DEFINITION

• This recruitment is for a non-benefitted extra help position.
  
• This position will be part-time, approximately 20-25 hours per week.

• Review and process forms and documents in accordance with established guidelines and procedures.
• Monitor and update manual or electronic files.
• Review submitted forms or applications to verify accuracy and completeness.

Humboldt County Planning and Building Department
3015 H Street Eureka, CA 95501

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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to fill out the application?


Can I change my application after submitting it?

• You may only submit one application per day.
• You may submit an edited application after waiting at least one day from your initial submission.
• Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will be archived.

How long until I hear back from you?


How can I check for updates on my application?


Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview?


OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach to in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.
If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.


HOW TO APPLY
A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applications must be submitted online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca no later than the final filing date listed on the job flyer. All applications are screened by both Human Resources staff and may be screened by additional subject matter experts. The most qualified candidates may then be invited for further testing.
It is important that your application shows all the relevant experience and education you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments.
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 any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. All candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.


SELECTION PROCEDURE
The County runs its hiring on a set of rules to ensure that it is fair. Hiring and promotion are based on performance and having the best qualifications for the job. “Examination” doesn’t always mean taking a test, sometimes it just means how we compare your application to others who have applied, and an “oral examination” means a scored and structured interview.


POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION
The County of Humboldt does not discriminate based on mental or physical disability in the admission or access to, treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. Contact the Human Resources Department at (707) 476-2349 well in advance of the examination to request an accommodation.
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.


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.


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.


DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
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.