Clerical Specialist II - Human Services

Under the direct supervision of the Human Services Supervisor - Financial Assistance, this position supports the mission of the Blue Earth County Human Services Department by delivering effective and efficient administrative support services that assist individuals and families in accessing essential programs and services. The Clerical Specialist II - Human Services provides a variety of office and administrative support functions for Human Services programs, including financial assistance and child support, while delivering excellent customer service to internal and external customers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Follows established opening and closing procedures for the front desk and reception areas.
• Greets, screens, and directs callers and visitors to appropriate staff, units, or community resources. Coordinates interpreter services as needed.
• Performs records management and maintenance functions, including processing and distributing documents through the Electronic Document Management System (EDMS), maintaining accurate customer and case records, and complying with state and federal records retention requirements.
• Provides administrative support to program staff, including opening, sorting, and distributing incoming mail, faxes, and other communications.
• Maintains office, program, and reception supplies, forms, and informational materials.
• Operates department-specific software systems and general office equipment. Troubleshoots routine equipment issues and coordinates with Information Technology (IT) staff as appropriate.
• Participates in quality assurance and continuous improvement activities.
• Maintains a safe, secure, and functional environment for staff and visitors, including monitoring visitor logs and limiting facility access to authorized individuals.
• Responds to customer concerns and complaints and refers matters to supervisory staff as appropriate.
• Receives and forwards requests for data in compliance with Minnesota Government Data Practices requirements and Release of Information procedures.
• Opens and issues Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards in accordance with program procedures.
• Promotes a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
• Engages positively with both internal and external customers. Communicates and interacts effectively and respectfully with colleagues, supervisors, representatives from other organizations, and the public.
• Performs the physical and mental demands of the position.
• Attends work during regularly scheduled hours.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Participates in professional staff development. Participates in training and education opportunities to maintain and improve proficiency. Attends and participates in professional organizations. Associates with employees and departments from other counties and states for collaboration.
• Performs other related functions as apparent or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED; and
• A minimum of three (3) years of general clerical or administrative support experience; or
• A minimum of one (1) year direct administrative experience in a County Human Services Department.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate's degree in human services, social work, business administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience working in a medical, social services, or county office setting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or similar office software applications.
• Proficient in understanding and speaking languages other than English, such as Spanish, Somali, Chinese, Sudanese, and Arabic, among others.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must successfully pass a background check.
• Must comply with all federal and state laws and organizational and departmental policies and regulations.
• Must adhere to data practices policies and standards regarding non-public data. Access to non-public data must be limited to what is necessary to perform job duties. Employees must take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access and ensure secure storage of data in accordance with county policies and Minnesota Statutes.

Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position allows for flexible hours and may require some evening, weekend, and overtime hours.