Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept

The Helen Gordon Child Development Center is Portland State University's full-day infant/toddler and preschool program, serving 200 children aged four-months to five years.

For more than 40 years, Helen Gordon Child Development Center has been providing quality preschool education for the children of Portland State University's students, faculty and staff, as well as families in the greater Portland community. Located in a historic building on the corner of southwest 12th Avenue and Market Street, Helen Gordon Center has gained a reputation for its innovative programs, excellent teachers, and creative learning environment. The Center enrolls over 200 children aged 4 months to 5 years. With strong links to PSU's College of Education , HGCDC is a vibrant learning community for current and future educators, impacting countless schools and programs throughout the region. The Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children : https://www.pdx.edu/helen-gordon-center/

Position Summary
The Office Specialist works between both the Helen Gordon Child Development Center and the ASPSU's Helen Gordon Satellite site. They serve 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 support 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.
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.
• Successful completion of a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completed AA degree.
• Prior experience working in a school or child care facility.
• Prior experience with children and families.
• 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-Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
The starting salary rate for this position will be between $16.60 and $17.80 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 : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-overview

Application Instructions

Additional Information
Special Working Conditions:
Working in the center's front office requires the ability to handle multiple stimuli and be able to multi-task. The Office Specialist 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.
Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
Please list the names, telephone numbers and email addresses for three professional references.
Background Check Required Yes If you have questions
Please email the Helen Gordon Child Development Center at helengordoncdc@pdx.edu

Search Details

Posting Close Date Application screening begins 06/06/2024