Customer Service Representative - Multiple Positions at Avista

Spokane Valley, Washington, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

13 Jul, 26

Salary

36.24

Posted On

14 Apr, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Customer service, Communication, Problem solving, Conflict management, Negotiation, Microsoft Office Suite, Computer skills, Keyboarding, 10-key, Bilingual, Spanish, Empathy, Time management

Industry

Utilities

Description

Closes: April 23, 2026 We are seeking Customer Service Representatives (CSR’s) who are ready to bring energy, confidence, and care to every customer interaction. You’ll have the opportunity to work at an Avista Contact Center within a hybrid setting (a mix of remote and in‑office days), playing a vital role in delivering an outstanding customer experience. This is a great opportunity for individuals who enjoy connecting with people by phone, embracing new technology, and are motivated by learning and mastering new systems. Spanish speaking skills are highly desired, as bilingual team members help us better serve our customers. Bilingual English/Spanish candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. If you elect to work in a hybrid setting, you’ll need a quiet, distraction free home workspace where you can focus and succeed. You must also have or be able to obtain reliable, high‑speed internet prior to your hire date. Please note that DSL connections are not supported. The minimum internet speed required is 20 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload. At Avista, our culture is built around trust, innovation, and collaboration. We are committed to your professional growth and development and believe in empowering employees to do meaningful work. As a Customer Service Representative, you’ll be the first point of contact, owning the customer experience from start to finish. Our employees thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment where their contributions truly make an impact every day. About the CSR Position * The CSR positions work a minimum of 20 hours per week up to 40 hours per week as call volumes fluctuate and business needs change. The hours of the contact center are Monday-Friday, 7:00am-6:00pm. * CSR schedules change weekly with a 3-week notice, so flexibility is important. CSRs have the ability to swap shifts, allowing them to pick up or give away hours. * CSRs must be able to be available for 35-40 hours a week for the first (10) ten weeks of paid training. These positions are located at both the Spokane Avista Contact Center: 14523 E Trent, Spokane Valley, WA 99216 and the Lewiston Avista Contact Center: 803 Main St, Lewiston, ID, 83501. You must live within 1 hour of one of these locations. Selected applicants will participate in in-person assessments in Spokane, Washington or Lewiston, ID during the week of May 11, 2026. If you are selected to participate in the in-person assessment, you will be contacted through email. All new hires will complete a 10‑week training program with both remote and in‑person participation options. Responsibilities: * Be a trusted point of contact for our customers by answering questions about billing, accounts, and services with empathy and professionalism. * Help customers open, close, and manage their utility accounts while ensuring details are accurate and up to date. * Work collaboratively with customers to set up payment arrangements, extensions, service turn‑ons, and turn‑offs when needed. * Investigate and resolve high‑bill questions and customer concerns by identifying clear, effective solutions. * Share helpful information about company programs, products, services, and assistance options available to customers. * Respond promptly to reports of electric and gas emergencies or outages, following established safety and reporting procedures. * Provide customers with guidance related to new services, construction requests, and service connections. * Assist with inquiries from utility commissions, regulatory agencies, and other authorized organizations. * Support customer service improvement efforts by participating in special projects and off‑phone assignments as needed. Requirements * High school diploma required * Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office Suite with * Requires strong computer, keyboarding, and 10-key skills. * This position involves working on the phone for long periods of time and ability to handle multiple priorities in a call center environment. * Extremely well developed interpersonal, problem solving, conflict management, and negotiating collections skills are essential to success in this position. * Regular and predictable attendance is an expectation and an essential function of the job. * Candidates should possess a sincere interest in maintaining high levels of customer service and satisfaction. * Outstanding verbal and written communication skills are essential to this position. Preferred Requirements: * Applicants that speak fluent Spanish are desired but not required. * Associate or Bachelor’s degree is preferred. * 2+ years of customer service-related work preferred. * Basic math skills and proficiency in a Windows environment are necessary. * The flexibility and ability to assist customers after hours for any unplanned outage events. Other combinations of education and experience may be considered. Hiring Range: $23.11 per hour with regular increases to $36.24 over 36 months To Apply We encourage you to apply as many of our positions have multiple levels to account for an incoming employee’s various knowledge, skills, and experience. * Complete an online application * Attach your resume and cover letter to your profile. * In your cover letter, please include what appeals to you about serving customers in a utility environment, how this type of work aligns with your skills or values, and how you would contribute to providing reliable, respectful, and solution-focused customer service. All documents must be attached to your application at the time of submitting your application for review. No documents can be attached after you click "Submit". Total Rewards At Avista, our employees are the foundation of our success. Their dedication drives the value we deliver to our customers and communities. That’s why we prioritize the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our team members and their families. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program designed to support every stage of life and career. Our offerings include: * Affordable healthcare options including medical, dental, and vision coverage * Retirement benefits with an enhanced 401(k) match * Incentive programs rewarding performance and contributions * Competitive paid time off including holidays, personal days, and vacation * Life and disability insurance for added peace of mind * Wellness resources supporting mental and physical health * Education and development support including tuition assistance * Community giving programs encouraging employee engagement and impact * Other optional benefits from Legal insurance, Pet insurance, and more (Eligibility subject to Bargaining Unit affiliation) To learn more, please visit our benefits website at https://avistabenefits.com/ [https://avistabenefits.com/]. We are committed to maintaining a competitive and equitable total rewards package that attracts and retains a diverse, skilled, and engaged workforce. Pre-employment screening requirements Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test, background check and motor vehicle records review. In compliance with state laws, we provide the full salary range for each position, along with the typical hiring range based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The full salary range for this position is 23.11 to $36.24 over 36 months. Questions regarding compliance with this requirement can be directed to humanresources@avistacorp.com [humanresources@avistacorp.com]. Avista’s Commitment to Equal Opportunity Avista is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, sensory, mental or physical disability (unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification), Veteran status or any other classification protected by nondiscrimination laws. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here [https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters]. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you require any special accommodations to participate fully in our recruitment process. Avista will make reasonable accommodation to assist a qualified person with a disability in the job application, interview process, and to perform the essential functions of the job whenever possible, where undue hardship would not be created for Avista. Please contact us at humanresources@avistacorp.com [humanresources@avistacorp.com] if you would like assistance.

Responsibilities

The Customer Service Representative acts as the primary point of contact for utility customers, handling billing inquiries, account management, and service requests. They are also responsible for resolving customer concerns, providing information on company programs, and responding to emergency reports with professionalism.