Secretary

Union 2110- Grade 8

Posting Summary:
The Dean Hope Center for Educational and Psychological Services (DHCEPS) at Teachers College, Columbia University, is seeking a full-time Secretary to provide administrative support and ensure the smooth operation of a fast-paced, high-traffic training and service center. DHCEPS serves as the in-house training facility for graduate students in the Clinical, Counseling, School Psychology, Reading Specialist, and Special Education programs.

Job Summary/Basic Function:
Reporting to the Associate Director, the Secretary will provide comprehensive administrative and clerical support to ensure the efficient operation of the Center. The incumbent will serve as the first point of contact for clients, students, faculty, and visitors, managing front-office operations, coordinating communications, and supporting the Center’s academic and clinical functions. This role requires exceptional organizational skills, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with frequent in-person, phone, and email interactions.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

General Office Support

• Ensure the professional, orderly, and smooth functioning of a busy reception office
• Perform administrative and receptionist duties from the Main Office and Testing Library
• Maintain and update data and filing systems in collaboration with the Associate Director
• Assist in scheduling appointments and managing room reservations as needed
• Troubleshoot issues as they arise for students and supervisors, determining when to escalate matters to the Associate Director or Director
• Manage office inventory, client records, correspondence, office keys, and equipment.
• Distribute major office announcements and maintain communication with the Center community
• Collaborate with other administrative staff, offices, and faculty to support the Center’s mission
• Assist the Director and the Associate Director as needed
• Work collaboratively with on-campus departments such as TCIT, Purchasing, and Accounts Payable to support operational and administrative processes
• Assist with expense tracking and reimbursement as needed
• Assist in maintaining the Center’s website

Client Support

• Respond to a high volume of phone calls and emails; manage mail distribution and office errands
• Greet and assist clients, ensuring a welcoming and professional front-desk experience
• Handle client payments and billing, collect fees, and make weekly account deposits
• Send monthly letter to clients with outstanding balances
• Send decision letters to new applicants as determined by Associate Director
• Interact with clients, students, faculty, staff, outside agencies, and individuals with diverse needs

Filing

• Keep track of data/filing databases system in collaboration with the Associate Director
• Create student distribution lists, mailbox labels, and distribution of materials into students’ mailboxes
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Two years of experience in a busy, high-traffic office environment with frequent in-person interactions and a high volume of phone and email communications
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office or Google Suite, with the ability to learn and adapt to web-based technology
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry, recordkeeping, and correspondence
• Must be able to work independently, show initiative, and be a team player
• Ability to meet deadlines while remaining flexible to conflicting demands
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage complex relationships across multiple platforms and with various vendors
• Must be able to work in a highly visible area with frequent interruptions and a busy pace
• Must be able to exercise sound judgment and maintain a calm, courteous demeanor when dealing with patients, staff, and visitors in stressful situations
• Ability to follow established protocols and adapt to changing procedures or clinic needs

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree or coursework in office administration, healthcare administration, or a related field.
• Three years of experience in an office setting
• Office management experience in community mental health settings
• Knowledge of Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• Experience with community settings and Community-Based Organizations (CBO’s)
• Experience with website updates or web-based communication tools
• Bilingual or multilingual ability, particularly in languages commonly spoken by the clinic’s patient population.

Salary Range:

$30.23 - $30.23/hour

Work Modality:

Hybrid

Competitive Compensation and Benefits

The salary range reflects the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for the position at the time of the job posting. Salary decisions are dependent on several factors, including but not limited to market and organizational considerations, experience, and qualifications of a selected candidate, as well as internal and external equity.

Our benefits contribute significantly to the total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision insurance plans; flexible and hybrid work schedules; tuition remission; life insurance; short and long-term disability insurance; a retirement program; health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Hybrid/Remote

Teachers College maintains a hybrid work environment, which provides employees with flexible work arrangements while ensuring we preserve the important aspects of our unique in-person college-campus culture. Depending on role and business needs, colleagues will either work onsite or in a hybrid model (a combination of in-office and virtual days). Employees are expected to live within a 150-mile radius of the College.