Office Specialist

Office Specialist

The role of the Office Specialist is to perform a broad range of skilled administrative tasks that support the effective office operations of the department with an emphasis on quality customer service. Distinguishing Characteristics: The work of the Office Specialist is unique in that it provides administrative support including office management, office operation, customer care, and quality administrative service to multiple departments ensuring the City and organization operate smoothly and efficiently. The Office Specialist performs a variety of standard/intermediate office support duties while the Administrative Assistant performs complex, specialized, technical, and non-standard office support. This position can be held in a variety of departments and divisions with specific focus areas. Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists the public in person and via phone or online inquiry.
• Sorts and distributes incoming and outgoing mail and coordinates deliveries and pickups.
• Arranges and coordinates registration and payment for trainings and conferences for staff, including travel and/or accommodations.
• Assists with training staff on various computer software systems.
• Prepares for and supports meetings for City staff, boards, commissions, and committees by scheduling and confirming attendance; preparing in-person and virtual meeting spaces and materials and setting up refreshments; assembling and distributing packets; attending meetings; and recording and producing accurate minutes.
• Maintains and organizes department supply cabinets and materials for internal and external customers.
• Provides administrative support to staff in creating and updating webpages.
• Assists with data collection, tracking, analysis, and reports. May include inventory, labor hours, equipment usage and materials used.
• Processes and disseminates confidential records and information in compliance with public disclosure laws and Department rules and regulations. May serve as a records management representative for department.
• Proofs, edits and types a variety of documents for the department managers and staff.
• Performs research projects for senior staff members.
• Creates and maintains file systems, ensuring required files, forms, correspondence, and other documents are appropriately filed and available.
• Provides administrative support for various accounts payable and purchasing tasks. Prepares and enters purchase requisitions utilizing City's financial system; assures proper approvals and coding; verifies packing slips with invoices and routes approved invoices to Accounts Payable for payment; maintains files for orders and payments made. Processes purchase orders and invoices, accounts for purchasing credit cards within the department, and is responsible for cash/check handling, customer billing, and refunds.
• Develops office procedures and routines, as necessary.
• May act as passport application acceptance agent, which includes reviewing and processing applications for compliance with U.S. State Department requirements, and providing extensive informational services related to all facets of passports.
• May serve as notary public, notarizing City documents.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.

Peripheral Duties:

• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.
• Provides back-up and performs duties in the absence of other administrative staff.
• May participate in support personnel hiring and training.
• Performs other related duties as required to ensure efficient office operations.
• Acts as liaison between the departments to ensure efficient coordination of activities.

Why Kirkland?

Ranked as one of the most livable cities in America, Kirkland is an attractive and inviting place to live, work, and visit. We have big city vision while maintaining a small-town, community feel. If you are a candidate with the desire to join an organization looking to innovate into the future, the City of Kirkland is the place for you!

If you ask our employees why they love where they work, they will tell you about the great people, work environment, supportive leadership and City Council, and innovation.

We also invest in you!

Competitive Wages: We strive to maintain competitive compensation packages and work to provide wages that meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our employees.

Awesome benefits: The City offers benefits that are unmatched by most other employers. Please click on the benefits tab above to view more details.

Childcare Programs: To help address the challenge of reliable childcare, the City of Kirkland has agreements with two local childcare providers that offer discounted rates for our employees at 10 locations within 20 miles of Kirkland. Learn more!

Training and Career Development: The City of Kirkland believes in developing its employees. You will have access to training opportunities designed for career development and advancement based on your position, skills, and interests.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of general office administration procedures, concepts, and automation applications.
• Knowledge of basic filing and recordkeeping practices.
• Knowledge of written business communication/report-writing techniques.
• Knowledge of database management.
• Knowledge of basic mathematical computations.
• Skilled in customer service and public relations in person or on the phone.
• Skilled in problem solving, organization and planning.
• Skilled in attention to detail and accuracy.
• Skilled in using office equipment such as phones, copiers, fax machines and multi-line telephones.
• Skilled in using computers and related software applications, including word processors, spreadsheets, databases and specialized software and applications (document retention, permit tracking and/or inventory tracking).
• Skilled in effectively communicating, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to obtain a basic knowledge of Department standards and procedures.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with all levels in the organization, outside consultants/vendors, other agencies and the general public.
• Ability to use independent and discretionary judgment effectively.
• Ability to assess and prioritize multiple priorities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High school graduate or GED.
• Experience: 2 years of increasingly responsible administrative experience.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

• Experience related to the department or focus area may be preferred.
• Possess or ability to obtain Washington Notary Public license within 6 months of hire if needed, paid by the City.
• Passport acceptance agents must be U.S. Citizens and certified by the U.S. Department of State.

Physical Demands and Working Environment: Performs work in an office environment. Prolonged periods of sitting and computer keyboard entry is a routine part of this job. Must be able to work at a copier for long periods of time. Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds.

Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled. Job is open until filled with first review by 15th day of original posting date.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local