Office Specialist I

Office Specialist IThe mission of Yakima County Government is to provide accessible, responsive and responsible public service through leadership and teamwork committed to understanding and meeting public needs.Our Values:IntegrityCommon SenseInnovationAccountabilityPosition Data:Office Specialist I-J23-U00-H Temporary (Fixed Term) Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime)Overview:Pay Range: $21.29 - $27.00 per hour (Non Bargaining Pay Plan, B21 Step 1-13) Hiring Range: $21.29 - $22.60 per hour (Non Bargaining Pay Plan, B21 Step 1-4 DOQ Job Closing Date: September 3, 2026 There is one Temporary Office Specialist I vacancy with the Yakima County Auditors Office. This position provides technical assistance to the public in person, on the phone, at community outreach events and citizenship ceremonies regarding voter registration and balloting laws and requirements. Benefits included in position:Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and Basic LTD)Retirement BenefitsPaid VacationPaid HolidaysPaid Sick LeaveThis is a Non Bargaining position.This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies that occur within 90 days of the closing of this position. (This excludes Yakima County Sheriff's Office and Department of Corrections)Responsibilities:Establishes individual voting records from paper forms and online submissions; scans voter registration forms, indexes information into database, maintains signature retrieval system, transmits final data to the Office of Secretary of State.Maintains existing voter registration database; cancels and inactivates records, updates name and address data.Assists the public in person, on the phone, and by email with inquiries about voter registration.Obtains and maintains certification as an Election Administrator; travels to statewide WSACA conferences and trainings.Acts as a filing officer by assisting and registering candidates for public office during multiple candidate filing periods; verifies accuracy of Declaration of Candidacy form, collects filing fee, writes receipt, disseminates information regarding the election process and applicable local and state laws.Assists Bilingual Program Coordinator in the continuity of a bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural voter education and outreach program to meet ongoing requirements of the Voting Rights Act, Section 203.Prepares materials and participates in voter outreach events and daily citizenship ceremonies throughout the county and state.Reviews written translations and provides feedback regarding accuracy and proper grammar usage on public materials such as the complete text of ballot measures, legal notices, local candidate guidebooks, website information, required voter registration notices and forms, candidate voter guide statements, and correspondence.Participates in quarterly statewide meetings with other bilingual required counties to maintain Spanish language glossary.Obtains and maintains certification as a Passport Acceptance Agent and attends required trainings.Acts as a Passport Acceptance Agent; reviews the accuracy and completeness of U.S. Federal Passport Applications in accordance with the Department of State Federal Register 22 CFR Part 51. Collects fees, generates receipts, takes U.S. Passport photos, and assists customers by disseminating information regarding U.S. Passport regulations, accepted travel documents depending on the country and means of travel, accepted forms of payments, and approved identification and proof of citizenship documents.Assists public by phone, in person, and by email. Greets customers to the Auditor's Office, answers questions, directs them to appropriate department or office.Researches information relative to all aspects of voter registration, precincts, districts, elections, recounts, district validation, and public records requests.Takes payments for public records requests, copies, and maps. Prepares funds for deposits.If the selected candidate is bilingual and/or biliterate: Provides oral translations for other divisions in the Auditor's Office. Provides direct bilingual assistance to customers in person, on the phone, or by email.In accordance with state election law, performs tasks specific to conducting an election; including the electronic or manual inventory of incoming ballots, performing signature verification on all returned ballots, issuing ballots in person, by mail, by fax, online, or by email, opens and inspects valid ballots in preparation for scanning and tabulation.Assists the public in person, on the phone, and by email with inquiries about the election, processes, and voting.Assists voters with Accessible Voting Equipment.Generates reports and corresponds with voters by mail and on the phone regarding their ballot signature. Processes incoming correspondence to place valid ballots back in processing stream.Completes pre-election tasks; including assisting in the preparation of test deck ballots, verification of ballot audio in English and Spanish, verification of required online ballot solution, the preparation all forms, ballot envelope packets, and supply bags.Communicates with all cities, towns, and community partners; prepares and delivers community ballot drop boxes throughout the county.Acts as a staffing resource for other Auditor's Office divisions. Other duties as assigned.Education and Experience:High School Diploma or GEG plus three years of experience; or the equivalent education and experience to perform the essential duties of the job.Required:Bilingual/biliterate in SpanishValid Driver's License and proof of insurance, if requested.US CitizenCertification as a Passport Acceptance Agent within 6 months of employment.Proficiency in Microsoft Office ProductsCustomer Service experienceAbility to meet the requirements to complete Washington State Patrol Certificate Training, Election Administration / Supervision within 2 years of appointment.Successful completion of a criminal background investigation and general employment verification.Equipment Used:Computer, fax machine, phone, calculator, scanner, copier, vote tally equipment, specialized ballot inventory machinery, vehicle, other general office equipment; passenger vehicle.Working Conditions:Exposure to weather, Bending, Ability to multitask, moving/mechanical parts, handling, carrying, lifting, pulling, crouching, kneeling, Confidentiality, Ability to work under pressure, articulate and communicate information in conversations, ability to follow instructions in writing, travel, multiple work locations, will require work outside of standard business hours, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, fingering, hearing, talking, visual acuity, ability to follow verbal instruction.Knowledge:Grammar, spelling and punctuationFile maintenanceOffice practicesCustomer service techniquesPhone etiquetteSkills (and abilities)Paying attention to detail and accuracy.Ability to remain politically neutral with customers.Ability to pro-actively engage the public as a representative of the Auditor's Office at outreach events.Using a personal computer and Microsoft Office Products.Using and performing data entry into multiple online programsUsing basic office equipment.Establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels.Communication, both oral and written, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive direction.Ability to think and work independently."AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER" Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans and the Disabled are encouraged to apply. Yakima County ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of a person's age, color, creed, sensory, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political belief, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and military status, or any other protected status under federal or state statute. PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a