Administrative Assistant III (Social Services)

At this level, the Administrative Assistant III within the Charlottesville Department of Social Services is independently responsible within the overall goals of the organizational unit for a comprehensive function, service or unit frequently requiring the determination of procedures, methods and policy applications; prepares reports and policy recommendations; and participates in long-range planning for administrative needs within overall goals of the organizational unit. Reports to the Deputy Director of Administration.

Under limited supervision, performs paraprofessional work in several functional administrative programs; responsible for the technical administrative work of a department, division or work unit; manages various aspects of general administrative processes such as: purchasing, facilities operations, office automation, safety, human resources, customer service, public information, and other areas; and performs related duties as required.

May be asked to work during emergency operations as outlined in the Social Services Department continuity of operations plan. This position may be eligible for partial telework after the successfully competition of a probationary period; certain in-person meetings, training, and other in-person job tasks will be required.

The preferred hiring amount is between $27.08 - $33.28 Hourly ($56,326.40 - $69,222.40 Annually). Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This is a full-time, non-exempt, position which provides excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities.

• For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the 'benefits' tab on this posting, or visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits.
• The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS, however the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. For questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the City's Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462.
  
  

Administrative and Clerical Support

• Prepares, proofreads and edits memos, letters, reports, forms, documents and other materials, using word processing, spreadsheets, databases or presentation software;
• Provides clerical support for department/unit as required; takes and posts minutes of required meetings;
• Receives, opens, and sorts mail; receives, signs for, and distributes packages; may assist with bulk mailings;
• Prints, collates, and assembles reports/materials for distribution;
• Orders, inventories, receives, and/or shelves routine supplies, books and office equipment;
• Coordinates with department vendors on the maintenance of leased and/or warrantied equipment;
• Schedules meetings and rooms. Notifies all participants of meetings and other functions in advance.
• Assists with development of office procedures;
  
  

Accounting & Purchasing

• Prepares, verifies, files, and processes a variety of accounting documents (invoices, requisitions, forms, reports, work orders) for routing and approval;
• Reconciles statements;
• Researches, orders, inventories, and receives special purchases as directed;
• Tracks expenditures in appropriate accounting software;
• Monitors department budget. May assist with budget development;
• May act as a decentralized buyer; writing bid specifications and overseeing invitation to bid or request for proposal processes.
  
  

Data Management and Analysis

• Performs a variety of data entry tasks, including entering and updating data in appropriate administrative support systems;
• Reviews completed work for accuracy and completeness;
• May perform inquiries in internal and external databases to determine discrepancies;
• Performs data analysis within established polices, models, and/or procedures;
• May assist in the preparation of narrative and statistical reports;
• Maintains a system for tracking the progress of work;
• Gathers, tabulates, displays and assists in analyzing factual data; drafts reports, tables, survey questionnaires, and other documents; answers correspondence and survey questionnaires.
• Maintains physical and electronic files and records;
  
  

Customer Service

• Meets, greets, screens in-person and telephone customers and visitors; takes messages or directs visitors appropriately;
• Assists visitors in completing standard forms; may review them for completeness;
• Provides accurate and appropriate information in response to routine and more advanced inquiries with ability to interpret department and City policies and procedures;
• Responds to requests for more detailed services and assistance;
• Follows through, resolves, and seeks feedback regarding questions, request and and/or complains in a timely manner. Seeks out ways to improved customer services;
• Has an advanced understanding of departmental services and is able to assist with departmental processes. May be responsible for overseeing a departmental program or service;
• Answers advanced correspondence for supervisor;
  
  

Human Resources

• May screen applicants;
• Communicates with department employees on personnel-related programs;
• Coordinates the hiring and onboarding of new employees. Processes personnel transactions;
• Regularly responsible for payroll related tasks;
• Trains staff on departmental and City policies, procedures and systems;
• May have responsibility for supervision of administrative support staff. Responsibility may include providing occasional direction to administrative support staff in the department and temporary staff;
  
  

Procedural Development and Project Oversight

• Produces and electronically distributes simple documents (e.g. procedural guidelines);
• Develops improved methods, procedures, and techniques related to the job;
• Develops and presents trainings, facilitates meetings, and or makes presentations to groups;
• May serve on special and/or regular teams and committees;
• May be responsible for coordination of a department-wide process or service (maintenance, security, awards and recognition, newsletter, annual report)
  
  

Performs other duties as assigned.Minimum Qualifications:

• Any combination of education or experience equivalent to a two-year degree from an accredited university or college with a focus in public administration, business administration, management, accounting or closely related courses preferred.
• A minimum of five (5) years of general clerical experience related to the duties of the position required.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Reading comprehension to read standard business English; modern office methods and procedures, managing files and records; basic arithmetic skills; problem-solving skills to apply standard procedures to clearly defined problems; interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedure clearly; written and oral communications; database, spreadsheet and word processing applications including skilled methods of graphic presentations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, employees, clients, and the public; understand program objectives in relation to departmental goals and procedures; organize and prioritize work assignments.Exertion level as outlined by the Department of Labor: LIGHT: work involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job/occupation is rated Light Work when it requires: (1) walking or standing to a significant degree; (2) sitting most of the time while pushing or pulling arm or leg controls; or (3) working at a production rate pace while constantly pushing or pulling materials even though the weight or the materials is negligible. (The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.)

A pre-hire background check will be conducted on all candidates who are selected for employment with the Department of Social Services. It will include a criminal record check and a child abuse/neglect registry search. Additionally, a driving record check and education verification may be conducted if applicable.

Please note: The Charlottesville Department of Social Services is unable to hire any applicant, intern, or volunteer if the criminal record check reveals a conviction for, or arrest awaiting final disposition of a barrier crime as set forth in

• 63.2-1719 of the Code of Virginia. Please click here for the list of barrier crimes: http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/63.2-1719/