What are the responsibilities and job description for the Basic Needs and Student Support Administrative Program Assistant position at Portland State University?
Position Details
Proposed Start Date
09/16/2026
Classification Title
Administrative Program Assist
Working Title
Basic Needs and Student Support Administrative Program Assistant
Department
260410 - SPS Student Parent Serv
Position Number
D93031
Representation
OP - SEIU/OPEU Local 503
Position FTE
1
End date, if applicable
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners.
More than 22,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.
Position Summary
The Administrative Program Assistant (APA) provides comprehensive operational and administrative support to the Basic Needs and Student Service Programs unit, which includes the Basic Needs Hub, the Resource Center for Students with Children (RCSWC), and the Food Pantry
This position acts as the primary administrative anchor for the unit, ensuring efficient daily operations across multiple service centers. The APA assists professional staff (Director and Coordinators) by managing the financial scholarship coordination and tracking, office procedures, coordinating complex scheduling and events, processing fiscal transactions, and serving as the first point of contact for students seeking resources.
Minimum Qualifications from Classification
- Three years of office experience which included two years at full performance level and experience generating documents; AND
- Lead work responsibility or coordination of office procedures.
Additional Minimum Qualifications for this Position
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a higher education or social service setting.
- Demonstrated understanding of the barriers facing non-traditional students, including food insecurity, housing instability, and parenting responsibilities.
- Experience in processing financial documents (invoices, reimbursements) and tracking budgets.
- Proficiency with data entry and maintaining confidentiality regarding sensitive student information.
- Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations using a trauma-informed approach.
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.
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
Typically Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
The starting hourly rate for this position will be between $20.98 and $23.88. The starting hourly rate 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.
Application Instructions
Additional Information
Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
Please include the names, email addresses and phone numbers for 3 professional references.
Background Check Required
Yes
If you have questions
If you have questions, contact Chad Mullen at chadm@pdx.edu.
Benefits:
Health Insurance, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Dental InsuranceSalary : $21 - $24