ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE (Certification)

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Job Classification: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE

Division: Certification

Reporting Location: 611 Walker Street, 7th Floor

Workdays & Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm *Subject to Change*

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Office of Business Opportunity is committed to cultivating a competitive and diverse economic environment in the City of Houston by promoting the success of small businesses and developing Houston’s workforce, with special emphasis on historically underutilized businesses and disenfranchised individuals.

OBO's objective is to significantly increase the number, capacity and success of businesses in Houston. OBO provides business assistance to start-up companies, helps businesses navigate services that support growth and sustainability, additionally the department coordinates educational, legal and financial resources, as well as facilitates certification of Minority, Women, Small Business Enterprises (MWSBE) and Persons with Disabilities Business Enterprises, and the state Historically Underutilized Business and the US Department of Transportation Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) certifications.

OBO is charged with ensuring that city departments and prime contractors identify and connect with certified companies to participate on contracting opportunities on city funded contracts. OBO performs contract compliance functions on City of Houston contracts. Finally, OBO administers the City's Pay or Play Program which creates a more level playing field and enhances fairness in the bid process between competing contractors as it relates to the provision of health benefits.

The Office of Business Opportunity seeks an Administrative Associate to support the Certification Division team. The Administrative Associate will interact with customers in person and over the phone and will be responsible for tracking interactions between OBO and customers/partners. OBO seeks an individual that has strong written/oral communication skills. The candidate may also be responsible for supporting departmental events.

Primarily, the candidate will be responsible for performing data entry functions, screening and reviewing new MWSBE/DBE certification applications, filing and processing certification update forms. (S)he will also assist management with special projects in the Certification Division.

The candidate should have the ability to interpret and analyze basic business documents, have good data entry skills and the ability to effectively organize a steady workload of application processing activity with excellent follow-thru and follow-up skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position involves work in the office environment as well as work at departmental external events.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
No experience is required.

Professional administrative experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None

PREFERENCES

Preference shall be given to candidates:

• Who has established a record working in a professional environment; detail oriented, multi-tasker with the ability to prioritize and quickly adapt to a fast paced and changing environment.
• With a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and/or related field.
• With experience in customer service, data entry and filing.
• With good verbal communication with proficiency in written communication that is grammatically correct.
• Who are proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6. **

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

None; however, the department may administer, and the applicant must successfully complete a skills-assessment relevant to job description.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: No

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE: 13

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-6051.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information.

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832)393-6051. (TTY 7-1-1) If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

EOE - Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.