Specialist Clerk I (Step-Up Program)

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

THIS IS A STEP-UP DESIGNATED POSITION:  Positions in the Step-Up Program are designated for individuals with severe disabilities who are not currently employed by Alameda County.  While such positions are not subject to examination, candidates are subject to a one-year job performance review period equivalent to working one year at full-time status (1,950 hours).  Upon satisfactorily working one year at full-time status, the appointee will transition to regular, classified Civil Service status.  In order for your application to be accepted, you must obtain a Step-Up Certification from the State of California Department of Rehabilitation which must be in the possession of the Human Resource Services Department by 5:00 p.m. on the Last Day for Filing.  You may attach that certificate electronically when you are prompted when completing your online application or send it via e-mail to Robin.Young @acgov.org.  Failure to submit either an application and/or the Department of Rehabilitation Certificate on time will result in disqualification.  For more information on how to obtain a Step-Up Certification, contact the Department of Rehabilitation at 510-622-2764. 

Applications must be in the possession of the Human Resource Services Department by 5:00 p.m. on the Last Day for Filing.  Postmarks are not accepted.  Applications will only be accepted on-line.

Supplemental Questionnaire:  A properly completed Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted with each application.  Applications and Supplemental Questionnaires must be in the possession of the Human Resource Services Department by 5:00 p.m. on the Last Day for Filing. Postmarks are not accepted.  Failure to submit the Supplemental Questionnaire will result in disqualification.

QUALIFIED BILINGUAL PERSONS WHO SPEAK ENGLISH AND ARE ALSO FLUENT IN SPANISH, CHINESE, VIETNAMESE, CAMBODIAN, LAOTIAN, KOREAN, MIEN, TAGALOG, AMHARIC, FARSI, DARI, TIGRIGNA, RUSSIAN, ROMANIAN OR SIGN LANGUAGE ARE ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.  THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL BI WEEKLY COMPENSATION FOR PERSONS IN POSITIONS DESIGNATED BILINGUAL.  Qualified candidates may be tested to demonstrate language proficiency.

THE POSITION

Under general supervision, this position performs difficult clerical work, requiring the exercise of considerable initiative and judgment, within the framework of County or department policies and procedures; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a specialized clerical class.  Incumbents of positions in this class perform duties requiring the exercise of initiative and judgment significantly beyond that of the journey-level class of Clerk II.  The majority of the duties assigned must fall into one of the following four categories:

1. Positions responsible for regularly eliciting information from or giving information to people in various stressful situations. The stressful situations mainly occur in "direct (face-to-face) personal" contact. Positions also fall into this category when, because of the situation and the type of clientele, the actual threat of bodily harm exists on a regularly recurring basis. Often the Specialist Clerk I is the public's initial contact with the County system. Such positions may be found in the Health Care Services Agency, Probation Department, Public Defender's Office, Social Services Agency, and the Sheriff's Office.
2. Positions responsible for independently resolving problems for which there is no immediate policy or clear precedent. Such positions may function in an isolated location or field office, or function as "Office Coordinators" for units with no ongoing, on-site clerical supervision.
3. Positions which require a specialized knowledge (as opposed to a general or a working knowledge) of broad and complex procedures, systems, rules, codes, and policies in order to perform their assigned duties. Such positions normally require a minimum of six months to one year of training in order to make independent decisions and determinations based on this specialized department and program knowledge.
4. Positions which require, as a major portion of the job, independent liaison activities (typically oral) with other agencies or other County Departments as a representative of the County. Incumbents of such positions regularly initiate action and have the authority to deviate from usual methods when independently performing duties. Often in these situations, supervision is not immediately available.

EXISTING VACANCIES

This is a general recruitment which may be used to fill multiple vacancies which arise over the next year.  Immediate vacancies for this position may be described in more detail below; however, please note that the pool of eligible candiates resulting from this recruitment process may be utilized for other future Specialist Clerk I (Step-Up Program) vacancies which may arise throughout Alameda County within the next year for this and other County Departments. 

Public Health Division of Communicable Disease Control & Prevention, Office of Aids Administration-The Office of Aides Administration (OAA) is part of the Division of Communicable Disease Control & Prevention of the Public Health Department and is found in the Health Care Services Agency.  The mission of OAA is to reduce the rates of new HIV infections; increase the number of county residents who know their HIV status earlier through HIV testing; and linking individuals who are positive into care.  As advocates for those living with, affected by or at risk for HIV, OAA provides leadership, resources, and guidance in collaboration with community members and organizations to coordinate Alameda County Public Health Department's delivery of HIV/AIDS health services throughout the 17 cities which make up Alameda County.  This position is most suited for those with direct experience performing clerical activities in support of Title I and Title II Ryan White and HIV/AIDS Community Services.

IDEAL CANDIDATES

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications stated below, ideal candidates will have a demonstrated track record of success in the following areas:

• Performing and facilitating clerical activities for the efficient operation of an office or facility.
• Accomplishing tasks by considering all areas involved, no matter how small; showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes and tasks; and being watchful and monitoring tasks over a period of time.
• Clearly conveying information and interacting with others by relating well to people from varied backgrounds and in different situations; and exemplifying traits such as understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness.
• Committing to public service; serving and satisfying internal and external customers; and continuously striving for quality service outcomes.
• Planning and organizing work activities; managing several tasks at once; and establishing a course of action for self to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
• Taking personal satisfaction and pride representing the County and serving as support while performing a wide variety of difficult clerical work and delivering excellent customer service.

For a detailed listing of duties and essential competency requirements, please see the complete Specialist Clerk I job description.

These are minimum professional requirements for the position of Specialist Clerk I (Step-Up Program):

Experience:  The equivalent of two years of full-time clerical experience. 

Step-Up Certificate:  A STEP-UP program eligibility certificate from the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) is required to qualify for this position.  In order to qualify for an eligibility certificate, you must meet DOR standards, be a current or former Department of Rehabilitation client, and schedule an appointment with your Rehabilitation Counselor.  Additional information regarding obtaining a certification of severe disability is available at the California Department of Rehabilitation at (510) 622-2764.License:  

License:  Some positions may require a valid California Driver’s license.

The most suitably qualified candidates will possess the following competencies:

Knowledge of:

• Modern office practices and procedures, including business correspondence, filing, and standard office equipment operations.
• Specialized program knowledge of work requiring the application of a variety of rules, procedures, codes, calculations, and systems is required in some positions.
• Techniques and practices for dealing with individuals from various socio-economic and ethnic groups, in person, via telephone, and through correspondence (may include contacts with irate and hostile individuals).

Ability to:

• Analyze and problem solve.
•  Communicate orally and in writing.
• Make decisions and take initiative.
•  Demonstrate interpersonal sensitivity.
• Adapt to challenging situations.
• Plan, organize and coordinate work.
• Work independently.

The Step-Up Program is not subject to a civil service examination process.  The process to be considered consists of a review of candidates' applications to verify possession of minimum requirements which also includes the possession of a certification of a severe disability from the State of California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR).   In order to qualify for a DOR Step-Up Certificate, you must meet the DOR standards and definition of having a severe disability and schedule an appointment with a DOR Rehabilitation Counselor.  The DOR Rehabilitation Counselors determine candidate eligibility to be issued a Step-Up Certification.  A Step-Up Certification is required to qualify for consideration for any Step-Up Program opportunity.      

Additional information regarding obtaining a Step-Up Certification of severe disability is available at the California Department of Rehabilitation at (510) 622-2764.  All candidates who possess the minimum requirements listed in this job posting will be considered eligible for employment consideration through the Step-Up Program and their names will subsequently be placed in the eligible pool of qualified candidates. 

ABOUT THE COUNTY

Alameda County, located on the east side of San Francisco Bay, is California’s seventh-largest county.  The County employs 9,080 full-time employees and operates on an annual budget of $2.39 billion.  Oakland, the County seat, is California’s eighth largest city.  One and a half million people call Alameda County home and live in a variety of incorporated cities, unincorporated communities and rural areas.  As a major urban county, Alameda provides a full range of services to its citizens.  The County is a blend of culturally and ethnically diverse communities, and its mixture of cosmopolitan and suburban areas provides the perfect environment for families and their active lifestyles.  The County offers extensive cultural resources, countless recreational opportunities and an array of fine public and private colleges and universities.

BENEFITS FOR NON-MANAGEMENT POSITIONS

MEDICAL PLANS

The County offers HMO and PPO medical plans.  The County has two contributions structures, 1) County contributes 100% of the lowest cost HMO; or 2) County contributes 90% of the HMO plans and 90% of the lowest cost HMO towards the PPO.  The County contribution can be prorated based on the number of work hours up to 50% of the standard hours in a pay period.  If an eligible employee waives all medical coverage through the County, a monthly stipend may be provided.

DENTAL PLANS

The County offers two Dental Plans: PPO and Dental Maintenance Option (DMO). The County contributes 100% of the family coverage for both plans as long as the employee works at least 50% of the standard hours in a pay period. The PPO option plan design is 100% Preventative, 80% Basic Care, 80% Major Care with a $45 per individual deductible and annual maximum up to  $1,450 per year.  The DMO option has an orthodontic benefit for children as well as adults.

VISION BENEFIT

The County offers two Voluntary Vision Plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for eligible employees.  The two plans consist of a low option and a high option that offer annual eye exams and coverage for various frames and lenses.  The Voluntary Vision Plan is 100% employee paid and is available for employees and their dependents.  In addition, an annual eye exam is covered for participants in the HMO Medical Plans with corresponding co-pay. 

A Vision Reimbursement Plan is available for some union bargaining units who have a provision in their Memorandum of Understanding that after six months of continuous service, Vision Reimbursement for eye lenses or contacts is provided up to a set dollar amount. This vision reimbursement benefit is available to employees only.

COUNTY ALLOWANCE DOLLARS

The County provides up to $300 of flex dollars annually, dependent upon the eligible employee's represented or unrepresented classification.  These flex dollars can be used to pay for medical premiums.  The unused portion of these flex dollars are deposited into a Health Flexible Spending Account for the employee, which can be used for unreimbursed medical expenses. 

HEALTH FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

Employees may opt to salary contribute on a pre-tax basis up to $5,000 for eligible out of pocket medical, dental and vision expenses such as: prescription co-pays, office visit co-pays, prescription eye glasses or contact lenses.

DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

For employees who have either children under age 13 or dependents (parent, sibling or in-law incapable of self-care) that are dependent upon the employee for care can salary contribute on a pre-tax basis up to $5,000 annually. These pre-tax dollars can be used to pay for day care expenses provided by a licensed facility.

LIFE INSURANCE

The County pays for a Basic Life Insurance policy of $9,000 up to $20,000 for an employee based on the affiliation with their appropriate union.

COMMUTER BENEFITS

For the 2011 Plan Year, an employee can set aside up to $230 a month in pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified work-related parking and commuting to and from work transit fees.

HOLIDAYS

Most employees are provided 11 paid holidays plus four floating holidays dependent upon the union bargaining unit.

VACATION AND SICK LEAVE WITH PAY

Vacation accrual ranges from two weeks to five weeks depending upon years of service and the union bargaining unit to which the position is assigned. Sick leave accruals are based on the union bargaining unit and are defined in the corresponding Memorandum of Understanding.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

The County has an EAP available for employees, spouses/domestic partners and eligible dependents.  This program provides services such as: counseling, financial consulting, child and elder care consulting and some legal counseling.

DISABILITY or INCOME REPLACEMENT

Two voluntary plans are offered: Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability can be purchased through a payroll deduction or with accrued vacation hours depending upon the union bargaining unit.

LONG TERM CARE

This voluntary benefit extends care for yourself and/or your spouse and/or your parents who experience a serious accident, chronic illness or frailties of old age. Places where care can be provided are: in one’s home, at a nursing home, at an assisted living facility or adult day care center.

 RETIREMENT

The County retirement program is a Defined Benefit plan governed under the provisions of the California Government Code and  is commonly referred to as a 1937 Act retirement system. County retirement is based upon several factors including but not limited to one’s age upon entrance into the retirement system, the year entrance occurred, contributions made into the retirement system, compensation and years of service. Specific questions regarding the County’s retirement system should be directed to the Alameda County Employees’ Retirement Association.   

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The County offers a Deferred Compensation program where an eligible employee can voluntarily contribute on a pre-tax and/or after-tax basis, a minimum of $20 per pay period up to the total annual contribution limit.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE
Those claiming additional preference points as a VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form on the day of the oral examination. Those claiming additional preference points as a DISABLED VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form and a letter from the Department of Veteran Affairs confirming eligibility for additional points on the day of the oral examination.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The Human Resource Services Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified individuals with mental and physical disabilities, and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA), Federal Americans with Disability Act (ADA) of 1990, and Alameda County Resolution No. R-83-773.  To request reasonable accommodation, you must notify the Human Resource Representative listed on this bulletin as soon as possible and before the last day to file, in order to make the necessary arrangements during each step of the examination process.                                                               (510) 272-3703 (TDD)

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All government employees are disaster service workers as defined by California Government Code Section 3100.  In addition to everyday duties, employees have the added responsibility of helping throughout any disaster.

DMV EMPLOYER PULL NOTICE PROGRAM
All county employees who drive on county business are required to enroll in the California Department of Motor Vehicles Employer Pull Notice Program in an effort to promote driver safety.  Employees’ driver record reports will be released to the County Safety Officer in Risk Management to ensure that employees have valid driver’s licenses and are eligible to drive on county business.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
An applicant’s previous employment may be investigated.  Results of this investigation may be cause for disqualification.  Also, all convictions will be reviewed and may result in a request for additional information or termination of employment.  A conviction record will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment.  Each case will be given individual consideration, based on job-relatedness.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION
All prospective county employees must pass a medical examination before beginning employment.  For positions which require a commercial driver’s license and the performance of functions defined as “safety sensitive,” Federal law and County policy requires that the examination include a drug screening process.  Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of this examination.

Alameda County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  Women, ethnic and racial minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other non-job-related factor.