Office Assistant - Non-Merit (Office of Law)

Regular Schedule: 34 hours per week.

A Non-Merit vacancy exists in the Office of Law.

Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in any Office or Department of Baltimore County General Government may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested candidates must apply at this time.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Examples of Duties

Under general supervision, performs comprehensive word processing, typing, and other clerical duties in support of an office.

• Welcomes guests and clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries; backup to receptionist.
• Produces information by transcribing, formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying, and transmitting text, data, and graphics; coordinating case preparation.
• Uses automated office systems, such as word processing equipment or a computer, to prepare a variety of letters, memos, and other material from draft or specific instructions.
• Selects the appropriate letter or memo format, proofreads and edits documents for grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and prepares document for distribution or mail.
• Originates procedural correspondence such as form letters and routine notices to respond to requests for information or to begin office processes.
• Sets up and maintains office databases and logs.
• Accesses databases to establish, retrieve, review, update, track, and revise a variety of office records, including transactional documents and claims.
• Performs queries and compiles routine reports from various data sources.
• Assembles data for inclusion in narrative and statistical reports.
• Creates and updates office spreadsheets.
• Establishes and maintains confidential alphabetical, chronological, or subject matter files and records.
• Locates, extracts, and summarizes information from files for preparation of reports or to respond to inquiries, routine requests, or complaints.
• Determines release of information according to established procedures and confidentiality.
• Initiates the process of purging and updating files.
• Opens, date stamps, and distributes incoming mail to appropriate staff.
• Tracks the handling of correspondence and/or written complaints to the time of completion.
• Ensures office responses are completed in a timely manner.
• Greets and directs clients and visitors.
• Responds to inquiries of a routine nature regarding County, department, and/or program policies in person, by telephone, or by regular or electronic mail.
• Collects information regarding more complex inquiries and refers to appropriate staff for follow-up as necessary.
• Maintains calendars, schedules appointments and meetings, and reserves meeting room facilities or space.
• Types, photocopies, and distributes meeting agendas and/or minutes.
• Operates office machinery, such as microcomputers, photocopiers, fax machines, calculators, telephones, scanners, and printers.
• Orders and maintains office supplies.

Qualifications

Possession of a high school diploma or an appropriate equivalent

Plus

One (1) year typing, word processing, or secretarial experience.

Additional experience as described in the essential duties may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

Additional education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level)

• Knowledge of modern office methods and procedures, including filing systems. Knowledge of spelling, grammar, and arithmetic. Knowledge of word processing, database management, and spreadsheet software packages.
• Skill in the operation of office machines as listed in essential duties. Skill in the use of word processing software.
• Ability to use automated office systems and database management and spreadsheet software packages. Ability to compose simple letters and memos. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to set up and maintain paper and electronic filing systems, databases and spreadsheets. Ability to follow County and departmental rules and regulations. Ability to respond appropriately to inquiries from the public. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to take verbatim notes. Ability to type from plain copy at a rate equivalent to 40 WPM

Conditions of Employment

Physical and Environmental Conditions
The work of these positions is essentially sedentary, with occasional walking and/or lifting or other restricted physical activities.

Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to a criminal background, education, and fingerprint check.

Employment Benefits for Non-Merit or Non-Classified, Part-Time Employees

Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.

Smoke free workplace
All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.

Drug free workplace
Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.

Employee Assistance Program
Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.

Health Insurance
In order to qualify for health insurance benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance), part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week.

Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include:

Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs.

Life Insurance
In order to qualify for life insurance benefits, part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week.

Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.

Retirement
Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System, with very limited exceptions.

Paid Leave
Sick Leave - Monthly sick leave earnings prorated based on the number of hours worked per week. No maximum on accrual. Accrued balance can be applied toward service credit at retirement.

Vacation Leave - Monthly vacation leave earnings prorated based on the number of hours worked per week. Earnings increase after five, ten and fifteen years of service generally.

Holidays - Part-time 30 to 39 hour non-merit or non-classified employees will generally be paid for ten holidays per calendar year. Other part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees working 29 hours per week or less will receive two paid holidays per calendar year. These holidays are the Christmas holiday and the Independence Day holiday.

Bereavement Leave
Jury Leave
Military Leave

Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union
Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services.

Direct Deposit
Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required.

Deferred Compensation
Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice.