Office Assistant (HHS - Finance and Administration)

Job Posting

A vacancy exists in the Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Finance and Administration. A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below. Current and future vacancies occurring in this class may be filled from the list of eligible applicants. All interested candidates must apply at this time. List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications. Note : Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time. You must attach your transcript(s) / degree(s) and license(s) / certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable. Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and / or education must be submitted with each application.

Examples of Duties

Under general supervision, the Office Assistant performs comprehensive word processing, typing, and other clerical duties in support of an office. Essential Job Duties include :

• Uses automated office systems, such as word processing equipment or a computer, to prepare a variety of letters, memos, and other material from draft or specific instructions.
• Selects the appropriate letter or memo format, proofreads and edits documents for grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and prepares document for distribution or mail.
• Originates procedural correspondence such as form letters and routine notices to respond to requests for information or to begin office processes.
• Sets up and maintains office databases and logs.
• Accesses databases to establish, retrieve, review, update, track, and revise a variety of office records.
• Performs queries and compiles routine reports from various data sources.
• Assembles data for inclusion in narrative and statistical reports.
• Creates and updates office spreadsheets.
• Establishes and maintains confidential alphabetical, chronological, or subject matter files and records.
• Locates, extracts, and summarizes information from files for preparation of reports or to respond to inquiries, routine requests, or complaints.
• Determines release of information according to established procedures and confidentiality.
• Initiates the process of purging and updating files.
• Opens, date stamps, and distributes incoming mail to appropriate staff.
• Tracks the handling of correspondence and / or written complaints to the time of completion.
• Ensures office responses are completed in a timely manner.
• Greets and directs clients and visitors.
• Responds to inquiries of a routine nature regarding County, department, and / or program policies in person, by telephone, or by regular or electronic mail.
• Collects information regarding more complex inquiries and refers to appropriate staff for follow-up as necessary.
• Maintains calendars, schedules appointments and meetings, and reserves meeting room facilities or space.
• Types, photocopies, and distributes meeting agendas and / or minutes.
• Prepares or assists in the preparation of personnel related documents and forms.
• Performs timekeeping functions for the work unit.
• Prepares payroll and tracks leave usage.
• Operates office machinery, such as microcomputers, photocopiers, fax machines, calculators, telephones, scanners, and printers.

Examples of Other Duties include :

Qualifications

Possession of a high school diploma or an appropriate equivalent; plus one (1) year typing, word processing, or secretarial experience. Additional experience as described in the essential duties may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education. Additional education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required experience. Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Proof of Degree Equivalency Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org). You must attach your transcript(s) / degree(s) and license(s) / certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable. Examination Procedure Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Conditions of Employment

The work of these positions is essentially sedentary, with occasional walking and / or lifting or other restricted physical activities. Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks.

Employment Benefits for Full-Time, Merit or Classified Employees

Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to full-time, merit or classified employees. Some benefits vary for sworn employees of the Police and Fire Departments. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise. Equal Opportunity Employer Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants. Smoke free workplace All Baltimore County offices are smoke free. Drug free workplace Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination. Salary Annual Salary review - Step increases may be granted on anniversary date based on satisfactory job performance General Increases - Cost of living increases and adjustments may be granted as legislated. Longevity Increases - In accordance with the specific pay schedule, a full-time merit or classified employee may receive a longevity increase, equivalent to one step, upon completion of a certain number of years of classified service with the County. Employee Assistance Program Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life. Health Insurance Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include : Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance. Flexible Spending Accounts Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and / or dependent care costs. Life Insurance Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional / Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000. Retirement Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System (ERS), with very limited exceptions. Paid Leave Paid benefits listed below vary depending upon the Classification. Sick Leave Vacation Leave Personal Leave Holidays Bereavement Leave Jury Leave Military Leave Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services. Direct Deposit Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required. Educational Assistance 70 to 80 percent tuition reimbursement following successful completion of pre-approved courses related to position. Amount of reimbursement and fiscal year dollar limitations vary with bargaining group. Deferred Compensation Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice. Disclaimer This is only a summary of benefits and policies in Baltimore County. Any benefit or policy may be changed at any time at the discretion of the administration. This summary does not constitute an express or implied contract, nor does it constitute a guarantee that your employment relationship will continue for any specified period of time or end only under certain conditions.