Office Assistant (Animal Services) (Administrative Officer I) – Non-Merit

Salary: $32,779.00 – $46,834.00 Annually

Location : 13800 Manor Road Baldwin MD 21013, MD

Job Type: NON MERIT

Job Number: NM.102 9-23

Department: HHS/ANIMAL SERVICES, COMMUNICABLE DISEASE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Opening Date: 09/13/2023

Regular Schedule: 34 hours per week

A Non-Merit vacancy exists in the Bureau of Health and Human Services, Bureau of ACE (Animal Services, Communicable Disease and Environmental Health), Animal Services.

Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in any Office or Department of Baltimore County General Government may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested candidates must apply at this time.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experiences on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the “Work Experience” section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.
Examples of Duties

Under general supervision, performs comprehensive word processing, typing, answering phone, email and in person inquires, along with other clerical duties in support of an office. Works in close proximity to animals.

Essential Job Duties
Operates office machinery, such as microcomputers, photocopiers, fax machines, calculators, telephones, scanners, and printers.

• Greets and directs clients and visitors walking in for services.
• Answer phones as needed, schedule appointments, assist customers.
• Make adoption folders for available animals.
• Monitor Adoptable Website.
• Make sure all animals have good photos for adopt and lost site.
• Check/Update Petfinder.
• Log donations and work with volunteers/staff to put them away.
• Check Lost Pet Email.
• Check BCAS Shelter Appointments Email.
• Close front desk, Disinfect the lobby.
• Microchip Tracing.
• Data entry into shelter computer programs.
• Money handling, shelter services.

(NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.)

Qualifications
High school diploma or an appropriate equivalent
Plus
One (1) year of experience in animal shelter operations, and/or customer service.

(Additional experience as described in the essential duties may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education. Additional education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level)

• Knowledge of modern office methods and procedures, including filing systems.
• Knowledge of spelling, grammar, and arithmetic.
• Knowledge of computer software, web based programs and spreadsheet software packages.
• Skill in the operation of office machines as listed in essential duties.
• Skill in the use of computer software.
• Ability to provide face-to-face and telephonic customer service.
• Ability to respond appropriately to inquiries from the public.
• Ability to use automated office systems and database management and spreadsheet software packages.
• Ability to compose simple letters and memos.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing effectively.
• Ability to utilize Language Line services.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical computations.
• Ability to set up and maintain paper and electronic filing systems, databases and spreadsheets.
• Ability to follow County and departmental rules and regulations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to take verbatim notes.
• Ability to type from plain copy at a rate equivalent to 40 WPM.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Full Performance)

• Knowledge of County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of computer software systems, web-based systems, database management, and spreadsheet software packages.
• Knowledge and use of Language Line System.
• Skill in operation of automated office and web-based systems, database management, and spreadsheet software packages.
• Skill in composing simple letters and memos.
• Skill in setting up and maintaining paper and electronic filing systems, databases and spreadsheets.
• Skill in responding to inquiries and handling routine complaints.
• Ability to complete tasks in accordance with established guidelines and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to organize multiple tasks related to public (in-person and telephonic) inquires.
• Ability to effectively use Language Line Services.
• Ability to lead and instruct others.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education
Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant’s major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency
Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. ().

Mail or deliver documents to:
ATTN: Office Assistant (Animal Services) – Non-Merit
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Ave.
Towson, MD 21204

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.
Conditions of Employment
Persons appointed to this classification will work on a rotating schedule, which will include weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Employees hired after July 1, 2022 are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees’ Retirement System, with very limited exceptions.

Physical and Environmental Conditions
The work of this position is essentially sedentary, with occasional walking and/or lifting or other restricted physical activities.

The work of this classification entails the performance of physical labor including lifting and carrying, and the operation of equipment.

Work requires exposure to potentially hazardous conditions such as upset clients, increased noise levels (dog barking), animal waste and potential contagious diseases, adverse weather, and cleaning supplies.

Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks.

Employment Benefits for Non-Merit or Non-Classified, Part-Time Employees

Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.

Smoke free workplace
All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.

Drug free workplace
Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.

Employee Assistance Program
Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.

Health Insurance
In order to qualify for health insurance benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance), part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week.

Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include:

Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs.

Life Insurance
In order to qualify for life insurance benefits, part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week.

Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee’s annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.

Retirement
Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees’ Retirement System, with very limited exceptions.

Paid Leave
Sick Leave – Monthly sick leave earnings prorated based on the number of hours worked per week. No maximum on accrual. Accrued balance can be applied toward service credit at retirement.

Vacation Leave – Monthly vacation leave earnings prorated based on the number of hours worked per week. Earnings increase after five, ten and fifteen years of service generally.

Holidays – Part-time 30 to 39 hour non-merit or non-classified employees will generally be paid for ten holidays per calendar year. Other part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees working 29 hours per week or less will receive two paid holidays per calendar year. These holidays are the Christmas holiday and the Independence Day holiday.

Bereavement Leave
Jury Leave
Military Leave

Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union
Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services.

Direct Deposit
Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required.

Deferred Compensation
Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice.

Disclaimer

This is only a summary of benefits and policies in Baltimore County. Any benefit or policy may be changed at any time at the discretion of the administration. This summary does not constitute an express or implied contract, nor does it constitute a guarantee that your employment relationship will continue for any specified period of time or end only under certain conditions.

01

The purpose of the supplemental questions listed below is to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this job classification. Answer each question accurately and thoroughly. To be considered for this position, the experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of this application. Questions with text answers require you to include the name of the employer/organization and dates of the specific experience.

• I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.

02

Failure to complete all fields of the “Work Experience/History” section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for this position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

• I have read and acknowledge the above statement.

03

Are you currently a merit (full-time), non-merit (part-time), or temporary employee of the Baltimore County General Government?Employees of Baltimore County Public Schools, Baltimore County Public Library, Baltimore County’s court systems or Baltimore County Community College and employees of temporary services used by the County are not considered employees of the Baltimore County General Government.

• Yes
• No

04

Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks.

• Yes, I am willing to accept these conditions of employment
• No, I am not willing to accept these conditions of employment and therefore I understand I will not be considered for this position with Baltimore County Government

05

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

• I have read and acknowledge the above instructions

06

Baltimore County Government considers examples of qualifying experience for the Office Assistant position to be: medical secretary, legal secretary, legal assistant, administrative assistant, receptionist, data entry operator/clerk, account clerk, shop clerk, office clerk, medical billing clerk/assistant. I have read and understand the above statement.

• Yes
• No

07

Select the option that best describes your education/experience.

• 10th grade plus four years of experience in animal shelter operations, and/or customer service.
• 11th grade plus three years of experience in in animal shelter operations, and/or customer service.
• High School diploma or an appropriate equivalent plus one year of experience in animal shelter operations, and/or customer service.
• I do not have any of the combinations of education and experience as described above.

08

Select the language(s), other than English, in which you are proficient in reading, writing and/or speaking. If you choose “Other” please list in the following question.

• Spanish
• Russian
• Other
• Not applicable.

09

If you chose “Other” in the previous question, list the languages other than Spanish, Russian or English with which you are proficient in speaking, reading and/or writing.If you chose “Not Applicable” enter N/A.

10

Do you have work experience handling sensitive and confidential information?

• Yes
• No

11

Provide specific examples(s) of the experience you cited in the previous question. Include the employer(s) and date(s) you performed these duties. Be certain that this experience is also described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of this application. If you chose “No” in the previous question, respond by entering N/A to this question.

12

Do you have experience working independently with minimal supervision?

• Yes
• No

13

Provide specific example(s) of the experience you cited in the previous question. Include the employer(s) and date(s) you performed these duties. Be certain that this experience is also described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of this application.If you chose “No” in the previous question, respond by entering N/A to this question.

14

Do you have work experience entering, retrieving and editing information using data entry software?

• Yes
• No

15

How would you describe your level of experience in customer service? Note: This experience MUST be included in your application in order to receive credit.

• 4 or less years’ of customer service experience
• 3 or less years’ of customer service experience
• 2 or less years’ of customer service experience
• 1 or less years’ of customer service experience
• I do not have any experience in customer service.

16

Provide specific examples(s) of the experience you have in a customer service position. Include the employer(s) and date(s) you performed these duties. Be certain that this experience is also described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of this application. If you chose “I do not have any experience in customer service.” in the previous question, respond by entering N/A to this question.

17

Do you feel comfortable working in close proximity to animals (cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, small mammals)?

• Yes
• No

18

This position is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, lifting, or other restricted physical activity. Are you willing and able to accept this condition of employment?

• Yes
• No

19

I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my e-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. To update this information visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the “career seekers” link, and follow the prompts.

• Yes

Required Question