Office Assistant I/Ii - Social Services

Salary: $16.29 - $21.97 Hourly
Location : Eureka, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: MSS04407
Department: Department of Health and Human Services
Division: 511 - Social Services
Opening Date: 03/29/2024
Closing Date: 4/12/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
DEFINITION
This is a County of Humboldt job position; however, the job application is submitted through Merit System Services. To apply for this position, click on this link:
Under general supervision, performs a variety of general or specialized clerical duties related to filing, reception, form processing, record maintenance, mail, typing or data entry; obtains and compares information related to department records, programs and services; may perform initial applicant/customer screening; performs related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Office Assistant I is the entry level class in the Office Assistant series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn office and County procedures and are given detailed instructions in the performance of routine clerical duties related to filing, reception, form processing, record maintenance, mail, and typing or data entry, and performs tasks that are more structured and repetitive than those assigned to higher level Office Assistant II. As experience is gained and skills and knowledge are developed, there becomes a greater independence of action within established guidelines. This class is alternately staffed with Office Assistant II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher level class.
Office Assistant II is the journey level class of this series, fully competent to independently perform a variety of responsible office support duties. Employees at this level are expected to perform difficult and responsible office support work within the framework of established work methods and procedures and to use independent judgment in selecting and applying specific references, procedures, sequences, and alternatives to different work situations, referring non-procedural questions to the appropriate supervisor. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower level Office Assistant I. Office Assistant II is distinguished from Senior Office Assistant in that the latter may be assigned lead worker responsibilities, work with a higher degree of independence and perform the more complex office support work.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Acts as receptionist and receives and screens visitors and customers; uses multiline system to answer telephone calls and obtains information to determine appropriate resource, action, document, or staff referral to meet customer needs.
• Addresses complaints and explains regulations to customers or the public.
• Responds to inquiries regarding departmental functions, services, policies, and procedures.
• Explains the proper use of forms and documents.
• Prepares items for mailing and sorts and distributes incoming mail according to established guidelines and procedures.
• Schedules customer appointments and maintains schedules for technical or professional staff.
• Composes and types correspondence, reports, memos, and other documents.
• Reviews and processes forms and documents in accordance with established guidelines and procedures.
• Monitors and updates manual or electronic files.
• Operates a variety of standard office equipment.
• Compiles information to respond to questions or address issues.
• Reviews submitted forms or applications to verify accuracy and completeness.
• Operates automated systems, or other department specific computer systems.
• Maintains accurate department and customer records.
• May perform initial screening of applications for departmental services.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
QUALIFICATIONS
NOTE: The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to job duties as defined under Distinguishing Characteristics.
Knowledge of:

• General office functions, procedures, equipment, and filing systems.
• General goals and purposes of department programs, services, and operations.
• English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Word processing, spreadsheet, database, email, and calendaring automated systems.

Skill in:

• Explaining policies, procedures, and regulations governing program operations.
• Analyzing situations involving rules and regulations and demonstrating good judgment when making decisions.
• Quickly and accurately entering and retrieving data using an automated system.
• Communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
• Interacting with individuals from various educations, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Working cooperatively as part of a team.
• Identifying and correcting inaccurate or inconsistent information.
• Listening attentively and understanding oral information provided.
• Prioritizing, planning, and organizing one's own work.

Other Requirements:
Specified positions may require possession of a valid California driver's license for the class of vehicle required to carry out job-related duties. Some positions may require the ability to type at a net corrected speed of 45 words per minute. Specified positions may require evening, weekend or other off-shift work.
Desirable Education and Experience:
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skill outlined above is:
Office Assistant I: Six months of office support work or other training and experience related to filing, reception, processing mail, typing, data entry, answering telephones, assisting the public, or other clerical duties which demonstrate possession of the basic knowledge and skills outlined above.
Office Assistant II: In addition to the above, one year of general clerical or office assistance experience at a level equivalent to the County's class of Office Assistant I.
WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CalPERS Retirement

• Tier I: Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7 @ 55
• Tier II: Post 7/6/2012: 2.0 @ 55
• Tier III: Post 1/1/2013: 2.0 @ 62

Selection Procedure
The County's Human Resources system operates by a set of rules and procedures which ensure that employees are hired and promoted on the basis of merit and fitness for the job. Jobs are filled through competitive examinations.
A complete online application is required for this position. All application materials will be reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts. Those candidates considered to be the most qualified, based on the application materials submitted, will be invited to a written and/or oral examination, or an evaluation of education and experience.
Policy of Nondiscrimination
The County of Humboldt does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disability in the admission or access to, treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. Human Resources is wheelchair-accessible by entering the Courthouse from the ramp located on the east side of the building next to the marked handicapped parking. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. Contact Human Resources at (707) 476-2349 well in advance of the examination for assistance.
The County is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. Reasonable accommodation may be made in the testing procedure as well as the work site. If you need accommodation for an exam due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources office as soon as possible.
How to Apply
A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Although this is a County of Humboldt job position, and you may access the job flyer at http://www.humboldtgov.org/hr , the application must be submitted through the Merit System Services website at www.mss.ca.gov no later than the final filing date listed on the job flyer. The link for the Merit System Services website is located at the top of the job flyer. All applications are screened by subject matter experts. The most qualified candidates may then be invited for further testing.
It is important that your application show all the relevant experience and education you possess.
Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process. Your performance in this examination will be compared with the performance of others who take the test. All candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. Scores will be provided in writing only.
To fill a vacancy, Merit Systems Services furnishes the employing department with the most qualified candidate names for the position.
Supplemental Information
** At the discretion of Humboldt County Health and Human Services and with the approval of Merit System Services, qualified candidates certified to the eligible list established by this exam may be appointed to the Office Assistant I, or Office Assistant II level if the appointee meets the minimum requirements.
WRITTEN EXAMINATION - WEIGHTED 100%The written examination will consist of a multiple choice in-person written exam with the following five (5) test sections:

1. Clerical Knowledge
2. Written Communication
3. Vocabulary
4. Reading Comprehension
5. Interpersonal Relations

In order to obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination.
SPECIAL TESTING ARRANGEMENTSSpecial testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants for disability, military, or religious reasons. If you require such arrangements, please contact CalHR at or 916-323-2360 upon notification that your application has been approved. Documentation from medical, military, school or church officials outlining the accommodation request must be received by our office a minimum of five business days prior to a scheduled examination.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION: A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.
OTHER EXAMINATIONS: Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.
LICENSES: Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six months, but may be up to one year. All designated safety employees serve a one year probationary period.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY: It is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.
The County is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. Reasonable accommodation may be made in the testing procedure as well as the work site. If you need accommodation for an exam due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources office as soon as possible.
All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.
01
This position requires driving on behalf of the County of Humboldt. Do you possess a current valid class C or higher drivers' license?

• Yes
• No

02
Any other coursework, training or experience you would like to add that directly relates to this position.
Required Question