Bilingual Administrative Specialist 1

Clackamas County employees work to serve the public and enrich our community. Clackamas County is committed to building a community where people thrive, have a sense of safety, connection, and belonging, so that everyone is honored and celebrated for the richness in diversity they bring. We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and lived experience to apply.

Clackamas County is in a prime location in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area and is recognized nationally as one of the most livable areas in the United States. Located on the southern edge of the City of Portland and extending to the top of Mt. Hood, Clackamas County is part of a thriving region in the Northwest. It has a population of about 420,000 residents.

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This Job Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

Please Note: The application deadline may be extended to expand the pool of qualified candidates. Any recruitment timeline changes will be communicated to all who have initiated an application process or have submitted an application.

Hourly Pay Range: $28.238222 - $35.665636

Bilingual Spanish/English skills are required for this position. An additional 5% of base compensation is added to pay.

Salary offers will be made within the posted pay range and will be based on candidate's experience (paid or unpaid) that is directly relevant to the position.

Clackamas County Public Health is seeking an Administrative Specialist 1 to join our Environmental Health team. Every day, the Clackamas County Public Health Division (CCPHD) works to promote health, prevent disease, and advance public health through a variety of essential programs and services that support the well-being of our community. Our priorities include equity, communication, and accountability, and our mission is to protect and promote community health by advancing racial health equity, building partnerships, and fostering culturally responsive systems.

This is a fully in-person, customer-facing position that plays an essential role in supporting the Environmental Health team and the community we serve. As the first point of contact for customers, businesses, contractors, and community partners, this person helps create a welcoming, helpful, and professional experience for everyone who interacts with Environmental Health. Whether guiding someone through the licensing process, answering questions, processing permits, maintaining public-facing compliance records, or connecting people with the right resources, this role is often the first impression of our team. They also serve as a vital link between health inspectors, state regulatory agencies, and the public, helping ensure information and processes move smoothly.

The front office has steady flow of visitors, phone calls, emails, and administrative work happening throughout the day. Candidates should enjoy working with people, staying calm under pressure, and comfortable balancing front-counter responsibilities with higher-level administrative projects and program workflows.

We're looking for someone who is organized, proactive, and enjoys finding solutions. They can navigate competing priorities, communicate clearly and professionally, think critically, and take initiative to keep work moving forward. Most importantly, they take pride in providing exceptional customer service while helping keep Environmental Health operations running smoothly.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment and enjoys helping others. They are professionally fluent in both English and Spanish, communicate effectively with diverse audiences, and provide exceptional customer service both in person and over the phone. They are organized, detail-oriented, and able to balance multiple priorities while supporting administrative processes, maintaining accurate records, and coordinating projects. They exercise sound judgment, work independently and collaboratively, and are comfortable using Microsoft Office and learning complex databases. Above all, they bring a positive attitude, a solution-oriented mindset, and a commitment to providing outstanding public service while supporting the Environmental Health team and the community we serve.

Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

• A minimum of one (1) year experience of administrative or operational support, including data entry, record management, process coordination, and identifying opportunities to improve systems or workflows.
• At least one year of experience providing customer service in a fast-paced environment, both in person and over the phone.
• Experience coordinating projects, meetings, events, or other administrative activities from planning through completion.
• Professional fluency in both English and Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing). Must successfully pass the division's bilingual proficiency evaluation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and other Microsoft 365 tools) and general office technology.

Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

• Experience handling cash and processing financial transactions accurately.
• Training or experience in de-escalation, conflict resolution, or responding to challenging customer interactions.
• Experience using complex databases or government systems, with the ability to identify discrepancies, troubleshoot issues, and recommend solutions.
• Experience in responding to public inquiries, concerns, or complaints with professionalism, patience, and excellent customer service.
• Experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, laws, regulations, or other technical guidance in a customer service or administrative setting.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Must pass post-offer, pre-employment drug test.
• Must pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check

• For Veterans qualified for Veteran’s Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open-ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.

Environmental Health Program Administration:

Provide comprehensive administrative and operational support for the Environmental Health Program by coordinating licensing, permitting, records management, and program operations. Review and process applications for environmental health permits and licenses, including food service establishments, tourist facilities, temporary restaurant licenses, change of ownership requests, child care inspection requests, and plan review applications. Establish new facility accounts, issue licenses, prepare and track annual billing and invoicing, collect and process fees, prepare quarterly remittance reports, and monitor license renewals to support regulatory compliance.

Maintain and manage electronic databases and records, including CloudSuite (Environmental Health licensing database), ensuring accurate data entry, records retention, document management, and compliance with County and state requirements. Monitor administrative workflows, maintain standard operating procedures, coordinate meetings and projects, prepare materials, order program supplies, participate in Oregon Health Authority reviews, and identify opportunities to improve administrative processes and customer service.

Serve as a primary point of contact for customers, business owners, contractors, and community partners by answering questions regarding licensing requirements, environmental health regulations, fees, permits, and departmental processes. Receive, triage, document, and route public complaints, including food safety, sanitation, and environmental health concerns, to the appropriate Environmental Health Specialist.

Customer Service, Reception & Administrative Support

Provide front office reception and administrative support by welcoming visitors, answering multi-line phones, responding to email inquiries, processing payments, administering Food Handler testing, explaining program requirements and fees, and connecting customers with the appropriate services or staff. Deliver professional, courteous customer service while building effective working relationships with the public, coworkers, vendors, regulatory agencies, and other County departments.

Vital Records & Cross-Program Support

Provide vital records services by processing and issuing certified birth and death certificates, reviewing and tracking online applications through the VitalDirector cloud-based system, verifying applicant eligibility and identity, and mailing certified certificates. Enter and maintain accurate information in the Oregon Vital Events Registration System (OVERS), including tracking all Intaglio security paper, while ensuring the security and confidentiality of vital records, electronic files, and related materials. Assist customers by providing information on birth and death certificate processes, including birth record amendments, and respond to inquiries from parents, funeral homes, and the general public with professionalism and excellent customer service.

Provide administrative support to other Public Health programs, including the Communicable Disease Program, by assisting with records management, meetings, special projects, and other operational activities as department priorities and workload require.

As a member of a small administrative team, share responsibility for front office operations and provide flexible coverage across Environmental Health, Vital Records, and other administrative functions to meet changing operational needs and ensure seamless customer service.

Customer Focus
Provides exceptional customer service by responding professionally, respectfully, and effectively to the public, partners, and internal staff.

Attention to Detail
Maintains a high level of accuracy when processing records, licenses, confidential documents, and financial transactions while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and procedures.

Organization & Time Management
Effectively manages multiple priorities, deadlines, and administrative processes while maintaining accurate records and completing work in a timely manner.

Communication
Communicates clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with diverse audiences including the public, coworkers, vendors, and external agencies & partners.

Administrative & Technical Proficiency
Uses office technology, databases, and business systems to efficiently process transactions, maintain records, prepare reports, and support program operations.

Confidentiality & Integrity
Safeguards confidential and sensitive information while exercising sound judgment, professionalism, and accountability in all aspects of work.

Problem Solving
Identifies issues, evaluates options, and implements practical solutions to improve administrative processes and customer service. This includes the ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment.

Teamwork & Collaboration
Builds positive working relationships and works collaboratively across programs to support operational needs and provide backup coverage when necessary.

Adaptability
Adjusts effectively to changing priorities, new assignments, and evolving program needs while maintaining a positive and flexible approach.

Organizational & Time Management

Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

This position is included in the County’s alternate workweek program, working 40 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Thursday (Fridays off). Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended.

This position is designated as on-site/in-person. It is expected that the selected candidate will perform duties at the specified on-site work location.

Clackamas County proudly offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees), and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees.

We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering health and wellness classes and events, and alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle.

Employee benefits become effective the first of the month following an employee’s date of hire.

Attractive benefits package and incentives for employees in regular status positions are detailed below.

Generous paid time off package, including:

• 12 hours of vacation accrued per month
  • Eligible newly hired employees will have the one-time option to frontload their first year of vacation accruals! This means you have access to vacation time at time of hire.
• 8 hours of sick accrued per month
• 10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year

Other Benefits:

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP):
  • Employer paid 6% PERS retirement contribution (The county currently pays the employee’s share of the retirement contribution.)
  • OPSRP members get vested after five years of contributions or when they reach age 65
• A Choice of Medical Plans that include chiropractic coverage, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• A Choice of Dental Plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Longevity pay
• Other retirement Savings Options that allow for additional retirement funds savings, including an option to contribute a portion of employee earnings on a pre or post-tax basis to a 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• A variety of additional optional benefits (see link below for additional information)

This is a full time County position represented by the Employees' Association.

Learn More About Benefits

The health of a community is a key indicator about its quality of life. At Clackamas County Public Health, we are committed to improving the quality of life in Clackamas County by offering services and engaging in activities that protect and promote the health of its residents.

Public Health's Mission

Promote and assist individuals, families & communities to be healthy, safe and thrive. By working with our communities, Public Health assures conditions that:

Prevent injury & disease

Promote health

Protect food, water & air

Prepare for emergencies

Public Health is a Division of the Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) Department.

Learn more about Clackamas County Public Health

Public Health is a Division of the Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) Department.

Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) consists of six divisions, dedicated to ensuring health families and strong communities in Clackamas County.

Mission Statement: We lead and learn with equity in serving individuals, families, and communities by providing access to high quality healthcare, housing, and services that strengthen social and economic resilience.

Vision Statement: Individuals, families, and communities are resilient and thriving.

H3S is committed to improving programs and ensuring better outcomes for the people served, and focuses on the following goals:

• EMPOWERED AND THRIVING STAFF - H3S staff are empowered, engaged and have a sense of belonging while being valued and supported to thrive.
• EQUITY DRIVEN SERVICES - H3S promotes and provides accessible, equitable and culturally responsive services.
• ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE & CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT - H3S operates consistently, efficiently and effectively as a cohesive department, using our individual and collective skills and expertise.

Clackamas County only accepts online applications.

Help with the Application

If you have any questions or issues you may contact the Department of Human Resources by calling 503-655-8459 or emails us at jobs@clackamas.us. Our office hours are Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (closed on Fridays).

HOW TO CLAIM VETERAN'S PREFERENCE

Requesting Veterans' Preference

Learn more about Oregon's Veterans' Preference

VISA SPONSORSHIP

Clackamas County does not offer visa sponsorships. Once a job applicant has accepted a position, they will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States prior to their first day.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Clackamas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date. You may request an accommodation during the online application process.

E.D. Barnett, Recruiter
Email: EBarnett@clackamas.us