County of Berks Hiring for Office Support III – Recorder of Deeds at Reading, PA Full Time

POSITION SUMMARY:

Personnel are responsible to satisfactorily and efficiently complete certain clerical, recording, and accounting functions while maintaining the orderly receipt, processing, and filing of documents to be maintained as official records in the Recorder of Deeds Office. This may include indexing, proofreading, and recording of various types of legal documents, mostly pertaining to real estate.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

· Determine if documents submitted are acceptable for recording. (Note: Every day this office receives documents which are not acceptable due to insufficient fees, improper statute requirements, notarization, and signature status. As a result, phone calls and memos such as Rejection Notices are necessary to correct the errors before documents can be considered for recording.)

· Via computerized system, process acceptable documents and record them by inputting the required information into the system thereby assigning an instrument number. This requires that the information be efficiently and accurately keyed into the system. This function includes cashiering all recording fees, appropriate state, and local real estate transfer taxes, and to index all required information.

· Receive documents presented at the counter or by appointment for recording. These include Deeds, Mortgages, Plans, Rights of Way, Powers of Attorney, Notary Commissions, Veteran ID & DD214, etc. This procedure includes reviewing documents on the spot, computing all necessary, fees, and checking for all legal requirements.

· Answers telephone inquiries from the public on procedures, available data, such as fees, transfer taxes. Will also answer calls from title companies and law firms whose inquiries require a more in-depth answer.

· Administers oath to Pennsylvania notaries. Reviews the individual’s bond and commission for proper signatures, dates, and notarization, and when all requirements are met, administer the oath to the notary.

· Knowledge and continuing education in the required procedures and standards necessary to determine that documents received are acceptable as permanent records.

· Maintain a level of professionalism consistent with expectations of and service to the public.

· Operates standard office machines and equipment necessary to perform daily tasks.

· Performs all other duties as assigned.

Non-Essential Functions

None

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

· High school diploma or possession of a G.E.D. Certificate from a recognized issuing agency.

· Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, including knowledge of tax regulations and the ability to interpret legal documents within a fast-paced environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

· Reasonable knowledge of real estate documentation, legal documents, and office practices including working with varied computer applications.

· Reasonable knowledge and understanding of notary laws and requirements

· Knowledge of office methods, practices, and procedures.

· Proper knowledge of the legal requirements necessary for the recording of documents.

· Proper knowledge and understanding of the types of documents that are recorded, including Deeds, Mortgages, Subdivision Plans, Rights of Ways, Mortgage Satisfaction Pieces and Power of Attorneys.

· Knowledge of basic elements of English language usage.

· Ability to provide a high level of customer service to all individuals regardless if in person, or electronically.

· Ability to perform routine clerical work.

· Ability to utilize computer systems and have good keyboard skills.

· Ability to explain to the public reasons for rejections of legal documents.

· Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.

· Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written communication.

· Ability to function in a fast-paced environment.

· Knowledge of office methods, practices, and procedures.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

· Ability to perform routine clerical work.

· Ability to handle stress.

· Physical presence in the office is required, unless mandated to work remotely.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Position may require sitting at computer station for extended periods of time.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Normal office environment.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.25 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• relevant: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: One location