Customer Service Specialist

Talentify; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

Skill, partnering with a leading higher education institution, seeks frontline Advising and Retention staff in Chicago. You will handle active student inquiries about registration and financial accounts, document case notes, and participate in a structured 4-week training with hands-on shadowing.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's degree and at least 1 year in a high-volume service environment, with strong communication and CRM skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 1 year minimum in high-volume call center or customer service.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient with multiple databases/CRMs and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Handle high-volume inbound calls from active students.
• Assist with registration, financial accounts, holds and course planning.
• Manage case queues and ticketing workflows within SLAs.
• Document all interactions and escalate when needed.
• Participate in a 4-week training and job shadowing program.
• Support outreach campaigns and student engagement initiatives.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Detail-oriented

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Placement Type: Temporary

Salary: $30 Hourly

Start Date: Aug 31, 2026

As a valued partner with Aquent, you have the extraordinary opportunity to step into a pivotal role with a leading institution in the higher education sector. This is your chance to directly shape the academic journeys and financial well-being of countless students, making a tangible difference by empowering individuals to achieve their educational aspirations and contributing to the sustained success of a vibrant learning community. Your expertise and passion for student support will have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of students and the overall success of the institution.

About the Institution

This esteemed institution is deeply committed to fostering student success and retention, providing comprehensive support services designed to guide students through their academic and financial inquiries. They ensure a smooth and rewarding educational experience for all, creating an environment where every student can thrive and achieve their full potential.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking highly motivated and student-focused individuals to join a frontline Advising and Retention team. In this dynamic and fast-paced environment, you will play a vital role as a primary contact for active, continuing students. This opportunity is more than just a job; it's a chance to truly impact student retention and success by providing essential guidance on registration, financial accounts, and course planning. You'll receive comprehensive training, including specialized system training and hands-on job shadowing, to ensure you are fully equipped to excel. Outstanding performers in this role will also have the exciting potential for conversion into permanent, full-time advising positions as they become available, offering a clear path for career growth and advancement within the institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Support high-volume inbound phone calls from active students, addressing inquiries related to registration, financial accounts, holds, and course planning.
• Manage and resolve assigned student case queues and ticketing workflows accurately and efficiently within established turnaround times.
• Execute targeted registration outreach and participate in project-based student engagement campaigns.
• De-escalate student concerns with empathy, clarity, and professionalism, ensuring positive outcomes.
• Document all student interactions, case notes, and escalations accurately across designated platforms.
• Participate in a comprehensive 4-week structured training program and job shadowing to master academic and financial processes.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• At least 1 year of experience in a high-volume call center, contact center, or customer service environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to handle challenging or sensitive student interactions professionally.
• Excellent computer literacy and comfort navigating multiple databases/CRMs simultaneously.
• High attention to detail for documentation, case creation, and queue routing.
• Openness to feedback, coaching, and the ability to follow structured decision trees.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Experience with higher education platforms.
• Former Academic or Financial Advising experience at higher education institutions.

About Skill:

Skill connects the best professional, IT, engineering, financial and administrative talent with the world's biggest brands. Our eligible talent get access to benefits such as health benefit contributions, retirement plans with match and flexible spending accounts.

Skill is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

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