Front Desk Assistant

Highline College; Des Moines (WA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Highline College is seeking a friendly Front Desk Assistant to support the Counseling Center and TRIO suite. You will greet students, assist with scheduling, and direct inquiries to the appropriate staff to ensure smooth service delivery.

This part-time role emphasizes student care and well-being, with a 1,050-hour yearly cap. The schedule runs Mon–Thu 11am–3pm and Fri 11am–2pm or as agreed, to best support programs and coverage.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years of office-related customer service experience.
• Equivalent education/experience acceptable.
• Associate’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist students at the Counseling Center/TRIO Suite and help with scheduling and referrals.
• Direct students to campus departments, faculty advisors and community resources.
• Maintain confidential files and ensure FERPA/HIPAA compliant handling of information.
• Triage students on arrival and guide them through next steps based on needs.
• Provide back-up support for tabling events and other Student Services activities.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Two years of office experience

Associate’s degree (desired)

Job description

This posting will remain open until filled. Priority consideration for applications received by November 13, 2026.

As a member of the Student Services Division, the Front Desk Assistant reports to the Director of Counseling. Under general supervision, the Front Desk Assistant provides administrative and program support for the Counseling Center, also supporting the flow of TRIO and being a welcoming presence to all students and potential students entering the suite and needing support.

This position functions as these programs’ representative and resource, having contact with program participants, staff, faculty, and community partners.

This position is a part-time (1050 hour) position, schedule: Mon-Thurs 11am-3 p.m. & Fri 11am-2pm (or agreed upon within the suite to better support programs) with a regular 15 hours per week.

This position has a maximum of 1,050 hours within a one-year period. It is a temporary position intended to support the Counseling Center and TRIO suite and above all, general student care and well-being.

Customer Service:

• Provide excellent customer service to students seeking assistance at the Counseling Center/TRIO Suite; o (e.g. Assistance with scheduling, understanding services, coordination of care, knowledge of campus and campus resources)
• Make referrals to campus departments and resources; direct students to appropriate faculty advisors and /or community resources;
• Provide information regarding program policies and activities;

Administrative:

• Facilitate new student onboarding and “paperwork”/confidential file maintenance compliant with FERPA, HIPAA standards, and WAC/RCW for Counseling Center;
• Triage students upon appointment arrival or with navigation of next steps based on needs.

Student Services:

• Provide back-up support to other Student Services offices as needed;
• Provide back-up support for tabling events.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively (verbal and written);
• Provide excellent customer service and remain calm in a demanding, fast-paced environment;
• Professionally represent the Student Services Division, responding to inquiries from faculty, staff, administrators, parents and community members.

Minimum:

• High school graduation or equivalent; AND
• Two years of office related experience in a customer service environment; OR
• Equivalent education/experience.

Desired:

• Associate's Degree;
• Experience in higher education student services;
• Fluency in languages other than English; experience working with students from diverse linguistic backgrounds; ability to communicate effectively and warmly with students who have varying levels of English proficiency"
• Experience and knowledge of mental health and medical settings.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.

THE COLLEGE

Highline College prides itself on its commitment to diversity and equity, its institutional culture of collegiality and innovation, its globalization of curricula and its inclusion of the community in its programming. Founded in 1961, Highline College is situated in a diverse community just 15minutes south of Seattle. The college annually serves more than 16,500 students –– a student population of over 70% students of color, representing 35 nations and more than 100 languages. The college embraces equity, inclusion and social justice, with core goals of student attainment, diversity, community Engagement and sustainability. The student body at Highline College is made up of Transfer students, Running Start students, Professional- Technical students, International students, Comprehensive Transition Program for students with intellectual disabilities, Adult Basic Education and English Language Learners. In addition, we offer six bachelor of applied science, four-year degrees.

MISSION AND VISION

As an essential part of our mission and vision, diversity, equity and inclusion are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• National Criminal Background Check may be required.

HIGHLINE COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Highline College is an equal opportunity employer. The College is committed to enhancing the diversity of our faculty and staff, as well as our student population. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientations, and gender identity diversity. We strongly encourage applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legal protected status.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants needing accommodations in the application process in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources office at [phone]. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

TITLE IX POLICY

Highline College complies with Title IX regulations. For details on our policies, see our website https://humanresources.highline.edu/faculty-and-staff/policies/title-ix/

The College appointing authorities reserve the right and may exercise the option to make an employment decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process.