Public Records Technician - Risk Management

**Clicking "Apply Now" is NOT an application for this position. In order to be considered you must visit the Job Openings page of the Benton County Website.**

Job Title: Public Records Technician
Department/Division: Risk Management
Reports to: Risk Manager
Supervises: n/a
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Pay Grade: 115
Employee Group: Non-Bargaining
Revision Date: January 2025

Minimum Education: High school diploma required, Associate’s Degree preferred.

Minimum Experience: Two years of related experience OR any combination of education and experience which would provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.

Minimum Certifications: n/a

Other Requirements: Valid Washington State Driver’s License if driving a vehicle for County business.

POSITION SUMMARY:
This position monitors public records requests as they are submitted to the county and ensures integrity of the public records requests responses and processes by fulfilling request due dates in a timely manner. This position also helps to ensure that department Public Records Officers (PROs) are trained adequately and best practices are followed, which includes giving guidance to PROs/Specialists in other departments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are essential for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive. To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.

• Responsible for monitoring the County public records request portals for incoming requests, requests in progress and requests with upcoming or past due dates.
• Accepts and processes in-person records requests from requesters.
• Redirects public records requests as appropriate.
• Assists with department-specific records management programs.
• Tracks public records fees paid electronically.
• Keeps current on case law and changes pertaining to public records and requests for public records.
• Updates monthly Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) tracking for annual report.
• Coordinates correspondence to requesters and departments and responsive records for requests requiring records from more than one department.
• Monitors status of recurring required public records training for County elected officials and employees.
• Interacts with requesters via online portal, email, in person, and on the telephone.
• Maintains electronic filing, paper filing, and record systems as assigned to provide easy access to records and information; provides retention of records as required by Department and County policies.
• Assists other department personnel during peak period of work or for absences.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

• The County and Department’s operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, State, and Federal regulations related to department programs and operations.
• Administrative policies and procedures of the County.
• Operation of standard office equipment and software consistent with this position.

Skill in:

• Organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.

Ability to:

• Interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
• Prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
• Apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.
• Communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Maintain professionalism at all times.
• Maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provisions of the Public Records Act and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Work has no exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy office setting (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $59,196.80 - $76,856.00 per month

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Kennewick, WA 99336 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Kennewick, WA 99336: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $59,197 - $76,856