County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, to provide professional-level administrative, operational and policy services to the Agency Director; to represent the Director both inside and outside the Agency; to act as Public Information Officer for the Agency; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This class provides direct administrative assistance to the Agency Director or designee, which may involve highly sensitive and/or confidential matters. The incumbent must use independent judgment, tact and discretion for successful performance of the work, as responsibilities may include resolution of internal management, policy and operational problems. These positions are located in various County departments and agencies.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Relieves the Director or designee of day-to-day administrative detail; coordinates the flow of information to the Director's office as required for policy and operational decisions.

2. Identifies issues and sources of potential difficulties in Agency management and operations; obtains information for analysis and evaluates alternatives for action; develops internal relationships necessary to effect solutions.

3. Plans and conducts a variety of special administrative projects and studies for the Director or designee; after approval of recommendations, makes presentations to the County Administrator, Board of Supervisors, or state or federal representatives.

4. Directs the research, analysis, preparation and editing of administrative staff reports; coordinates the publication of the annual Agency program overview.

5. Investigates and responds to concerns and complaints from clients, community advocacy groups, members of the Board of Supervisors and the public.

6. Coordinates the production of various documents and other written materials for the Board of Supervisors and internal and external distribution.

7. May serve as a member of the Agency Operations Council, the Agency Budget Work Group and on a variety of councils, committees and task forces.

8. Coordinates the Agency's public information program; writes and disseminates a variety of informational materials; handles media inquiries and coordinates the Agency speaker's bureau.

9. Represents the Agency and the County in meetings with and presentations to other departments, governmental and community organizations and the public.

10. Analyzes proposed legislation and reviews analyses prepared by others; evaluates the impact upon Agency operations and drafts policy and procedural changes as required.

11. May be responsible for a variety of community-oriented programs which involves oversight of personnel.

12. Prepares a variety of correspondence, periodic and special reports, informational publications, policies, procedures and other written materials; maintains accurate records and files related to work performed.

13. Operates a variety of standard office equipment including a word processor and/or computer; may drive a County or personal vehicle to participate in work-related matters.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

The equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (180 quarter or 120 semester units) with major course work in business or public administration, a social science or a field related to the work (an appropriate advanced degree is desirable).

(Additional professional-level administrative services or social service experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.)

AND
Experience:

The equivalent to four years of full-time, professional-level administrative or managerial service provision experience, preferably in a direct client service delivery setting.

License:

May require possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of direct client service delivery.
• Principles of public administration.
• Practices and techniques of administrative analysis and report preparation.
• Principles and techniques of public information dissemination.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Budgetary and financial record-keeping techniques.
• Office administrative practices and procedures, including records management and the operation of standard office equipment.
• Basic supervisory principles and practices.
• Basic public personnel, purchasing and contract administration practices.

Ability to:

• Plan and conduct complex and sensitive administrative and operational studies.
• Identify management and operational problems, investigate and evaluate alternatives and implement effective solutions.
• Interpret, explain and apply complex policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Direct the work of a small staff.
• Prepare clear, accurate and effective reports, correspondence, policies, newsletters and other written materials.
• Represent the agency and the County in meetings with others and make effective public presentations.
• Organize and prioritize work and meet critical deadlines.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within established policies and guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

AM:jc
Admin. Study
Revised/Retitled
12/93
Y:\1217H.wpf
Co: updated 5/18/00
Old doc.: 1217h.wpf
New doc.: 0232.doc
CSC Date: 11/17/93
BG:pf Revise/Retitle 8/1/05
[old title: Exec. Asst., Social Services Agency]
CSC Date: 3/31/2005
IB:cs Revised/Retitled 3/12/14
Old Title: Executive Assistant to the Director
CSC Date: 11/10/15
IB:jf Revised 3/8/17

CSC Date: 3/15/17

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.