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Front Desk Associate

Universities of Wisconsin · La Crosse, WI · Part time

Posted Sep 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you worked a front desk with phones, walk-ins and emails all at once.

What they are checking: Whether they can juggle several channels while staying welcoming and accurate.

Tell me about a time you had to keep your own reaction in check while helping someone who was rude or upset.

What they are checking: Whether they can stay steady and kind when students are stressed or frustrated.

Why does working in a counseling center appeal to you?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the setting and have a genuine wish to support students.

What would you do

You would be the first contact for students reaching the Counseling and Testing Center. How would you respond to a student who comes to the desk visibly upset?

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm and kind and know to connect the student with a counselor quickly.

What would you do if a student at the desk said something that made you worry about their safety?

What they are checking: Whether they would get a clinician right away rather than handle a crisis alone at the front desk.

Counseling records are highly confidential. How would you answer a professor who calls to ask whether a student came in?

What they are checking: Whether they would not confirm or deny a student's visit, which protects privacy in a counseling setting.

This is a 20-hour position with set daytime hours. How does the schedule fit your life?

What they are checking: Whether they are available for a steady part-time schedule and likely to stay.

About the work

The center also does testing. How would you check in a student for an exam and keep the testing room secure?

What they are checking: Whether they would verify identity and follow testing rules so results stay valid.

How do you manage a schedule for several counselors so appointments do not get double-booked?

What they are checking: Whether they are careful and organized with scheduling software and changes.

What clerical and computer tasks are you strongest at?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the routine office work that makes up much of the job.

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The full job description

As published by Universities of Wisconsin.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Front Desk Associate Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Administrative Assistant II Job Duties: Looking for a part-time office position that offers a chance to make a meaningful impact on others with a predictable daytime schedule? The Counseling & Testing Center (CTC) at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse seeks applications for an Administrative Assistant II. Under direct supervision of the Assistant Director, this position provides a wide variety of assistance to the CTC in general administrative functions, encompassing administrative, office, clerical, computer, and testing support. This position serves as the primary point of contact for students, faculty and staff who contact the CTC, and as such, assists in the coordination front desk activities. This is a 50% FTE University Staff position (20 hours per week) with a 12-month appointment. The typical work schedule for this position is mid-morning to mid-afternoon, Monday through Friday. Scheduled hours may vary (depending on office needs and employee availability) and will be negotiated with the successful candidate upon hire but will not include evenings or weekends. Hours could increase based on departmental funding. The starting salary is $18.00 per hour. The successful applicant will embody a reliable and compassionate presence at the CTC. This includes a commitment to multiculturalism, diversity and inclusive excellence, and an ability to work with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Due to professional accreditation standards, current students are prohibited from access to confidential information or doing client scheduling; therefore, current UWL or Western Technical College students are not eligible for this position. The review of applications starts on October 13, 2026 . Applications received on or before October 13th are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus. UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013. Key Job Responsibilities: Additional Communication and Programmatic Support • Greet and Register clients for testing. • Provide information as requested by students and community members regarding the Computer-Based Testing programs. Financial and Purchasing Duties • Manage inventory and the purchasing of office supplies (including business cards, name plates, name tags, etc.). • Coordinate billing of specific fee-based services to students. Process invoice, payment, and record revenue. Administrative and Services Support • Maintain absolute confidentiality in accordance with American Psychological Association guidelines, Wisconsin State Statutes, and IACS accreditation standards. • Serve as the primary reception administrator – greet students, answer questions, schedule appointments, answer calls and help register clients for services, including testing services. • Manage staff schedules on the electronic medical records system and maintain and update calendar for the Assistant Director. • Produce correspondence on behalf of the CTC. • Arrange meetings as requested by Assistant Director, Director, Office Manager, and clinical staff. • Develop and maintain confidential client files and acquire documentation in accordance with state statutes and University of Wisconsin System policy. • Manage office supply inventory of publications and resources (brochures, pamphlets, digital signage, library books), as well as clinical, administrative forms and equipment (to include computers). • Assist in updating and maintaining departmental policies and procedures, forms and files. • Attend staff meetings, provide input on service delivery, and incorporate staff decisions into the front office workflow. Take staff meeting minutes as needed. • In collaboration with the Outreach Coordinator, assist in coordinating the design and production of CTC publications. • Assist in maintaining CTC website. • Attend division meetings and, as appropriate and relevant to the position, seminars, workshops, and courses to enhance communication and management skills, computer literacy, multicultural competencies, and administrative expertise • Ensure campus mail is sent out and picked up daily. Department: Access, Belonging and Student Engagement Compensation: $18/ hour Required Qualifications: • Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent. • The ability to provide an atmosphere of compassion and empathy. • The ability to communicate effectively and respectfully to persons from all backgrounds, and commitment to ongoing learning about our students’ identities so as to provide affirming and accessible services to all. • Knowledge and experience in the use of computer software including Microsoft Office Suite (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). • Ability to use discretion and good judgment regarding confidential information. • Effective oral and written communication skills. • Excellent organizational and time management skills. Preferred Qualifications: • General knowledge of medical/mental health office procedures, including the use of electronic medical record-keeping systems. • Knowledge of and compliance with all department policies and procedures, including HIPAA and FERPA. • Knowledge and experience in the use of e-mail (i.e. Outlook, Gmail) functions including electronic calendars. • Ability to coordinate projects, work independently, and set priorities to meet the demands of the position. • The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. • Knowledge of policies, procedures and protocols of an administrative office. • Ability to meet and work effectively with people across multiple levels of the organization. • Ability and willingness to maintain and enhance professional competencies by participating in professional development workshops, seminars, and training sessions, related to current position responsibilities. How to Apply: Required application documents Cover letter (that addresses the required and preferred qualifications) CV / Resume Contact Information: Bec Johnson, rjohnson@uwlax.edu Special Notes: Application deadlines TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources. Confidentiality of Applicant Materials UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request. CBC & Reference Check Policy All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.uwlax.edu/student-life/student-resources/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BENEFITS Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university. Highlights include: • Paid vacation for 12-month positions. • Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage. • Paid holidays and paid sick days. • After 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career. • Benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation. Benefit eligibility is determined at the point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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