What are the responsibilities and job description for the Office Support Specialist position at Minnesota Merit System?
Classification Summary
Polk County Social Services is looking to fill a full time (40 hours) Office Support Specialist position in our East Grand Forks office.
This exciting career supports the daily functions of the agency by helping customers at the window, answer phones, enter data into state systems and much more. Polk County offers a highly competitive benefits package. Individuals interested in the position must be Minnesota Merit System eligible.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS HAS CHANGED FOR THIS CLASSIFICATION (SEE EXAM PROCESS BELOW).
Examples of Duties
- (these are illustrative examples only-a position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.)
- Responds orally and in writing to general inquiries based on knowledge of previous situations and knowledge of agency programs, policies and procedures.
- Asks questions to determine clients' needs and directs the clients to the appropriate staff member.
- Provides clients with information on other community resources.
- Assists clients in the proper completion of program forms.
- Responds to requests for information or questions from other employees by personal contact, phone or e-mail.
- Types and edits materials using knowledge of procedures to determine the correct format, and questions the author if something is missing or incorrect.
- Composes form letters or other routine correspondence.
- Types and/or prepares special reports using knowledge of specialized software programs. Assembles and sends application materials, attachments and other forms based on knowledge of standard agency procedures.
- Codes, records, matches, posts, tallies, verifies and/or corrects data in order to maintain accurate records and mailing lists.
- Maintains administrative or fiscal data and assists in preparing reports.
- Sorts and distributes incoming mail and collects and prepares outgoing mail.
- Maintains adequate inventory of office supplies and forms required for agency operation.
- Enters information into and retrieves information from data bases.
- Assists in the training of new office support staff.
Minimum Qualifications
Polk County Minimum Qualifications
High School Degree or equivalent.
Must show proficiency with a typing test.
Must have a valid Minnesota driver's license.
Preferred Qualification: Individuals who can speak Bilingual (Somali/English).
Examination Process
In order to be considered for this job, you must take and pass an examination, which is offered online. The examination consists of five (5) sections measuring Numeric Filing, Proofreading, Reading Comprehension, Spelling (requires sound audio capabilities on your computer), and Basic Math Skills. After your Merit System application has been submitted, you will be sent an e mail with a unique link to access the examination sections. Set aside enough time to take this examination in it's entirety (in one sitting). If you get out of a section before completing it - it will score the unanswered questions as "0s" zeros and you will not be given credit.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Apply at this link here: 614-Online Exam (5) - Office Support Specialist by 4:30 p.m., Friday, January 31, 2025. You will have a limited number of days from the date you submit your application to complete the exam. Please note, you are applying for a specific county vacancy and the exam must be completed online by Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 (midnight)
After you apply, you will receive an e-mail with a link to the test that you will need to take. Please allow one hour in order to take the exam in it's entirety as required.
If a passing score is obtained, your score will remain on the eligible list up to one year (or until you are hired into a permanent position). You will not need to re-take this online examination if you have obtained a passing score of at least 70. If you have any changes to your application, such as updating your availability, please notify the Merit System directly.
Polk County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
For more information about the position, please contact Betty Solie at 218-470-8406 or email betty.solie@co.polk.mn.us.
An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer