Public Service Specialist

Job Summary

 

Are you looking for meaningful work? 

Interested in making a difference in your community? 

Come work for Sherburne County Health & Human Services!

We're looking for a dynamic individual to fill a full-time Public Service Specialist position in a very busy Health & Human Services Department. This position is the first point of contact for the public seeking information for public assistance programs as well as support functions for 200+ Health & Human Services staff.

Our Mission: The mission of Sherburne County Health and Human Services (SCHHS) is to promote and protect the health, safety, well-being, and self-sufficiency of Sherburne County residents.           

Our Vision: It is the intent of the organization to provide human service programs to the residents of Sherburne County, designed to protect and enhance the lives of vulnerable populations (such as the developmentally disabled, children in need of protective services, vulnerable adults, mentally ill, and others).

This position is located at the Government Center in Elk River, MN. Our regular business hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am- 4:30pm, though the department provides staff with flexibility in effort to strive for a desired work/life balance. Sherburne County is one of the fastest growing counties in Minnesota, where you can find a nice blend of suburban and rural life. If you are interested in bringing your skill and talent to a dynamic department in a growing community, we encourage you to apply for this great opportunity.

Learn more about our workplace culture and a brief overview of our employee benefits.     
 

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

 

These examples of typical duties do not include all possible tasks for this classification and do not limit the assignment of related tasks. Regular attendance according to the department's approved work schedule is required for all Sherburne County positions.

• Triage incoming calls and walk-ins directing them to the appropriate worker or unit for assistance.
• Provide clerical support duties for a large Health & Human Services department.
• Assist with processing and scanning of daily incoming and outgoing mail and faxes while adhering to strict confidentiality and data privacy policies.
• Basic assistance with department copiers to include replacing toner and paper, troubleshoot paper jams and/or call for repair.
• Produce reports, spreadsheets, and special projects, as needed.
• Develop and create forms to be used within the department.
• May assist clients with registering EBT cards.
• On rotation provide unit coverage until 4:30 pm.
• Other duties/special projects as assigned.

 

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High School diploma or equivalent 

Experience: A minimum of one-year of clerical experience or equivalent education plus work experience.

Extensive high-volume customer service/front desk experience as well as knowledge of public assistance programs is desired. 

The ability to multi-task, handle interruptions, be flexible in day-to-day tasks and schedule is imperative for success in this position.

 

Supplemental Information

 

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of English grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Ability to operate office machines.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work in a timely manner.
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

Accountabilities Shared By All Employees 

• Performs job responsibilities in a manner consistent with the County's vision, mission, and values.
• Develops and maintains a thorough working knowledge of all department and county-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
• Develops respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
• Informs immediate supervisor of all important matters pertaining to assigned job responsibilities.
• Seeks opportunities for further personal growth and development.
• Represents the County in a professional manner to all internal and external contacts when conducting County business.
• Complies with all rules and policies in order to maintain a safe work environment.

Starting Salary: $21.33/hour - Full-time

Union: Teamsters

Vacancies: 1

Hours of Work: This position has a usual work schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; may include very occasional evening and weekend hours.

Interviews:
Selected candidates will be notified via email the end of the week of 11/5/2024, for a 10-minute phone interview on 11/6/2024.

Physical Requirements:
Must be able to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work.  May involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 10 pounds).

Must be able to operate office equipment, scanner, calculator, computer, and telephone system; requires manual and physical dexterity.  Many hours of computer and phone related work. Hand eye coordination and visual acuity are necessary to work between paper documents and the computer monitor.

Work Environment: 
100% Inside Work 
 
Work is normally performed in an office environment.  Headaches, eyestrain, and other related occupational hazards reflect the most common potential for injury in the office. This position is subject to moderate office noise levels. There is some mental stress involved resulting in inconvenience and frustration.
 
May have required attendance at evening/off hour’s meetings.
 
Direct contact with the public (supplying or seeking information) on specialized matters. Work that requires direct service with client may include some disagreeable human interactions with clients who are angry, uncooperative, hostile or have mental illnesses.