Office Assistant II - Extra-Help Office Assistant II

Job Opportunity

This recruitment is being established to obtain a current eligible list for both Full Time and Extra-Help vacancies. Extra-Help are not entitled to county benefits and are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week. Extra-Help pay is $17.87 per hour. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following : Assist the public in person or by telephone and obtain information needed in order to determine appropriate action to be taken. Answer inquiries related to the department's services, programs and operations. Disperse relevant information and refer clients to the appropriate personnel or location. Explain proper use of forms and documents, screen and distribute incoming mail, material, and letters. Make appointments, screen and route incoming calls using a phone console or routing equipment. Maintain a variety of department personnel, financial, and statistical files and records in accordance with prescribed procedures and regulations. Check and review a diversity of information for completeness and accuracy, resolving discrepancies and errors. Perform numerical, alphabetical, chronological and / or subject matter filing, control logs, researches and assembles information from different locations. Compile and assemble information from various sources and produces a variety of computer-generated materials such as graphs, letters, reports, and fiscal or statistical statements. Proof-read typewritten material for grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, format, layout and clarity of language. Verify completeness and accuracy of references and identify and correct errors. Compose letters in response to requests for general information, ensuring the information provided is complete, accurate, and consistent with prescribed forms, procedures and regulations. Order supplies, monitor inventories, arrange for equipment repair, and maintain property control records. Some positions may be required to be fluent in languages in addition to English.

Minimum Qualifications : Experience : One (1) year of full-time experience performing clerical work in an office environment. Desirable : Type at a corrected rate of 45 words per minute from clear copy.

Essential Functions : Operate a personal computer and other modern office equipment. Communicate effectively with others in person, in writing, and over the telephone. Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses. Create correspondence, spreadsheets, and presentation materials using various computer software programs. Respond appropriately to situations. Complete multiple priority projects with conflicting deadlines and under stressful conditions. Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and / or County regulations. Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception. Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects. Occasionally kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance and crawl. Frequent use of hand-eye coordination. Occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds. Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping. Sit, stand or walk for long periods of time. Frequent use of data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motion. Regular attendance is an essential function.

Knowledge of : Basic mathematical functions. Clerical and department work practices, procedures, programs, services, policies, and regulations. Correct English usage, grammar, sentence structure, spelling, vocabulary and punctuation. Modern office methods and practices including filing systems, business correspondence, and reception techniques. Business report writing and customer service techniques. Lead work and staff development techniques and practices. Common word processing, spreadsheet, and database software packages. Ability to : Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Exercise good and independent judgment in determining and selecting appropriate processes, alternative, forms and desired actions within the bonds of established work practices, procedures and commonly used regulations. Make arithmetical calculations with speed and accuracy. Prepare and maintain accurate reports and records. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective work relationships with others. Deal tactfully and courteously with the public, county employees, and other staff. Organize work and carry out assignments with minimum supervision. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Lead and train subordinate employees effectively. Proofread material. Typing Skills : Type at a corrected rate of 45 words per minute from clear copy.

Holidays & Leaves Vacation : 10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours). Sick Leave : 0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria. Holidays : Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays. Bereavement Leave : Five (5) regularly scheduled workdays. Insurance : Health Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums. Medical plan availability varies based on bargaining units. Dental Insurance - Delta Dental. County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s). Vision Insurance - VSP. County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s). Disability Insurance - State Disability Insurance (SDI). Merced County non-management employees are enrolled in the State Disability Insurance Program (SDI). Premiums for this insurance are paid by the employee. This insurance is administered solely by the State, who determines eligibility and payments. Benefit amounts are based on the quarter with the highest wages earned within the base period. Life Insurance - County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance. Represented Employees $10,000. Voluntary Term and Whole Life Insurance are available - premium paid by employee. Retirement Deferred Compensation - The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pretax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable. Merced County Employee Retirement Association - The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security. The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; your pension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount. Extra Help Employees Do Not Qualify for County Benefits. Employee Programs Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24 / 7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services. Employee Tickets, Coupons, and Discounts The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.