Senior Office Assistant - English & Bilingual (English/Spanish)



Senior Office Assistant - English & Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Salary

$47,001.94 - $57,124.47 Annually

Location

Santa Rosa, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

21/10-0003-OE&B

Department

Human Services Department (HSD)

Opening Date

10/04/2021

Closing Date

10/31/2021 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

01

Position Information

Start your public service career with the County of Sonoma. 
Apply now and become a Senior Office Assistant and contribute to our community today!

Multiple positions, including bilingual (English/Spanish), are available in various County departments.

 Salary starting at $21.92/hour ($45,749/year), a cash allowance of $600/month, and a competitive total compensation package!*

Do you have?

  • The drive to provide exemplary customer service support
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with others
  • The talent to be a self-starter, who can work under pressure and be assertive when supporting challenging customer service situations
  • The capacity to work independently and exercise sound judgment
  • Superb attention to detail, with an aptitude for focusing on complex projects while working in a frequently interrupted, fast-paced environment
  • Experience operating multi-line phone systems
  • Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills (Also, the ability to edit and remediate documents in Adobe Acrobat or to learn those skills is a plus!)
If your answer is “Yes!” - take steps towards building your career in public service!
 

As an SOA, you will be assigned a variety of administrative support responsibilities that are complex or have a high consequence of error. When accepting, filing, and maintaining records and documents, you will work to ensure that they are processed within State and Federal regulations and department guidelines. Additionally, you will provide exceptional customer service support and:

  • Be the first point of contact for the public and other agencies
  • Respond by phone, in person, and through written electronic communication
  • Create documents, and review and edit presentations
  • Train, orient, and lead junior staff 

The County offers excellent opportunities for career growth and the ability to become a contributing force in strengthening our community. You can also look forward to benefits* which include:

  • An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance up to $500 and ongoing education/training opportunities
  • Bilingual premium pay* is an additional $1.15/hour on top of the hourly pay rate for bilingual positions
  • Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
  • Significant portion of health care premiums paid by the County and access to several health plan options
  • County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
  • Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
  • May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment
  • Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
Currently, there is one full-time English vacancy in the Records Section of the Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) and one full-time bilingual (English/Spanish) vacancy in the Department of Health Services. The Human Services Department is also hiring to fill one full-time bilingual (English/Spanish) vacancy, one full-time English vacancy, and one time-limited English vacancy.

Additionally, the Human Services Department has requested a department promotional certification to fill one full-time English and two full-time bilingual (English/Spanish) vacancies. Only qualified permanent and/or probationary HSD employees on the employment list may be eligible for referral to the department for this advertised position.

The employment list established from this recruitment will be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help positions as they occur during the active status of this list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.
 
*Salary is negotiable. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU). Bilingual positions require English and Spanish skills at either the basic (conversational) or fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) level. Applicants who wish to be considered for bilingual positions must indicate their proficiency level in the required supplemental questionnaire. An examination will be conducted prior to appointment to a bilingual designated position to confirm level of skill in this area.
 
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. Normally, two years as an Office Assistant II with the County or two years of comparable work experience in an office environment will provide this opportunity.
 
Special Skill Assignment: Some positions may require the ability to type at a corrected speed of 45 words per minute. All positions require considerable ability to operate a personal computer and multiple software. Some positions may require the ability to communicate in a language other than English.

License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of: clerical and department practices, procedures, programs, services, policies, and regulations; the purpose and processing of a diversity of forms and documents; English grammar, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and composition.

Working knowledge of: methods and techniques used in researching, proofing, evaluation, gathering, organizing and arranging data; techniques and practices for leading workers; basic mathematics; business letter writing; the use of electronic information equipment and specific systems as used within the department.

Ability to: read English at a level necessary to understand procedures, manuals, policies and guidelines; write English at a level necessary to prepare correspondence and record incoming information; speak English at a level necessary to communicate information clearly; answer a variety of questions related to department programs, services and operations; exercise sound judgement when initiating processes, actions, and alternatives within established procedures and regulations; understand and carry out written and oral instructions; prepare and maintain accurate reports and records; establish and maintain harmonious work relationships with employees and the public; communicate effectively verbally and in writing with individuals from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds; enter data accurately into automated systems; maintain confidentiality of restricted information; use discretion in organizing work and carrying out assignments with minimum supervision; use electronic information equipment and specific systems as used within the department; understand and apply specific rules, codes, regulations, procedures, policies, and precedents; select, interpret and explain regulations and procedures to others; locate, identify, and correct technical inaccuracies; provide direction to others; work independently in performing assignments and in resolving problems and deviations; establish, organize and arrange and revise the maintenance of department files; research, proof, evaluate, gather, organize and arrange a diversity of information; produce on a computer keyboard or a typewriter a variety of material to include graphs, charts, statistical statements, specifications, purchase orders, reports and standardized forms; independently research and prepare correspondence in answer to inquiries about department records, programs, services and regulations; maintain and process a variety of records and transactions; make accurate and rapid mathematical calculations; operate office equipment to include personal computers, alpha readers, typewriters, calculators, printers, copiers, adding machines, microfilm equipment, and data processing terminals.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

  • Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
  • You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
  • You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
  • Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the application, examination, and department selection processes.
 
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Responses to supplemental questions 
will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer are contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: As the largest employer in Sonoma County, the Board of Supervisors has adopted a vaccination and testing policy to help mitigate transmission of COVID-19. All County employees will be required to either have documented proof of full COVID-19 vaccination on file or consent to weekly COVID-19 testing.  

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted online at: www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need. 

HR Analyst: EP
HR Tech: RR

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
 
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
 
Health Plan: Choice of five health plans (a PPO, EPO, HMO, and two deductible HMOs) with a County contribution toward the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit. For specific details, please refer to the applicable MOU). A County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement is available for some bargaining units.

Cash Allowance: In addition to monthly salary, a cash allowance of approximately $600 per month.

Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired.
 
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
 
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution. For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
  • Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
  • CalJobs
  • CareerBuilder
  • Careers in Government
  • College or University
  • Craigslist
  • Craigslist Mendocino
  • DiversityJobs
  • Employee of Sonoma County
  • Facebook
  • Glassdoor
  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County
  • Indeed
  • Job Fair
  • Jobs Available
  • La Voz
  • Latino Service Providers
  • LinkedIn
  • Los Cien
  • Minority Organization or Group
  • Press Democrat
  • sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
  • Sonoma County Human Resources Office
  • Sonoma County Job Line
  • Twitter
  • Veterans Services Office
  • Women's Organization or Group
  • Workplace Diversity
  • Other Internet Site
  • Other Publication
02
BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH SKILLS: If you would like to be considered for a position that requires bilingual abilities, please indicate the level of your proficiency below.

Candidates must pass a bilingual proficiency examination to be eligible for positions with bilingual designation.

  • Yes, I have basic (conversational) English/Spanish bilingual abilities.
  • Yes, I have fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) English/Spanish bilingual abilities.
  • No, I do not have English/Spanish bilingual abilities and/or do not wish to be considered for a bilingual position.
03
Please indicate if you would also be interested in part-time or extra-help positions (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) should they become available. Extra-help employees are not eligible for most benefits available to permanent employees.

Candidates hired for extra-help positions remain eligible for full or part-time vacancies as they occur during the active status of this list.

Check all that apply.

  • Yes, I would also like to be considered for future part-time positions.
  • Yes, I would also like to be considered for future extra-help positions.
  • No, I do not wish to be considered for extra-help or part-time positions.
04
For this question, and all subsequent questions, please provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers.

Please describe your clerical experience performing office support activities such as:

  • Entering data
  • Filing and maintaining records
  • Processing forms
  • Reviewing and applying written procedures and guidelines

For each relevant position you list, include job title(s), employer's name and dates of employment (mm/yy to mm/yy), and a description of your primary duties.

05
Please describe your experience managing multiple competing and complex administrative tasks while working in a fast-paced environment. Highlight any tools and/or techniques you have used to help you prioritize your tasks.
06
Please describe your experience explaining policies, procedures, programs, services, and/or regulations to customers, and provide a specific example that best illustrates your approach to overcoming challenging and/or complex situations.

Required Question

Agency
County of Sonoma (CA)
Address
575 Administration Drive, Suite 116B

Santa Rosa, California, 95403
Phone
(707) 565-2331