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Desk Assistant (2023-2024 Academic Year

The Desk Assistant is a UNI University Housing & Dining staff member who is a vital part of successful operations in the residence halls. The hall office serves as an information hub for students, staff and guests. As a staff member, the Desk Assistant provides assistance to residents regarding personal, interpersonal and academic concerns, and is instrumental in assisting the residence hall in becoming a cohesive and inclusive living and learning community.

The Desk Assistant is supervised by a Secretary or Coordinator but works in conjunction with the other staff including Desk Assistants, Graduate Assistants, Resident Assistants, and Administrative Assistants. Desk Assistants support and uphold hall and university policies and procedures, and assist with the administration of the halls.

Compensation & Hours
● $9 per hour; $0.25 raise per consecutive year of employment in the position
● Maximum of 20 hours per week when residence hall desks are open
  • Monday-Friday 8am-6pm and Saturday 3-6pm
● Opportunity to pick up additional shifts in other residence halls on an as needed basis
Minimum Qualifications
● Applicants must live in the residence halls for the 2023-2024 academic year.
● Applicants must have and maintain a minimum 2.25 semester and cumulative UNI grade point average.
● Applicants must be in good academic, behavioral and financial standing with the university.
● Applicants must be a full-time, degree-seeking student at the University of Northern Iowa.
● Trustworthiness, reliability and ability to maintain confidentiality and interact confidently with a wide range of people are essential characteristics.

Appointment Period
Desk Assistants are employed for the entire academic year. Desk Assistants hired for the 2023-2024 academic year are expected to return to campus by August 1, 2023 to take part in mandatory training August 2-4, 2023.

Desk Assistants are expected to start their formal work appointment immediately following training and will work through the week of residence hall move-ins and into the academic school year. Desk Assistants must be available to work throughout the training and hall opening time period. As the launch of the Fall Semester is our busiest time and changes to the academic calendar have occurred, preference will be given to candidates who have greater availability during the weeks leading up and the week of residence hall move in. Applicants who are unable to attend training or work the weeks leading up to the start of classes will be considered primarily for alternate status.

Desk Assistant responsibilities include:
● Opening and/or closing of the office, greeting office guests and addressing concerns
● Serving as a first impression for the residence hall for all guests, residents, visitors and staff
● Contributing to a welcoming atmosphere in the hall desk and office area
● Performing typing, photocopying, and filing
● Answering phones, taking messages, making calls
● Sending, receiving, and responding to emails
● Providing informed assistance in response to questions, directions, and problems upon request or observation
● Directing residents and guests to the proper campus and community resources
● Utilizing Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, StarRez, and Google programs (i.e. Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar)
● Assist with facilitation of move-in procedures
● Regarding information confidentially and with discretion
● Maintaining inventory of property to be checked out for resident use, issuing the property, and securing its return
● Ensure appropriate management of both brass keys and access cards according to departmental
policies
● Sorting and distributing mail, maintaining correct addresses and forwarding mail information
● Utilizing StarRez for receiving of parcel post, insured packages, UPS/FedEx deliveries and issuing
packages to residents
● Knowing departmental policies and procedures as directed by the University Housing & Dining.
● Knowing university policies and procedures related to emergencies/crises as directed by the University Housing & Dining
● Performing other duties as assigned by the coordinator and/or Hall Secretary/Administrative Assistant
● Being asked (when possible) to cover work shifts in other residence halls in case of issues related to coverage