People Operations Student Assistant

Palo Alto University (PAU) is a private, nonprofit university located in the heart of Silicon Valley with a singular focus on mental and behavioral health education. For five decades, PAU has been dedicated to addressing pressing and emerging challenges affecting individuals, organizations, and communities, preparing practitioners and scholars to meet the evolving needs of contemporary society. With an enrollment of approximately 1,200 graduate students and a small cohort of undergraduate students, the University offers a comprehensive portfolio of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional programs delivered through innovative online, hybrid, and residential modalities.

PAU is distinguished by faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized for their contributions to research, teaching, and clinical practice. Through rigorous academic preparation, applied research, and extensive hands-on clinical training, PAU equips students with the knowledge, skills, and professional judgment required for meaningful impact in the behavioral health fields. Together, these elements define PAU’s mission-driven approach to education and its legacy of preparing confident, competent, and compassionate professionals who make a difference in the communities they serve.

Federal Work Study Student Assistant – People Operations (Part-Time)

Department: People Operations

Location: Allen Campus

Employment Status: Part-Time, Federal Work Study (FWS) Eligible

Reports To: People Operations Specialists / People Operations Director

Position Summary

The Federal Work Study Student Assistant provides administrative and customer service support to the People Operations Department. This position offers students the opportunity to gain professional office experience while assisting with daily employee support, recordkeeping, and special projects.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative support to the People Operations team, including scheduling, document preparation, and task coordination
• Maintain and update confidential employee records in compliance with institutional policies and data privacy standards
• Assist with onboarding and off-boarding processes, including preparing employment documentation and tracking completion of required steps
• Monitor the People Operations request system, triage incoming requests, and assign or escalate tasks to appropriate team members
• Support project coordination efforts by tracking timelines, preparing materials, and following up on action items
• Assist in planning and executing People Operations events and initiatives (e.g., trainings, orientations, engagement activities)
• Prepare and manage employment-related communications, including student employment packets and routine correspondence
• Perform accurate data entry and maintain spreadsheets, reports, and HRIS records (e.g., ADP or similar systems)
• Organize and maintain electronic filing systems to ensure accessibility, accuracy, and compliance
• Collaborate with departments across the university to support employment processes and resolve routine issues
• Respond to front-line inquiries from employees, students, and visitors, providing clear and professional customer service
• Contribute to process improvement efforts by identifying inefficiencies and suggesting practical solutions

Required Qualifications

• Must be eligible for Federal Work Study funding People Operations through Financial Aid
• Current enrolled student in good academic standing
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional environment
• Prior office or customer service experience preferred but not required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Professional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong time management and multitasking abilities
• Ability to provide excellent customer service
• Willingness to learn People Operations policies and procedures

Work Schedule

• Part-time schedule based on department needs and student availability (not during course schedules)
• Typically 10–20 hours per week during regular business hours

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods

Compensation

• $20.00 - $22.00 per hour