Front Desk Assistant

Front Desk AssistantThe Front Desk Assistant serves as the first point of contact for visitors to the Department of Housing and Community Development. This position provides courteous customer service; supports front desk operations; performs clerical and administrative support functions; maintains records; and assists staff with departmental programs, special projects, and events. The position helps ensure efficient daily operations while supporting the department's mission of serving the Rockville community. The ideal candidate will be fluent in Spanish and have some experience with Mandarin.Salary: $18-25 hourly for up to 25 hours/weekJob Location and Hours: In-person, City Hall (111 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD 20850). Approx. 25 hours per week starting mid-October 2026 and continuing through the end of June 2027. Contingent on funding, an extension may be possible. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Preferred work schedule is expected to be four (4) or five (5) days/week within the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Essential Job FunctionsCustomer Service & Front Desk OperationsMaintain the reception area and assist with general office organization.Greet visitors and provide professional, friendly customer service in person, by phone, and by email.Screen client needs, answer questions about housing and community services programs, directing more complex issues to the appropriate department staff or outside agencies, and schedule appointments with the relevant staff as needed in person, by phone, and by email.Understand the department organization, roles and responsibilities of programs, and answer frequently asked questions to address resident needs.Demonstrate strong and effective customer service skills, project support, and coordination and communications skills (written and verbal) with staff, visitors, and outside agencies.Able to work independently and in teams with minimal supervision.Perform other duties as required.Administrative SupportPerform data entry and maintain electronic and paper filing systems, databases, spreadsheets, and records.Organize and maintain confidential records in accordance with City policies.Assist with document preparation, scanning, copying, filing, and record retention.Monitor office supplies and assist with maintaining and organizing inventory.Sort and distribute incoming mail.Program & Event SupportProvide administrative support for departmental programs and events.Support meetings and events, including room setup and preparing materials.Assist with preparing electronic and print communications.Technology & Office SupportUtilize Microsoft Office applications and other City software to maintain records and prepare documents.Support staff service requests with other departments, such as Information Technology and Communications & Community Engagement.Other DutiesAssist with special projects and other duties as assigned.Collaborate with other departments to complete duties related to the needs of office.QualificationsHigh school degree; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.Proficient in Microsoft Office Word and Excel.Extremely detail oriented.Strong oral and written communication skills.Ability to lift 50 pounds.Spanish language fluency required; Mandarin also preferred.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesFamiliarity with local social services programs and nonprofits.Knowledge of or ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of, City government procedures and of the relationships between various City departments.Knowledge of secretarial/clerical skills and basic office procedures.Ability to deal with the public and other employees courteously and tactfully and to convey concise and accurate explanations of policies, procedures, and requirements.