Office Specialist 1

Portland State University, College of Urban and Public Affairs; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Portland State University, College of Urban and Public Affairs is seeking an Office Specialist 1 to support the Helen Gordon Child Development Center and the Helen Gordon Infant/Toddler Center on the PSU campus in downtown Portland. The role involves front office duties, scheduling help and clerical support in a busy early childhood laboratory setting.

Responsibilities include reception, procurement, invoicing, record-keeping, and coordination between centers.

Qualifications

• Completion of courses or training in Office Technology; OR one year of general clerical experience which included typing, word processing, or other generation of documents; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• At least step 6 in the Oregon Registry.
• Completed AA degree.
• Prior experience working with children and families.
• Prior experience working in a school or child care facility.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• The Office Specialist works between both the Helen Gordon Child Development Center and the Helen Gordon Infant/Toddler Center.
• Center reception and communication, assistance with daily scheduling, ordering and invoice processing, maintaining procurement cards, record keeping and filing, and general clerical support.
• The work schedule will be between the hours of 7:30 am to 5:30pm Monday-Friday, depending on yearly program needs.
• The Office Specialist serves as a Substitute Director on site as needed.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Strong oral and written communication

Education

AA degree

Job description

Position Announcement

Position Details

Proposed Start Date 10/01/2026

Classification Title Office Specialist 1

Working Title Office Specialist 1

Department 260401 - CDC Helen Gordon Office Position Number D95997 Representation OP - SEIU/OPEU Local 503

Position FTE 1.0 End date, if applicable

Position Summary

Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept

The Helen Gordon Child Development Center (HGCDC) and Helen Gordon Infant/Toddler Center (HGITC) are full-day children’s programs for Portland State University, serving children aged six weeks to five years. Located on the PSU campus in downtown Portland, the Centers provide model early childhood programs for the children of Portland State University students, faculty and staff, and the Portland community. The Centers are a laboratory for students and faculty participating in observation, practice and research activities in Early Childhood Education, Child, Youth and Family Studies, psychology, and related fields. HGCDC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Helen Gordon Child Development Center (HGCDC)and Helen Gordon Infant/Toddler Center (HGITC) are full-day children’s programs for Portland State University, serving children aged six weeks to five years. Located on the PSU campus in downtown Portland, the Centers provide model early childhood programs for the children of Portland State University students, faculty and staff, and the Portland community. The Centers are a laboratory for students and faculty participating in observation, practice and research activities in Early Childhood Education, Child, Youth and Family Studies, psychology, and related fields. HGCDC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The Office Specialist works between both the Helen Gordon Child Development Center and the Helen Gordon Infant/Toddler Center. The work schedule will be between the hours of 7:30 am to 5:30pm Monday-Friday, depending on yearly program needs. The Office Specialist serves as a Substitute Director on site as needed. The Office Specialist serves as a first point of contact for families, students and the campus community. The Office Specialist greets families and visitors in a warm and friendly manner and carries out a range of responsibilities that the overall program’s administration. Key duties include: center reception and communication, assistance with daily scheduling, ordering and invoice processing, maintaining procurement cards, record keeping and filing, and general clerical support. Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications From Classification

Completion of courses or training in Office Technology; OR One year of general clerical experience which included typing, word processing, or other generation of documents; OR An equivalent combination of training and experience.

Additional Minimum Qualifications For This Position

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• At least step 6 in the Oregon Registry

Preferred Qualifications

• Completed AA degree.
• Prior experience working with children and families
• Prior experience working in a school or child care facility.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Key Cultural Competencies

• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
• Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
• Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adheres to all PSU policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Work Days/Hours

Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week. The work schedule will be between the hours of 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, depending on yearly program needs

Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement

The starting salary rate for this position will be between $18.06 and $20.19 per hour. The starting salary may be negotiable above this range, however it will be dependent upon the knowledge, experience, skills and abilities of the chosen candidate, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.

PSU’s excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon Public Universities

Licenses And Certifications

• Staff must maintain continuous enrollment in the Office of Child Care, Central Background Registry.
• Staff must maintain certification in Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR.
• Staff must complete the Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect in Oregon training.
• Staff must hold a current Oregon Food Handler’s Card.
• Staff must complete the Safe Sleep for Oregon’s Infants training.
• Staff must complete the Introduction to ChildCare Health &; Safety training.
• Staff must complete the Prevention is Better Than Treatment training.
• Staff must complete the Foundations For Learning training.
• Staff must participate in and maintain 24 clock hours of training or education annually as defined by the Oregon Rules for Certified Child Care Centers as well as SPARK, Oregon’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System

Special Working Conditions

Working in the center’s front office requires the ability to handle multiple stimuli and be able to multi-task. Must be able to sustain a positive demeanor and maintain organization in a busy office and school atmosphere. This position will require occasional direct contact and supervision of young children.

Background Check Required

Yes

Search Details

Posting Close Date Application screening begins 07/27/2026

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Interest
• Professional References