Council Aide (Full-Time)

Council Aide (Full-Time)

The City of Carson is now accepting applications for the position of Council Aide (Full-Time). About the role This role requires a self-starter with exceptional communication, organizational, and public relations skills, along with proven experience providing high-level administrative and confidential support to elected officials. A successful candidate will be able to serve as a liaison between City Council members, City departments, external agencies, and the public; represent Council members at meetings and community events; and manage multiple priorities in a fast-changing environment. Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, discretion with sensitive information, and the flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and manage shifting schedules as needed are essential. The position also calls for strong interpersonal skills, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to professional, responsive public service for a diverse community.

The Ideal Candidate The most successful candidate will possess the following:

• Professionalism & Confidentiality: Handles sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound judgment
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills with elected officials, staff, and the public
• Organizational Skills: Manages multiple priorities, deadlines, and records effectively
• Adaptability & Flexibility: Thrives in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and schedules
• Professional Diplomacy: Previous experience working with elected officials is ideal
• Public Sector Experience: Previous public sector agency experience is ideal

Essential Duties The following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. Perform a wide variety of administrative, community relations and support services duties for the Mayor or City Council member.
2. Accompany the Mayor or City Council member in the community and at professional meetings; take summary notes and provide oral or written updates to elected officials.
3. Receive, respond to, and refer citizen complaints and reports for handling and follow-up by various City departments.
4. Be familiar with City policies and procedures in response to inquiries and make appropriate referrals.
5. Review and analyze a variety of confidential and/or highly sensitive information, while maintaining confidentiality.
6. Conduct research and analysis related to City policies, procedures, operational programs, budgets, or other issues related to City business. Prepare oral and written reports of findings for the Mayor or City Council member.
7. Respond independently to letters and general correspondence of a routine nature for the Mayor or City Council member
8. Research and compile information for special presentations at Council meetings.
9. Compile and maintain source material for special presentations by the Mayo at Council meetings including meeting agendas and minutes, correspondence and other related materials.
10. Coordinate and schedule appointments, travel logistics, meetings, civic and community events details for the Mayor or City Council member.
11. Perform research on a variety of community and/or legislative issues.
12. Assist in preparing speeches, news releases, radio broadcasts, and other media information working under direction of City's public relations officer.
13. Advise Mayor or City Council member on City policies and procedures and rules, including but not limited to, the Brown Act, the California Public Records Act and the California Fair Political Practices Commission rules and regulations.
14. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications The following generally describes the typical knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties: Education and Experience: Graduation with a baccalaureate degree in an occupational related field or equivalent from a college or university accredited agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council For Higher Education Accreditation. And, three (3) years of experience in an administrative support role. Previous public sector experience is desirable. Experience and/or education in a related field may be substituted on a year for year basis. Knowledge of:

• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Modern office methods and standard office equipment usage
• Computer software including word processing applications at an intermediate level
• Record keeping principles and procedures
• City-wide policies and procedures
• Community relations methods and techniques
• Research techniques, methods, procedures, and report presentation
• The Brown Act, the California Public Records Act and the California Fair Political Practices Commission rules and regulations

Skills and Ability to:

• Operate standard office equipment, including a personal computer and applicable software programs
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Organize work activities to ensure responsibilities are carried out in a timely manner
• Work independently and follow general directions
• Analyze situations carefully and recommend effective courses of action
• Take summary notes at meetings, prepare presentations, and compose correspondence and business letters from brief instructions
• Exercise independent judgement in completing assigned task
• Represent the City Council, displaying sound judgment, credibility, and respect for the community
• Use variety of productivity programs, including Microsoft Office
• Maintain the confidentiality of privileged information
• Establish and maintain professional effective working relationships with a broad range of groups and individuals
• Maintain sensitivity to ethnic, religious, cultural and sexual differences

License or Certificate: Possession of valid California Class C Driver License is required by date of appointment. Employees in this classification will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice Program which confirms possession of a valid driver's license and reflects driving record.