] or 320-234-8534.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Felicia Telecky at [email protected].
Institution Information
MISSION: Ridgewater College empowers diverse learners to reach their full potential and enrich their lives through personalized and relevant education in an accessible, supportive, and inclusive environment.
VISION: Ridgewater College is a student-centered educational leader focused on innovation, excellence, and affordability.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
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Enterprising - We are future-focused, and change-oriented, developing creative solutions to challenges that maximize our institutional, system and local resources.
- Empowerment – We develop and empower employees to make decisions to best serve students and stakeholders.
- Excellence – We strive to exceed expectations in all that we do.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – We seek to understand and appreciate the needs and experiences of every individual and actively work to provide genuine opportunities for everyone to succeed and participate in college activities and processes.
- Trust and Respect – We are committed to developing a culture based in processes and behavior that create trust and respect among all stakeholders.
- Collaboration – We connect and work together to achieve common goals while respecting needs and interests of stakeholders.
- Curiosity and Creativity – We constantly strive to understand, learn, change, and improve.
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Accountability – As individuals and groups, we willingly accept and take ownership of our successes and failures.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
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Connection with their coworkers and communities
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Opportunities for personal and professional growth
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
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Diabetes care
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Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
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Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
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Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
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Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
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Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
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Training, classes, and professional development
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Tuition reimbursement
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
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A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
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Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
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Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
Employment information for this position can be found in its collective bargaining agreement or its plan document at http://mn.gov/mmb/employee-relations/labor-relations/Labor/.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State is an equal opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
