Staff Services Assistant

Examples of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The primary functional responsibility is to provide para-professional and computerized support to a Department.
• Provides information to the general public and employees of Departments concerning established practices, policies and regulations.
• May assist with the coordination/implementation of projects/activities with local, State, Federal, and Public officials.
• Provides technical assistance and training and assists with evaluation and implementation of policies, programs, and projects.
• Formulating any retrievable data and developing reports using computer terminals or personal computers, spread sheet and data base or specialized software in addition to the maintenance of reports, project activity plans and all other programs needing computer support and data reporting capability.
• May supervise other staff, represent the department and make presentations on specific department programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Equivalent to graduation from a two year college with an associate in arts or science degree with courses requiring working proficiency in the use of computer terminals or personal computers and spreadsheet and data base software, preferably with coursework in business or public administration. One additional year of college level education in related coursework may be substituted for the required experience.

AND EITHER I

Experience:

One (1) year of experience primarily involving directly related experience in the paraprofessional/technical duties required of the position and extensive public contact.

OR II

Experience:

Two (2) years of experience in increasingly responsible clerical work, including a working proficiency in use of computer terminals or personal computers and spreadsheet and data base software, extensive public contact and experience in performing technical duties to those required of this position.

Essential Functions

• Operate a personal computer and other modern office equipment.
• Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
• Analyze data, interpret policies, procedures and regulations, develop appropriate conclusions, and prepare reports.
• Resolve conflicts and respond appropriately to complaints.
• Complete multiple priority projects with conflicting deadlines and under stressful conditions.
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
• Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
• Occasionally lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
• Kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance and crawl.
• Frequent use of hand-eye coordination.
• Frequent use of data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motion.
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping. Sit or stand for long periods of time.
  Regular attendance is an essential function.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods and problems of public administration, organization, and management.
• Research techniques, data collection and statistical analysis.
• Basic principles and methods of administrative, personnel, staff development, fiscal and data processing management.
• Computer system development and their applications to public sector management. Principles of supervision, training, and work coordination.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of analytical work, administrative support assignments, and program development and implementation work.
• Express ideas clearly and concisely in oral and written communications.
• Gather, organize, and present a variety of information and data.
• Identify problems and core issues and reason logically.
• Perform and document research in dealing with administrative issues.
• Interpret and apply operating procedures and regulations.
• Work independently, meet deadlines and manage time effectively.
• Effectively represent the Department in contacts with other County Departments, community organizations, and other government agencies.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
• Plan, organize, and supervise the work of others.

Why Merced County? A message from the CEO

HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
VACATION

10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours).

SICK LEAVE

0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.

HOLIDAYS

Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE

Five (5) regularly scheduled workdays.

INSURANCE

HEALTH INSURANCE
Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums.

• Anthem 500 EPO
• Anthem 1500 EPO
• Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) without Health Savings Account (HSA)

Dental Insurance - Delta Dental

• County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)

Vision Insurance - VSP

• County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)

DISABILITY INSURANCE

State Disability Insurance (SDI)

Merced County non-management employees are enrolled in the State Disability Insurance Program (SDI). Premiums for this insurance are paid by the employee. This insurance is administered solely by the State, who determines eligibility and payments. Benefit amounts are based on the quarter with the highest wages earned within the base period.

LIFE INSURANCE

County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

• Represented Employees $10,000

Voluntary Term and Whole Life Insurance are available - premium paid by employee

RETIREMENT
DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The County offers a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pre-tax or post-tax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.

MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION

The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security. The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; your pension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.

EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES DO NOT QUALIFY FOR COUNTY BENEFITS.

EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.

EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS

The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.

THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.

For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7356.