Office Assistant (Word Processing) - HELPS PROGRAM*

Located in the Department of Laboratories and Research - Valhalla: Under supervision, an incumbent of this class performs a wide variety of tasks in providing clerical support and in acting as an office assistant for a number of administrative or professional staff. Independent action is exercised when routine procedures or clearly defined policies are involved. This position requires a full range of keyboarding skills in the operation of either a word processor and, in some cases, a standard typewriter. When operating word processing equipment, an incumbent is expected to maximize equipment capability in compiling correspondence, records, reports statistical information for various reports; setting up and maintaining automated records and filing systems, and in compiling information for management needs. A high degree of initiative and independent action is required to ensure the timely and accurate processing of the workflow. This position differs from Senior Information Systems Clerk in that the Office Assistant is required to have full knowledge of word processing equipment in order to produce a full range of correspondence and reports, in addition to providing general clerical office support to professional and/or administrative staff. Supervision may be exercised over a small number of subordinate personnel. Flexibility of hours may be required. Does related work as required.

*THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL SERVICE HAS DEVELOPED A HIRING PROGRAM THAT STREAMLINES THE APPOINTMENT PROCESS TO ALLOW AGENCIES TO HIRE DIVERSE, QUALIFIED PERMANENT EMPLOYEES QUICKLY AND WITHOUT EXAMINATIONS. EMPLOYEES HIRED UNDER THE HELP PROGRAM WILL BE APPOINTED ON A PERMANENT BASIS. THE HIRING FOR EMERGENCY LIMITED PLACEMENT (HELP) PROGRAM TEMPORARILY REMOVES THE CIVIL SERVICE EXAM REQUIREMENT FOR THIS TITLE.

Possession of a high school or equivalency diploma and three years of experience where a primary function of the position was performing general office/clerical work, two years of which must have included the use of computer applications to maintain automated records or produce correspondence, spreadsheets, forms, reports or other documents.

Satisfactory completion of 30 credits at a recognized college or university, or its equivalent in course hours from an approved institution or office software manufacturer (i.e. Microsoft) may be substituted on a year for year basis for one year of the general office/clerical experience and one year of the specialized experience using computer applications as described above. Completion of 6 credits in word processing coursework at a recognized college or university may be substituted for an additional one year of specialized experience using computer applications as described above. All coursework must be verified by official transcript.

1. The number of years of experience required in the minimum qualifications is based upon the presumption of full-time employment. Part-time experience will be prorated based on a 35 hour workweek.
2. Verified and documented volunteer (unpaid) experience will only be credited when specifically allowed by the job description or examination announcement.

Education beyond the secondary level must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.