Office Assistant II

Performs a variety of general or specialized clerical duties related to filing, reception, form processing, record maintenance, mail, typing or data entry; obtains and compares information related to department records, programs, and services; may perform the initial applicant screening as an incidental function and initiate cases through the department's automated system; and performs related work as required.

Working under general supervision, Office Assistant II is the journey level in the Office Assistant series. Employees at this level are expected to be fully qualified and able to perform difficult and responsible office support work within the framework of established work methods and procedures and to use independent judgment in selecting and applying specific references, procedures, sequences, and alternatives to different work situations, referring non-procedural questions to the supervisor. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower level of Office Assistant I, or if filled from the outside, require prior related experience.

The Office Assistant II differs from the Office Assistant III by the level of supervision received, the scope and effect of functions performed, the degree of independence exercised, and the complexity of work assigned. The Office Assistant III may also be assigned lead worker duties, or screening duties on a consistent rather than incidental basis. The Office Assistant series differs from the Account Clerk series in that the primary duties of the Account Clerk involve the application of mathematical skill and ability in the use of financial, numerical and statistical data and information. The Office Assistant class performs a wide variety of general office support duties in which the use of mathematical ability is incidental to the primary function and most frequently performed duties.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Addresses complaints and explains regulations to customers or the public.
• Responds to inquiries regarding departmental functions, services, policies, and procedures.
• Obtains information from customers, visitors, or callers to determine appropriate resource, action, document, or staff referral to meet their needs.
• Explains the proper use of forms and documents.
• Prepares items for mailing and sorts and distributes incoming mail according to established guidelines and procedures.
• Operates multiline telephone system including answering calls, transferring calls, and taking messages.
• Schedules customer appointments and maintains schedules for technical or professional staff.
• Composes correspondence, reports, memos, and other documents.
• Reviews and processes forms/documents in accordance with established guidelines and procedures.
• Monitors and updates manual or electronic files.
• Operates a variety of standard office equipment.
• Compiles information to respond to questions or address issues.
• Reviews submitted forms or applications to verify accuracy and completeness.
• Operates automated systems, or other department-specific computer systems.
• Maintains accurate department and customer records.
• Performs initial screening of applications for departmental services.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Employment standards:

Note: The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to job duties as distinguished between the two levels in the definition section.

Knowledge of:

• General office functions, procedures, equipment, and filing systems.
• General goals and purposes of department programs, services, and operations.
• English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Word processing, spreadsheet, database, email, calendaring programs, and automated systems.

Ability to:

• Explain policies, procedures, and regulations governing program operations.
• Analyze situations involving rules and regulations and demonstrate good judgment when making decisions.
• Quickly and accurately enter and retrieve data using an automated system.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Interact with individuals from various educational, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Work cooperatively as part of a team.
• Identify and correct inaccurate or inconsistent information.
• Listen attentively and understand oral information provided.
• Prioritize, plan, and organize one's own work.

One (1) year of full-time experience performing clerical duties in an office environment.

• The ability to speak, read, and write Spanish in addition to English would be an asset in this position but is not required.
• Employees who drive on County business to carry out job-related duties must possess a valid CA Driver License for the class vehicle driven.
• Monterey County, like all employers, is required to verify an employee's right to work in the United States. Accordingly, on the first day of employment, employees must have and show those documents that verify their legal right to work in the United States. Examples of accepted documentation are a U.S. Passport or Alien Registration Card, or a driver's license and Social Security Card, or a driver's license and U.S. Birth Certificate.
• Additionally, our agency requires a valid social security card in order to process employee paychecks. Accordingly, on the first day of employment, employees must have and show this document.
• Government agencies accessing US government information, which includes federal tax information must ensure that background investigation requirements for all agency employees and contractors that have access to federal tax information are consistent with the IRS background investigation requirements for access to federal tax information. A background check may be required if the position requires access to these types of records. Background requirements consist of three components which include, fingerprinting, citizenship verification, and local law enforcement checks. Applicable agencies must conduct an investigation during the time of hire and ensure an investigation is conducted 10 years from the date of the previous background investigation for each employee that has access to federal tax information.

Veterans preference: If you would like to request Veteran's preference points as part of the application packet, please attach a copy of your DD-214 form to your application.

Training & Experience Examination Weighted 100%: The Training & Experience Examination is designed to elicit a range of specific information regarding each candidate's knowledge, skill, abilities, and potential to effectively perform the duties relative to the classification. Responses to the questionnaire will be assessed based on pre-determined rating criteria. All applicants must complete the entire examination to receive a score. In order to obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination. Examination administration and processing time is approximately two weeks after the closing date of the job bulletin.

Education & Experience Examination Weighted 100%: The Education & Experience examination is based solely upon information provided from the application and supplemental information (e.g., resumes, transcripts). Information provided from the application and supplemental information will be assessed compared to a standard developed in relation to the elements of the job. Special care should be taken in submitting a complete description of your education and experience relevant to the typical tasks, scope, and minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin. Supplemental information will be accepted, but competitors should read this bulletin carefully to determine what kind of information will be useful to those individuals completing the evaluation. To obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination. Examination administration and processing time is approximately two weeks after the closing date of the job bulletin.

Eligible list information: An open eligible list will be established for the county of Monterey. The list will be utilized for 12 months after it is established unless the needs of the service and conditions of the list warrant a change in this period.

Retest period: Once you have taken the examination, you may not retest for SIX (6) MONTHS from the established eligibility date.

Special testing arrangements: Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants for disability, military, or religious reasons. If you require such arrangements, please contact CalHR at mssprogram@calhr.ca.gov or 916-909-3701 upon notification that your application has been approved. Documentation from medical, military, school or church officials outlining the accommodation request must be received by our office a minimum of five business days prior to a scheduled examination.

Education documents: If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must attach your transcripts to your application. Applicants with foreign transcripts must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which the foreign course work is equivalent. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.

General information: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.

MSS reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the recruitment if the circumstances under which this examination was