Switchboard & Reception Assistant

Bennett College; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Bennett College is seeking a Federal Work-Study student for a Switchboard & Reception Assistant role in Greensboro, NC. You will serve as the first point of contact, handle calls, greet visitors, and provide basic information to college departments and resources.

The position offers front-desk, switchboard, and general administrative duties to support daily operations. Emphasis on communication, customer service, confidentiality, and professional workplace behavior.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
• Strong customer service skills and a positive attitude.
• Dependable, punctual, and responsible.
• Ability to maintain professionalism with students, faculty, staff, visitors, and the public.
• Ability to follow instructions and established procedures.
• Basic computer literacy and familiarity with email and standard office applications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.

Responsibilities

• Answer incoming calls to the College's main telephone line in a professional and courteous manner.
• Determine the appropriate department, office, or individual to assist callers.
• Transfer calls to the appropriate department or extension using the College's telephone system.
• Take accurate messages when an individual or department is unavailable.
• Provide basic information regarding College offices, departments, services, and contacts.
• Seek assistance from a supervisor when unable to answer a caller's question.
• Greet students, faculty, staff, visitors, and guests in a professional manner.
• Direct visitors to the appropriate office or location.
• Provide basic information and assistance to visitors.
• Notify appropriate personnel when visitors arrive.
• Help maintain a clean, organized reception area.
• Assist with maintaining departmental telephone directories and contact information.
• Assist with basic data entry, filing, scanning, and clerical tasks.
• Support special projects and other administrative activities.

Skills

Clear communication

Customer service

Reliability

Professionalism

Confidentiality

Adaptability

Active listening

Problem-solving

Tools

Telephone system

Office applications

Email

Job description

Position:Switchboard & Reception Assistant

Location: Greensboro, NC

Job Id:229

# of Openings:1

POSITION SUMMARY

The Federal Work-Study Student – Switchboard & Reception Assistant provides front-desk, switchboard, and general administrative support to Bennett College. The student employee serves as a welcoming first point of contact for callers and visitors and assists with directing individuals to the appropriate College department, office, or resource. Under the direction of a designated supervisor, the student will answer incoming calls, assist callers with general questions, transfer calls to the appropriate offices or individuals, take messages, greet visitors, and provide basic information about the College.

This position provides an opportunity for a Bennett College student to develop valuable professional skills in communication, customer service, office administration, problem-solving, and workplace professionalism while contributing to the effective daily operations of the College.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Switchboard & Telephone Support

• Answer incoming calls to the College's main telephone line in a professional and courteous manner.
• Listen to callers' questions and determine the appropriate department, office, or individual to assist them.
• Transfer calls to the appropriate department or extension using the College's telephone system.
• Take accurate messages when an individual or department is unavailable.
• Provide basic, approved information regarding College offices, departments, services, and general points of contact.
• Seek assistance from a supervisor or designated staff member when unable to answer a caller's question.
• Maintain a professional and welcoming tone during all telephone interactions.
• Follow established procedures for handling calls that involve confidential, sensitive, or complex matters.

Reception & Visitor Assistance

• Greet students, faculty, staff, visitors, prospective students, families, vendors, and other guests in a professional and courteous manner.
• Direct visitors to the appropriate office, department, or campus location.
• Provide basic information and assistance to individuals visiting the College.
• Notify appropriate College personnel when visitors arrive, as directed.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming reception area.

Administrative Support

• Assist with maintaining departmental telephone directories, extension lists, and contact information.
• Assist with basic data entry, filing, copying, scanning, document preparation, and other clerical tasks as assigned.
• Assist with organizing front-desk materials and informational resources.
• Support special projects and other administrative activities as assigned.
• Perform other related duties appropriate to the student's level of responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
• Strong customer service skills and a positive attitude.
• Dependable, punctual, and responsible.
• Ability to maintain professionalism when interacting with students, faculty, staff, visitors, and members of the public.
• Ability to follow instructions and established procedures.
• Basic computer literacy and familiarity with email and standard office applications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate discretion. Willingness and ability to learn the College's departments, offices, services, and basic telephone-routing procedures.
• Previous work experience is not required. Relevant experience in customer service, reception, office administration, student leadership, campus organizations, or similar activities is preferred but not required.

KNPWLEDGE,SKILLS, & ABILITIES

The successful student employee should demonstrate:

• Communication: Ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally.
• Customer Service: Ability to provide a welcoming and helpful experience to callers and visitors.
• Active Listening: Ability to understand a caller's basic needs and determine the appropriate next step.
• Professionalism: Ability to represent Bennett College positively in all interactions.
• Reliability: Ability to report to scheduled shifts on time and consistently fulfill assigned responsibilities.
• Technology: Ability to learn and use telephone systems, computers, email, and standard office equipment.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to recognize when assistance is needed and appropriately seek guidance from a supervisor.
• Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive information appropriately and understand the importance of privacy.
• Adaptability: Ability to learn new procedures and adjust to changing daily responsibilities.

WORK SCHEDULE

• Hours scheduled based on office coverage needs during business hours.
• Hours are contingent upon federal work study award allocation and student class schedule.

COMPENSATION

Hourly rate based on federal work study guidelines.