Customer Service Specialist

This position provides shared administrative support to the Student Services managers and the office areas they supervise. This position assists with the day-to-day functions of the student services offices; performs student-related tasks to assist in the completion of applications, registration and other required forms; compiles and maintains files for current, re-entry and inactive students; performs receptionist duties for the operation of Ridgewater College Student Services offices and assists as backup to others in the area. A high level of customer service and confidentiality is required in performing the duties in this position. Organizational skills are utilized in detailed record keeping and data collection.

Position responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Provide a wide variety of customer service functions for admissions, financial aid, registration and other Student Services offices.
Provide administration support in Financial Aid which includes assisting with the financial aid tracking process of all applicants.
Provide clerical support, process correspondence, create, update, and maintain internally generated forms, scan documents, prepare and send letters.
Collect and process PSEO paperwork to support admissions.
Provide customer support to students regarding registration.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Customer service skills (phone, in person & online) sufficient to identify and understand parent and students needs and concerns, and ability to deal with difficult emotional situations in a courteous, respectful, professional, and efficient manner.
Communications skills:  Ability to fluently speak, read, and write
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Products
Data entry

Preferred Qualifications
Associate’s degree
Math:  Knowledge of arithmetic and mathematics sufficient to maintain complete and accurate financial records, balance and resolve discrepancies.
Experience using MnSCU ISRS systems and ImageNow.
Knowledge of Ridgewater College academic programs, policies and procedures and a commitment to the values of education for all individuals.
Ability to hire, train and provide work direction of student employees.
Organization skills sufficient to perform detailed record keeping and data collection.
Knowledge of complicated Federal and State regulations governing financial aid programs.
Ability to multi-task and organize information (with multiple interruptions) as it is received and prioritize tasks to be completed in an accurate and timely manner.
Interview techniques and communication skills sufficient to obtain routine information from prospective students.
Ability to maintain the confidentiality of private information according to law, rules, policies and procedures is essential.
Additional Requirements
In accordance with the Minnesota State Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to Minnesota State's vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.

Why Work for Us
Diverse Workforce
We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule
Comprehensive Benefits
Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

Public pension plan
Training and professional development
Paid vacation and sick leave
11 paid holidays each year
Paid parental leave
Low-cost medical and dental coverage
Prescription drug coverage
Vision coverage
Wellness programs and resources
Employer paid life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability
Health care spending and savings accounts
Dependent care spending account
Tax-deferred compensation
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Tuition reimbursement
Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
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.

Other Information
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