OFFICE ASSISTANT I

Salary : $32,172.60 - $37,642.20 Annually

Location : Compton, CA

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 24-25 : 25

Department : General Services

Opening Date : 02 / 27 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 9 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

Max Number of Applicants : 130

GENERAL PURPOSE

Office Assistant I is the class which is normally filled by advancement from the lower class of Office Aide when employees have been certified eligible, or, when filled from the outside, requires prior clerical experience. Office Assistant I works under general supervision, and, within a framework of established procedures, is expected to perform a wide variety of typing and general clerical duties with only one occasional instruction or assistance. Adequate performance at this level requires a knowledge of departmental procedures and precedents, and the ability to choose among alternatives in solving problems. An Office Assistant I is expected to work productively even in the absence of a supervisor. Employees in this class may often have contact with the public, answering a variety of procedural questions or giving out factual information. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED / EXERCISED

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES :

Depending on assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following :

• Prepares, sorts, and / or files materials such as correspondence or forms, and may maintain established files, manuals, or indices in accordance with prescribed filing system procedures which may include reviewing file for accuracy and completeness.
• Searches for materials through use of indices or locates missing materials through conducting a file search.
• Maintains simple records by transferring data, calculating totals and subtotals or maintains cross-reference files by assigning or checking filing codes to items based on material / document content; maintains logs of processed materials.
• Receives, time stamps, routes, and / or distributes materials on schedule and in accordance with prescribed methods such as routing based on material content.
• Pack or unpack materials or books; moves large objects or delivers / picks up materials or mail; run errands as necessary.
• Collates or staples materials by hand or machine; folds, inserts, and seals materials in envelopes by hand or machine; wraps, stamps, and mails materials.
• Types lists, cards, addresses, labels, forms, or routine correspondence from handwritten or typed copy using standard typewriter, word processing equipment, or keyboard remote terminal (CRT / TP); proofreads and / or corrects typed material for completeness and / or spelling, grammatical, or punctuation accuracy.
• Receives the public and answers phone; provides routine factual information and directs people to appropriate office.
• Operates a variety of office equipment, such as photocopiers and collators.
• Provides vacation and temporary relief as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

One (1) year of general office / clerical work experience - at a level which is equivalent to the Office Aide position classification.

Post secondary education - successful completion of 18 semester units in secretarial science - may be substituted for the required experience.

KNOWLEDGE :

Working knowledge of office methods and procedures; office equipment operation.

Ability to :

Use correct English grammar, punctuation and spelling; proofread; understand and follow verbal and written instructions; alphabetize or numerically / chronologically sort materials; operate a variety of office equipment; receive the public in person and over the phone; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Special Requirements

Office Aide requires typing at least 35 words per minute .

Office Assistant I requires at least 40 words per minute .

EXAMINATION

The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which vacant position(s) may be filled.

Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination and interview process.

Phase one (1) is a written examination (weighted 50%) which will measure all or portions of the above knowledge, and skills. Phase two (2) is an oral examination (weighted 50%) that will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate professional qualifications, background and suitability. A passing score for each phase is 70%. Each candidate will be notified via e-mail of their status at each step of the recruitment.

The City of Compton reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods, if deemed necessary. Failure in one phase of the examination shall be grounds for declaring the applicant as failing in the entire examination, and as disqualified for subsequent parts of an examination.

GENERAL INFORMATION TO EXAMINATION APPLICANTS

The City of Compton does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or provisions of services.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must give advanced notice to the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date.

ELIGIBLE LISTS Recruitment may be conducted on a (a) promotional basis, (b) open-competitive basis, or (c) promotional and open-competitive basis simultaneously. All candidates who attain an overall score of at least 70.00 (open-competitive) and at least 75.00 (promotional) will be placed in rank order on the relevant eligible list(s).

PLEASE NOTE : All permanent City employees that attain an overall score of at least 75.00 will be placed on both the promotional eligible list and the open-competitive eligible list. All City employees that attain a score of 70.00 on EACH PHASE of the examination but an overall score of less than 75.00 will be placed on the open-competitive eligible list only.

Each eligible list shall remain in effect one (1) year from the date of its establishment unless it is extended, abolished or exhausted. Whenever possible, three (3) names are certified to fill any one (1) vacant position. No candidate may be certified more than three (3) times for any one classified position. When certifying eligible lists to appointing powers, the promotional eligible list takes precedence over the open-competitive eligible list. A department manager's recommendation for employment is subject to the City Manager's approval.

EXAMINATION APPEAL PROCEDURE A candidate may, within five (5) days after taking the written examination, file in writing with the City Manager an appeal against any part of the test, citing the item or items against which the appeal is directed, and the reason(s) for such appeal. The Personnel Board will consider appeals from the decisions and ratings of qualifications appraisals (interview) boards if such appeals meet the conditions described in the Personnel Rules and Regulations (Section 6.8).

EXAMINATION RECORDS All examination papers, including the employment application, resume, and other attachments submitted by candidates are the property of the Personnel Board and are confidential records which may be open to inspection only for purposes and under conditions established by the Personnel Board.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE In all entrance examinations (open-competitive only) for positions in the Classified Service, veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States during time(s) of war, and who attain an overall passing score in the examination are allowed additional preferential credit in accordance with the Personnel Rules and Regulations. In order to claim veterans' credit, the applicant must submit proof of service and honorable discharge (showing specific dates of service) on a U.S. Military form (DD-214) at the time of application or not later than the final filing date for the examination.

FRINGE BENEFITS The City's comprehensive fringe benefits program includes : retirement (Public Employees' Retirement System), medical, dental, life and vision insurances, deferred compensation, sick and vacation leaves, after-hours education reimbursement, ride share program, uniform allowance and other provisions.

The City of Compton offers an excellent benefits program which includes membership in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS); family-covered insurances : dental, health, vision; life insurance (for employee only); Employee Assistance Program; auto allowance; seven personal leave days; 15 holidays (including birthday); vacation; sick leave; bereavement leave; educational reimbursement; personal development; deferred compensation; 4 / 10 work week. The City also pays the employee's 8% share (9% for Fire personnel only) of contribution towards retirement.

Retirement :

Employees hired after January 1, 2013, who are new to CalPERS, or are returning members with a break in service greater than six months, will be enrolled in the 2% @ 62 retirement plan and will be required to pay up to 50% (currently 6.5%) of the normal PERS cost.

Dental :

The City pays 100% of the full family monthly premium towards the HMO dental insurance plan.

Health :

The City pays 100% of the full family monthly premium based at Kaiser's Los Angeles area rates. Employees selecting health plans with higher monthly premiums than Kaiser Los Angeles area will incur out-of-pocket costs.

Vision :

The City offers a voluntary vision insurance plan.

Life :

The City pays 100% of the monthly premium for employee only towards $45,000 life insurance coverage.

Employee Assistance Program :

Provides confidential counseling, education and referral for work and life issues at no cost to the employee; subject to program provisions.

Personal Leave Days :

Employees are allowed to designate up to three (3) days or 24 hours of accrued sick leave as personal leave per calendar year.

Holidays :

Fifteen (15) per fiscal year which include : Independence Day, Labor Day, Admissions Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Day (day following), Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, Employee's Birthday, Cesar Chavez Day

Sick :

Employees accrue eight hours of sick leave per month.

Bereavement :

Three working days (or five working days for out of State services) per incident for the death of an immediate family member : spouse, father, current father-in-law, mother, current mother-in-law, grandfather, grandmother, son, daughter, brother, sister, step-mother, step-father, step-son and step-daughter).

Educational Reimbursement :

Employees receive up to $2,000 per fiscal year for job-related courses.

Deferred Compensation :

4 / 10 Work Week : The City of Compton observes a 4 / 10 work week schedule : Monday - Thursday : 7 : 00 a. m. - 6 : 00 p. m. We are closed each Friday.

Please select the highest level of education earned :

How many words per minute can you type? Typing certificate must be attached to application.

Have you successfully completed at least of 18 semester units in secretarial science

How many years of general office / clerical work experience, do you possess? (Note : Application must clearly list the required experience)

This brings you to the end of your application. Before submitting your application, please make sure you have done the following : 1. Read the entire job description and understand the position you are applying for.2. Read the Minimum Qualifications and clearly state your relevant experience and education on your application; including any licenses and / or certificates if applicable.(Note : resumes will not be reviewed in lieu of a completed application.)3. Attach any proof of education, licenses and / or certificates if applicable.4. Completed all sections of the application and answered all questions thoroughly.

Required Question

Salary : $32,173 - $37,642