Guest Services Agent

City, State: Seattle, Washington The purpose of a GUEST SERVICE AGENT is to serve as the primary contact for all guests throughout their stay and effectively and efficiently check guests in and out of the hotel. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Operate the front desk according to standard operating procedures and with exceptional guest service. Operate with accuracy the reservation system, check-in and checkout system and credit card system, following all safety and security procedures. Check registration (folio) cards for completeness, accuracy, and legibility. Maintain accurate cash sheet. Responsible for cash drawer balancing. Operate the switchboard and disperse calls as required by your shift. Take guest messages and faxes with accuracy, always noting the date and time of message. Repeat message back to caller to assure the accuracy of the message. Use message light to tell guests that they have a message waiting. Know emergency procedures and how to respond. Never say a guest’s room number out loud. Be knowledgeable of hotel promotions. Know room rate. Also know the amenities of the rooms so you can inform guests of what to expect in their rooms. Know physical makeup of building-exterior and interior. Know where the closest shopping, convenience store and gas station is. Complete daily reports, audits correspondences etc. as required by your shift. Keep lobby and office area clean at all times, Set wake-up calls as dictated by your shift. Prepare room status sheet for housekeeping and update housekeeping on rooms available to clean as guests checkout or leave for the day. Take and confirm credit cards for validity and acceptability. Lock and secure area if leaving the front desk, even if it is for a moment! Create incident reports for guest injuries / issues when required. Answer all calls within three (3) rings. All calls are to be answered in a “scripted” manner. Take and record reservations with accuracy. Confirm as requested. Resolve guest complaints. Maintains regular attendance, is consistently on time, and observes prescribed work, break and meal periods in compliance with standards. Maintains high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which include compliance with the dress code. Performs any other duties as requested by supervisor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position. DESIRED COMPETENCIES, WORK SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies. Other competencies may be required. Associate demonstrates a high QUALITY of work: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. Monitors own work to ensure quality. Provides the best possible service to clients and customers. Associate demonstrates acceptable PRODUCTIVITY standards Meets or exceeds productivity standards. Produces adequate volume of work efficiently in a specific time. Associate demonstrates excellent CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS Responds to requests for service and assistance. Demonstrates the desire and ability to provide high quality service to both internal and external customers. Solicits customer feedback to improve service. Associate demonstrates INITIATIVE Asks for and offers help when needed. Includes appropriate people in decision-making. Associate demonstrates ACCOUNTABILITY for their job performance Takes responsibility for own actions. Performs work with little or no supervision; works independently. Can be relied upon regarding task completion and follow up. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: One year certificate from college or technical school; or three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to speak English fluently. Ability to interpret and perform basic computer and POS system functions. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment normally entails the following: • Indoor work environment • May be exposed to and use of cleaning chemicals throughout the shift • Minimal to moderate noise levels consistent with hotel environment Top of Form PHYSICAL DEMANDS: During the course of performing the physical demands of this position, associates are expected to observe and adhere to safety and security procedures, promoting a safe work environment. The physical activity normally entails the following attributes. Position is expected to: • Stand more than 2/3 of the time • Walk less than 1/3 of the time • Sit less than 1/3 of the time • Lift up to 15 lbs • Push / pull up to 10 pounds Our company does not discriminate against its associates or applicants because of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, physical or mental disability or medical condition. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all aspects of the employer-associate relationships, including recruitment, hiring, advancement, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall and termination. Every reasonable accommodation will be made for disabled associates. Resumes and applications for employment will be evaluated on the basis of qualifications to meet the requirements of the position and ability to perform the requirements of the position. We are interested in attracting and investing in talented, dedicated and highly motivated associates who want to join a progressive organization that believes their associates are their greatest asset. We believe that what lies at the heart of a great company is a place where associates are respected. We believe that when a culture of respect is paramount, associates will in turn treat our guests to the highest level of respect they can deliver. Our current and future success is based on our ability to predict associates needs, recognize their talent, cultivate and nurture those skills. What inspires our associates to want to come to work every day is the opportunity to lean and partner with inspired leaders who are active listeners that care about them. Within our company, we believe that we will always focus on improving our culture and improving the working environment at both the corporate office and at our hotels. The desired culture is always evolving. A history of career advancement within an individual hotel, a sister hotel or advancement to a corporate position has built a strong foundation with our team. In addition, the continual growth of our company provides opportunity where associates will be enriched. When a new opportunity arises, we first look within our talent pool. Our high retention factor at all associate levels support this philosophy. Our human resource initiatives are designed for personal and professional growth. They include ongoing formal and on the job training, competitive benefits and compensation, reward for performance, recognition and celebrating successes at every level. We believe in having on the job fun! We look for opportunities to engage our associates in the company’s vision, mission and core values. Our associates are our greatest asset. Joining the Stonebridge team is joining a winning team. You will work with leading hotel professionals and leading hotel brands. We invite you to consider a career with our growing organization.