Office Assistant I- DSS*

Office Assistant I

The Orange County Department of Social Services has an opening for an Office Assistant I. The work involves the responsibility for performing administrative and clerical duties in support of the Department of Social Services. An employee in this class is responsible for providing customer service to the public, providing office support to staff, assisting walk-in customers and callers, entering data and information, ensuring necessary paperwork is completed, and maintaining files of records and reports. Additionally, employees in this role will serve as backup support when coverage is needed for other agency services, including the Employment Services Café.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Personnel and Facilities Operations Manager with some leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work and in making decisions. Does related work as required. Supervision over others is not required of this position. Position does related work as required.

Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred. Hiring range is based on the Orange County Social Services Step Plan. The Step Plan is based on years of Office Assistant I experience. Full credit is given for years of experience performing the same job functions. Partial credit is given for years of experience performing related job functions. The top half of the scale is reserved for career employees with senior level experience in the same role. SBI background check with fingerprinting is required.

Good knowledge of modern office practices and equipment, proper English usage, vocabulary, punctuation and spelling, and basic mathematics.

Good knowledge of database software used and database software to maintain records, prepare reports, and conduct correspondence related to the work.

Good knowledge of confidentiality guidelines and the ability to apply confidentiality guidelines to customer information and records.

Skill in being customer-focused, adept at problem solving and working collaboratively with others.

Skill in gathering and documenting information.

Skill in establishing priorities and the ability to multi-task with frequent interruptions and while under pressure.

Skill in public and interpersonal relations, and the ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations.

Ability to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.

Ability to use independent judgment in performing routine tasks and able to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.

Ability to assist others as necessary.

Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.

Ability to work under stressful conditions and react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.

Ability to maintain positive customer-focused relationships with co-workers, supervisors, agencies, the general public, and all other internal and external customers.

Ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail, and database software.

Ability to demonstrate sound judgment; integrity; resourcefulness; accuracy; thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Possession of a High School or General Educational Development (GED) equivalency AND one (1) year of experience working in a front office providing customer service and performing clerical functions OR Completion of two (2) years of college course work. Bilingual ability is preferred, but not required.

Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. All offers of employment are conditional upon successful clearance of an SBI background check. Employment cannot commence until the employee has been cleared. Requires flexibility and adaptability to be re-assigned to assist with other DSS-related functions as determined by the Social Services Director or designee.

In accordance with Section 28 of the Orange County Code of Ordinances, and/or relevant State and Federal statutes, candidates for employment may be required to undergo fingerprinting and a criminal history background check based on the job responsibilities of the position. A fingerprinting check is conducted by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and a criminal history background check is conducted by an authorized Federal or State regulatory agency to determine eligibility for appointment. Employment is contingent upon successful clearance through these checks, which are mandated for certain roles depending on the nature of the job and applicable laws. Further, all offers of employment are contingent upon the satisfactory verification of your eligibility for employment, successful completion of the required pre-employment testing and/or screening, including drug testing when required and the submission and approval of all new hire documentation completion of your new hire paperwork.

As with all positions with the Department of Social Services, this position may be required to serve in shelters in time of natural and man-made disasters including overnight and weekends. The duties assigned during this time may vary from your regularly assigned duties. Assigned duties will be at the discretion of the Social Services Director. Orange County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.