Desk Attendant

Position Summary

The Desk Attendant (DA) position provides front line and building operations service to students, staff and the residential community, in support of the University Residences mission. DAs assist UR in tasks such as customer service, administrative duties, processing building access, conducting audits, and updating databases. It is the expectation of University Residences that DAs adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior throughout their functions and areas of responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Under direction of supervisor, tasks include but are not limited to:

  • Create a welcoming environment through friendly, knowledgeable, and respectful customer service.
  • Assist in the response to immediate student concerns and give referral information as needed.
  • Provide general information about University Residences and other University resources.
  • Know and support the mission of University Residences
  • Manage desk supplies and resources.
  • Facilitate the resident room check in & check out process. 
  • Sort, distribute, and audit mail and packages.
  • Assist with key management, maintenance of key inventories, reporting of lost/damaged keys, lockout key tracking and key transaction documentation.
  • Submit Maintenance Requests for residents within the community.
  • Maintain daily shift logs.
  • Organize and maintain desk area.
  • Online file management.
  • Document accurate and timely submission of time sheets and payroll logs.
  • Appropriately handle confidential information.
  • Perform other duties assigned by supervisor(s).
  • Conduct dashboard audits.
  • Serve as a role model and act in congruence with WWU standards and code of conduct.
  • Represent WWU and UR accurately.
  • Exhibit ethical behavior in fulfilling one's role.
  • Maintain confidentiality and use appropriate discretion.
  • Exercise good judgment in upholding established policies of the University and the UR system; support and obey all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
  • Maintain fairness and act respectfully.

Conditions of Employment

  • Enrolled at WWU for the academic hiring year.
  • DAs must live on campus their first year working as a DA.
  • Experience or interest working with a diverse population and ability to create an inclusive community.
  • Available to work flexible hours, including intersession breaks, finals weeks, Fridays, and some holidays throughout the academic year.
  • Experience working or volunteering in customer service.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Ability to establish work priorities, manage time and work independently.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively on a team.
  • Willingness and ability to complete tasks with a high standard of quality and within a given timeline.
  • Ability to role model ethical decision making that upholds the values of the university.
  • Good work ethic (dependable, responsible, self-motivated).

Required Qualifications

  • Must meet student employment credit requirement of six credit hours.
  • Be able to serve in the assigned role during the employment period previously mentioned.
  • Desk Attendants must be available during desk hours preferably at least 10 hours per week, plus rotating weekend shifts with a max of 19 hours per week. Hours vary by community needs, with evenings, weekends and finals week shifts required. Winter and spring intersession shift coverage will be established during the academic year. Summer position may be available.
  • Fulfill position requirements as described in this document and the position agreement.
  • Performs tasks and projects as assigned by supervisor(s) upon operational requirements and needs.
  • Conduct violations may result in termination.
  • Academic year position: some positions may continue pending good performance evaluations.
  • Attend and participate in departmental training as directed including training prior to the start of or during Fall Quarter.
  • Students must also fulfill all other requirements outlined by Student Employment Services for employment by the University, and live-on students must adhere to the Housing Agreement and University Residence Policies & Procedures.

Employment Period

DAs are typically employed for the entire academic year. Summer work opportunities are available to support varying projects and preparing the UR system for Fall opening. Summer housing accommodations are available to DA staff members who work with UR during this period at a discounted rate.

Pay Rate

Starting at current WA state minimum wage.

Timeline

Application opens: March 11, 2024

Application open until filled.

Virtual interviews offered and conducted: Spring/Summer 2024

Start date: September 3, 2024

End date: June 14, 2025

About Us

University Residences (UR) engages students in diverse and inclusive, healthy, safe and sustainable communities that foster academic success and personal growth. Through sixteen residence halls and one apartment community, UR provides on-campus housing for over 4,400 of Western’s 16,000 students. Nearly 200 students are employed by UR in part-time positions ranging from entry level to paraprofessional.

Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action

Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. Inquiries may be directed to the Vice Provost for Equal Opportunity & Employment Diversity, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Equal Opportunity Office, Western Washington University, Old Main 345 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); eoo@wwu.edu.

WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3774 or 711 (Washington Relay).

Contact

For any questions about the Desk Attendant position, please contact Rebecca Hill at hillr20@wwu.edu or 360-650-2493.