Communications Agent

Job TitleMaintains and enhances agency communications by responding to and directing customer inquiries; greeting and directing visitors; providing information; and interacting with and assisting a variety of internal and external customers; assists customers by placing and receiving telephone calls; directing calls to appropriate party utilizing knowledge of agency functions; facilitating the most accurate resolution to caller/visitor questions, avoiding unnecessary transferring of calls; and handling emergency situations. Gathers information by placing calls and recording responses to be utilized in referral of future calls; updating referral lists and telephone numbers; and keeping abreast of agency functions; welcomes and directs visitors by determining appropriate resource/response; maintaining visitor log; and ensuring that responding party meets with the visitor; provides information by determining nature of request and appropriate referral resource; responding according to standard practice; and accepting packages and mail. Enhances agency operations by opening, stamping, and forwarding mail; assisting with mass mailings; duplicating documents; typing lists and/or envelopes; and providing other routing clerical assistance; and contributes to the team effort by accomplishing related results in a cooperative and collaborative manner.QualificationsKnowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of 4 years of high school and 1 year general clerical experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Working knowledge of switchboard operations/procedures. Working knowledge of telephone etiquette and public relations. Clear diction and the ability to interact tactfully with people in difficult situations. Ability to remain calm in an emergency or crisis situation. Requires the ability to work rapidly and accurately in a repetitive environment. Attendance is an essential function of this position.Supplemental InformationPosition requires in office attendanceBenefitsWe offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part-time employees who work an average of 20 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.As an employee of the Illinois Attorney General's Office, you'll have access to many great benefits. Join the legal team responsible for protecting the public interest of the state and the people of Illinois!Health and Dental insurance along with free Vision insurance*Pension Benefits through the State Employees'; Retirement SystemDisability coverageDeferred Compensation: supplemental retirement savings program-457kCommuter Savings Program: pre-tax transportation programFlexible Spending: Medical and Dependent pre-tax savings programHealth Savings AccountLife insurance benefit: free with option to purchase additional (up to 8 x your annual salary) at low cost. Spouse and child life insurance availableEmployee Assistance Program through ComPsychHolidays: 13 1/2 paidVacation days: minimum of 12 days, maximum of 27 days, proratedPersonal days: 4 annuallyFloating Holiday: 1 annuallySick days: 1 per monthFor attorneys, office provided Continuing Legal EducationSemi-monthly payroll*Health and Dental cost ranges: for single: $120.00 - $322.00 monthly; for family: $292.00 - $665.00 monthlyFor more information on benefits: visit cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html