Description Columbia Basin College ("CBC" or the "College") seeks a Program Assistant to provide administrative, clerical, and student support services for the English Language Acquisition (ELA) Program within Transitional Studies. This position serves as a welcoming first point of contact for students, assists with new student onboarding, maintains accurate records, supports daily program operations, and helps connect students with resources that promote enrollment, persistence, and success. This position reports to the Director for Transitional Studies.
This position closes on November 1, 2026 @ 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
If you have questions or need assistance during the application or search process, please contact the recruiter for this position, Denise Cook at dcook@columbiabasin.edu or (509) 542-4407.
Primary Responsibilities
- Support new student onboarding activities (info sessions, enrollment essentials, testing, and new student welcomes) for transitional studies programs and facilitate room reservations to support program operations;
- Administer and proctor standardized assessments using the CASAS e-tests system in accordance with established testing protocols;
- Provide clerical and administrative support to staff and faculty, including copying, typing, filing, and supply coordination;
- Update and maintain confidential student electronic records in compliance with applicable regulations and college procedures;
- Provide requested student and participant data for statistical analysis, attendance tracking, and program review, forwarding information as needed;
- Assist students with routine, cross-departmental questions and concerns by helping identify appropriate solutions within established guidelines;
- Compose and edit program correspondence and printed materials in English and/or Spanish to support program policies, procedures, and communications; and
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent;
- Two (2) years of experience in administrative support, clerical experience or related field; and
- Bilingual in English and in Spanish.
Skills and Abilities
Customer Service: Demonstrated ability to provide professional and responsive service to students, faculty, staff, and the public; respond to inquiries in a timely manner; and handle sensitive or confidential matters with discretion;
Computer Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, database systems, student information systems, and standard office software; ability to learn and effectively utilize college-specific technology platforms; maintain accurate data entry and electronic records;
Communication: Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written formats, including composing and editing correspondence in English and/or Spanish; present information clearly; and respond appropriately to questions and requests;
Organization; Ability to organize work, prioritize tasks, schedule appointments and events, maintain accurate records, and manage multiple assignments while meeting established deadlines;
Dependability: Demonstrated reliability in attendance and work performance; ability to follow instructions, meet deadlines, complete assignments accurately, and maintain consistent quality of work;
CBC Shared Commitments: Demonstrates a willingness to work with and support others in completing assignments, accepts constructive feedback, and cooperates with coworkers and supervisors. Shows alignment with CBC Shared Commitments by treating others with respect, communicating and collaborating effectively, pursuing growth and learning, valuing and celebrating contributions, prioritizing wellness, and holding self and others accountable; and
Support for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Reflecting CBC's mission, vision and values, support initiatives that expand the human qualities that differentiate our workplace and educational setting; demonstrate and advocate an understanding of differences, open mindedness, compassion, sensitivity and interest in differing viewpoints given the diverse population and show a deep commitment to the involvement of colleagues, students and community members to student experience and success honoring freedom of expression as fundamental to personal, professional and organizational growth.
Terms of Employment This position is a full-time, overtime-eligible classified staff position. The typical work hours for this position are Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; however, must be available to work a flexible schedule when prior notice is given by the College. This position is available immediately.
PROCESS NOTE:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.
**Please note that selected interview candidates will be subject to supplemental testing that will measure skills and abilities related to this position (e.g., Communication, Spanish Language Skills, Organizational Skills, MS Office Simulation [Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word], Customer Service, etc.).
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Columbia Basin College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.
If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.Columbia Basin College is unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas (e.g., H-1B) at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.
CBC is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the letter and spirit of all federal and state laws. CBC encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other legal protected characteristics. Candidates who need any accommodation in the application process or in employment should contact the Office of Human Resources.
OTHER JOB ELEMENTS:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met and may be encountered by an incumbent when performing the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach and manipulate objects. The position requires mobility including having the ability to move materials on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc. and travel between buildings on campus. Manual dexterity and coordination are required to operate equipment such as computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Usual office working conditions. The noise level in the work area is typical of most office environments with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noises.
UNION CLAUSE:
This is a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA). Internal promotional, transfer and voluntary demotion applicants who have skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position will be considered prior to consideration of other applicants.
Benefits
MEDICAL/DENTAL INSURANCE
2026 PEBB Employee Enrollment Guide(Download PDF reader)
Eligibility Permanent, seasonal and part-time employees as determined by WAC 182-12-114. Benefits also cover spouse or State-Registered Domestic Partner (SRDP), and qualifying dependents.
Effective date of coverage First day of the month following date of employment. If the date of employment is the first working day of the month, coverage begins on that date.
Medical Plan Monthly Costs Employees pay their portion of medical care costs through payroll deduction. The employee premium is based on the choice of plan and elected coverage for spouse or SRDP, and dependent children. *Medical plans are available by county of residence. The listed plans are available for employees who reside in Benton and Franklin counties.
2026 Employee Monthly Contribution by Family Tier
Kaiser WA Classic:
Employee Only: $141 Employee and Spouse/SRDP: $282 Employee and Child/Children: $247 Employee, Spouse/SRDP and Child/Children: $388
Kaiser WA Value:
Employee Only: $150 Employee and Spouse/SRDP: $300 Employee and Child/Children: $263 Employee, Spouse/SRDP and Child/Children: $413
Kaiser WA CDHP*(Consumer-Directed Health Plan):
Employee Only: $25 Employee and Spouse/SRDP: $50 Employee and Child/Children: $44 Employee, Spouse/SRDP and Child/Children: $69
Uniform Medical Plan (UMP) Classic, administered by Regence BlueShield:
Employee Only: $145 Employee and Spouse/SRDP: $290 Employee and Child/Children: $254 Employee, Spouse/SRDP and Child/Children: $399
UMP Select, administered by Regence BlueShield:
Employee Only: $82 Employee and Spouse/SRDP: $164 Employee and Child/Children: $144 Employee, Spouse/SRDP and Child/Children: $226
UMP CDHP* (Consumer-Directed Health Plan), administered by Regence BlueShield:
Employee Only: $57 Employee and Spouse/SRDP: $114 Employee and Child/Children: $100 Employee, Spouse/SRDP and Child/Children: $157 *Consumer-Directed Health Plans (CDHP's) are paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA).
All premium rates listed are as of January 1, 2026.
CDHP's are a type of insurance plan that has lower premiums, a higher annual deductible, and higher out-of-pocket maximum than traditional health plans. An HSA is a tax-exempt account that you and your employer, can deposit funds into on your behalf. For more information about CDHP, HSA, and traditional health plans, please visit https://www.hca.wa.gov/employee-retiree-benefits/public-employees/health-plans-health-savings-accounts-hsas.
Dental Coverage & Costs* 2026 PEBB Employee Enrollment Guide(Download PDF reader) Columbia Basin College provides dental coverage at no monthly premium cost to the employee.
Benefit eligible employees have a choice of dental plans, including:
Uniform Dental Plan (Group 3000) Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Administered by Delta Dental of Washington
DeltaCare (Group 3100) Managed Care Plan Administered by Delta Dental of Washington
Willamette Dental Managed Care Plan Administered by Willamette Dental *Costs for dental services provided and coverage options vary based on plan selection.
Vision Coverage & Costs 2026 PEBB Employee Enrollment Guide(Download PDF reader) Columbia Basin College provides vision coverage at no monthly premium cost to the employee.
Benefit eligible employees have a choice of vision plans, through MetLife Vision, Davis Vision by MetLife, or EyeMed.
*Costs for vision services provided and coverage options vary based on plan selection. Optical service frequency and hardware (glasses, contact lenses, etc.) vary depending on type of plan selected.
MEDICAL FLEX SPENDING ACCOUNT (FSA) & DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (DCAP)
https://www.hca.wa.gov/employee-retiree-benefits/public-employees/medical-flexible-spending-arrangement-fsa
The FSA and DCAP plans are optional plans offered by the College and the State of Washington. They are calendar year, pre-tax, spending programs you can use to set aside money for eligible expenses. Both plans are offered as payroll deductions and are administered by Navia Benefit Solutions.
The FSA allows you to use pre-tax money to pay for certain out-of-pocket medical expenses. An FSA can be used to cover qualifying expenses such as: chiropractic care, over-the-counter medicine, first-aid supplies etc. For a full list of qualifying expenses visit: Medical FSA eligible expenses (naviabenefits.com).
For 2026, FSA annual contributions can be between $120 minimum and $3,300 maximum. As a "use it or lose it" IRC governed plan, medical expense reimbursements can be requested for employee, spouse, or IRS eligible dependents. The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) allows you to save on child or elder care expenses (e.g. babysitting, daycare, in-home care for an older dependent incapable of self-care).
LIFE INSURANCE
2026 PEBB Employee Enrollment Guide(Download PDF reader)
Eligibility Benefits eligible employees and spouse or SRDP, as well as dependents up to age 26.
Basic Coverage* $35,000 Basic Term Life & $5,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D). *Basic Coverage is employer provided at no cost to the employee. Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance are administered by MetLife.
Supplemental Life and AD&D Coverage Supplemental term life insurance coverage and/or supplemental AD&D insurance is available for employee and family at an additional cost to the employee.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY
2026 PEBB Employee Enrollment Guide(Download PDF reader) Employer-Paid Plan* Provides 60% of the first $400 pre-disability monthly earnings, reduced by any deductible income. The minimum benefit is $100 per month, maximum benefit is $540 per month. Benefits begin after 90 days of disability or the period of accumulated paid leave, whichever is longer. *Employer-Paid Coverage is employer provided at no cost to the employee.
RETIREMENT OPTIONS
Eligible employees participate in a Washington state-sponsored retirement plan through one of two administrators: the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) or the Teachers Insurance & Annuity Association (TIAA). DRS administers the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) and the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) plans. TIAA administers the State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP). *Retirement plan options are determined by employee type and prior history in DRS-administered plans (PERS or TRS). Administrative/Exempt PERS 3 or SBRP Classified PERS 2 or 3
OPTIONAL BENEFITS (VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION)
Program brochures and additional information available upon request.
- American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (AFLAC)
- Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- GET (Guaranteed Education Tuition) Program
- Homestreet Bank
- Liberty Mutual Auto/Home Insurance
- School Employees Credit Union (Benton & Franklin Counties)
- School Employees Credit Union of Washington
- Voluntary/Supplemental Retirement Annuities – TIAA-CREF (403b) & Deferred Comp Program (457)
- Washington State Employees Credit Union
MOVING EXPENSE REIMBURSMENT
Employees having to move to accept a position with the College may qualify for moving expense reimbursement when certain conditions are met.
REDUCED TUITION WAIVER PROGRAM
Employees can take most credit and non-credit classes at a reduced cost when space is available and certain conditions are met.
Credit classes Permanent classified, faculty, adjunct faculty and administrative employees of CBC may take almost any credit class on a space-available basis if requirements and prerequisites have been met. The basic cost is $5.00, plus any fees associated with that class. Hourly and probationary employees are not eligible for this reduced tuition.
VACATION, SICK LEAVE, & HOLIDAYS
Vacation & Sick Leave Classified staff, and administrative staff accrue vacation and sick leave at rates determined by their employer group. Employees represented by a bargaining unit should refer to their negotiated agreement for accrual rates. Holidays
CBC observes the following holidays*:
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day *Holiday Observance and dates subject to change based on employment status, negotiated agreements, or College policy changes.
Personal Holiday In addition to accrued vacation and college-wide holidays, classified and administrative staff may select one personal holiday each calendar year. Personal holidays are not cumulative and lapse at the end of each calendar year. A newly-hired classified staff member may not take the personal holiday during the first four months of employment.
Please Note: All information above is subject to change based on, but not limited to, employment status, legislative mandates, or College policy changes. *If an employee is transferring from another Washington State public agency or institution of higher education, benefits and leave may be transferable.
ABOUT THE TRI-CITIES AREA
About the Tri-Cities: tricityregionalchamber.com Tri-City Development Council: TRIDEC Tri-City Chamber of Commerce: http://www.tricityregionalchamber.com/ Tri-Cities Guide: http://tri-citiesguide.org/attractions-things-to-do.htm Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau: http://www.visittri-cities.com/
All premium rates listed are as of January 1, 2026.