Secretary – Advanced Level Government Job Dept-County-Wide Full Time

Why join the Contra Costa County Health Services Department?
 
Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) mission is to care for and improve the health of all people in Contra Costa County with special attention to those who are most vulnerable to health problems. Contra Costa Health Services is the largest department of County government, employing more than 4,250 individuals.
 
There is currently a vacancy in the Health Services Department, however the Secretary Advanced Level classification is used throughout the County in various departments.  Secretary-Advanced is the top working level in the Secretary series. Incumbents are typically well experienced in performing a variety of complex secretarial work of a highly responsible nature, under limited supervision. This position typically reports to Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, Directors, or higher.  

We are looking for someone who is:

• Organized. – You will need to balance multiple assignments, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Dependable and Punctual. – Your assigned unit will rely on you for support.
• Flexible. – You will have to shift priorities quickly as needs change.
• Personable. You will work with a team of professionals and need to interact professionally with others.
• Good at communicating. You will be working with internal and external stakeholders and must communicate with them effectively.
• Detail oriented. – You will be responsible for ensuring accuracy of written communications, numbers, or data entry.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Providing administrative support to upper management
• Composing correspondence, memoranda, and other written materials based on knowledge and understanding of departmental activities with little or no direction
• Developing, maintaining, and revising filing and record systems unique to the assigned program and/or ensuring record controls are in place for retrieval
• Following-up on behalf of the manager or Department to move items forward
• Maintaining and securing confidential information
• Maintaining, prioritizing, and scheduling meetings for the manager
• Reviewing and managing incoming mail with responsibility for sorting, screening, and routing
• Screening telephone calls and visitors and handling routine questions

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will have the ability to work independently and autonomously
• You will work in a supportive and respectful working environment that values work-life balance
• You will be challenged and have a variety of work
• You will gain a deeper knowledge through the challenges you face

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will work in a highly regulated government environment
• Work isn’t always going to be complete by the end of the day – there will always be more
• You will be expected to balance multiple projects, priorities, and demands
• You are often the public’s go to person for complaints, and may deal with difficult people

Competencies Required:

• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
• Delegating: Sharing responsibility, authority, and accountability
• Fact Finding: Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question
• Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results
• Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Interpersonal Savvy: Considering and responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Establishing Credibility: Doing what he/she commits to doing and respecting the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others

To read the complete job description, please click here.  The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months and may be used to fill other clerical positions including:

• Secretary – Journey Level ($3,825 – $5,272)
• Clerk – Experienced Level ($3,401 – $4,220)

Education: Possession of a high school diploma, GED equivalency or a high school proficiency certificate.

Experience: Three (3) years of full-time (or the equivalent of full-time) secretarial or office clerical experience.

Other Requirements: The ability to type at a net speed of not less than 40 words per minute from clear manuscript of printed or typewritten copy.

1. Application Filing: All applicants must apply online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/contracosta and submit the information as indicated on the job announcement by the final filing date.
2. Application Evaluation: Depending on the number of applications received, an Application Evaluation Board may be convened to evaluate and select the best-qualified candidates for invitation to the next phase of the examination.
3. Online Typing Test: Applicants must complete a timed typing test validating the ability to type at least 40 actual net words per minute.  Tentatively scheduled from September 27, 2021 to October 1, 2021.  
4. Online Skills Assessment: Candidates invited to take the online skills assessment will need access to a computer and internet. Topics of this assessment may include, but are not limited to: Attention to Detail, Action & Results Focused, Displaying Ownership & Accountability, Establishing Credibility, Self-Management, and Using Technology. Tentatively scheduled from October 6 – 10, 2021. (Weighted 100%)
   

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
 

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.