Administrative Assistant 1 - Social Work

Role overview

Eastern Washington University’s College of Professional Programs is hiring a full-time Administrative Assistant 1 for the School of Social Work on the Cheney campus. The role supports the Chair/Director and program leadership across the school’s related areas, including Disability Studies, Aging Studies, MSW Cheney, and BASW Cheney.

This position focuses on keeping school operations running smoothly, applying program and department procedures with sound judgment, and helping coordinate a range of academic, administrative, and student-facing activities. The person in this role will work closely with students, staff, faculty, and the public, and will also serve as a point of contact for external organizations and community partners.

The appointment is 100% full time and runs for 12 months per year. It is a non-exempt position covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees’ Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Compensation and benefits

The pay range for this job is $42,792 to $49,296 per year. The starting salary within that range depends on education, experience, and relevant skills.

Along with pay, EWU provides a benefits package that includes health coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement, vacation and sick leave accrual, 13 paid holidays each year, tuition waiver benefits for employees and eligible family members, discounted athletics tickets, access to campus fitness facilities for a minimum fee, and free transportation through STA buses.

What you will do

The Administrative Assistant will help manage daily operations for the School of Social Work and support special projects, advising and recruiting efforts, training activities, and student service needs. The role also includes monitoring program budgets, communicating with internal and external stakeholders, and helping interpret and apply policies, procedures, and guidelines in consultation with school leadership.

The position reports directly to the Chair/Director of the School of Social Work and works closely with program directors supporting the school’s academic and service functions.

Employment terms and conditions

This role requires a background check before employment can begin. Because the position may involve responsibility for university funds or other valuables, and may include unsupervised access to developmentally disabled individuals, vulnerable adults, or children under 16, a successful clearance is required.

Applicants must already be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. The university is not able to provide visa sponsorship or take over an existing sponsorship for this position.

All new hires must comply with EWU Immunization Policy 602-02 and provide proof of immunity or vaccination for MMR before starting work, unless a waiver is approved for medical reasons or sincerely held religious beliefs.

New employees will complete required training through Canvas, and Workplace Belonging training will be coordinated by the Office of Employee Belonging, Development, and Leadership.

Interviews may be held over Zoom, and candidates should be comfortable using Zoom with camera enabled as well as other related technologies.

For physical demands and other essential function details, the university advises requesting the Essential Functions Analysis.

Schedule and work environment

The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, the job may occasionally require evening or weekend hours to support special events or departmental needs such as receptions and graduations.

Recruitment timeline

Applications are reviewed as they are received, and screening begins immediately. The posting remains open until recruitment is closed, with a three-day notice provided before closure. The current closing date listed is June 24, 2026.

About Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University is a public, regional university serving more than 10,000 students. The institution emphasizes hands-on, career-focused learning and operates from its main Cheney campus as well as locations in Spokane and other parts of Washington state. EWU supports students from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds and is recognized for its commitment to student success and accessible academic pathways.

The university also acknowledges its connection to the Spokane Tribe and other tribes whose lands and histories are integral to the region. EWU states a commitment to honoring tribal sovereignty, recognizing historical injustices, and supporting Native American communities.

EWU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, age, marital status, family status, protected veteran or military status, HIV or hepatitis C status, breastfeeding status, disability, or use of a service animal or guide dog.

Application requirements

Applicants are asked to submit a detailed cover letter explaining how they meet the required qualifications, and preferably the preferred qualifications as well. A chronological resume is also required, along with at least three professional references listing names, titles, organization, phone numbers, email addresses, and their relationship to the applicant. Candidates must complete the online application and respond to any required questions. A mission statement response is also requested, asking how the applicant would contribute to EWU’s commitment to inclusive, equitable, transformative learning and support for first-generation and Pell-eligible students. Resumes with photos should not be uploaded.

Additional notes

The posting references a responsible HR user and notes that all materials will be kept confidential, with references contacted only after candidates are notified.

The official posting identifies the role as Administrative Assistant 1 - Social Work under posting number 2026011CP.

The classification details note that the position is Non-Exempt, under bargaining unit BU 1, at 100% full-time status, with salary/wage range CS - 39. The anticipated start date is May 16, 2026.

Job duties

• Coordinate the day-to-day operations of the School of Social Work and support related academic programs.
• Work with the Chair/Director and program directors to develop, implement, and maintain procedures, policies, and operating practices.
• Monitor program budgets and track expenditures.
• Serve as a point of contact for students, staff, faculty, the public, and outside organizations.
• Provide programmatic, technical, administrative, and student services support.
• Organize special projects, advising support, recruiting activities, and training.
• Schedule, monitor, and help align program activities with school goals and objectives.
• Support communication by phone, email, written correspondence, and in person.

Required qualifications

• High school graduation or an equivalent credential, plus at least 2 years of clerical, office, or administrative experience.
• At least 2 years of full-time experience using multiple software applications, including work connected to website development and maintenance.
• At least 2 years of full-time experience managing both paper-based and electronic records and files.
• Proven customer service experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences, including agencies, placement sites, professionals, internal staff, students, and applicants.
• Strong verbal, phone, email, and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle overlapping deadlines with strong accuracy and attention to detail.
• Persistence, initiative, and the ability to work independently and under direction while handling frequent interruptions.
• Capacity to respond flexibly and supportively to the needs of students, faculty, staff, and the public, including universal access needs.

Preferred qualifications

• At least 2 years of college coursework.
• At least 2 years of experience in higher education student support services.
• At least 1 year of experience using Canvas, EagleNet, Banner, or similar university administrative systems.

Work style and abilities

• Flexibility
• Collaboration
• Clear communication
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Strong attention to detail