Information Processing Specialist I

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This position involves responsibility for operating information processing equipment in accordance with programmed instructions by manipulation of a standard alpha-numeric keyboard and related peripheral equipment to record, edit, store and revise correspondence, reports, statistical, accounting and a variety of other forms of data. Information processing equipment includes: A remote computer terminal linked to a mainframe computer, a stand alone internal processing unit such as a micro-computer, or similar computer equipment. This position does not involve responsibilities in the areas of programming or systems analysis. However, an incumbent may modify or merge existing software packages or other program language in accomplishing word processing and other micro-computer functions. Additionally, when not engaged in equipment operation, an incumbent performs a variety of clerical duties. Direct supervision is received from a higher level clerical or administrative staff with detailed instructions given for new or difficult assignments. The incumbent does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Operates information processing equipment and related peripheral equipment such as daisy wheel printer or dot matrix printer in compiling and processing data for a variety of records and related reports;
• Maintains records on information processing equipment by manipulating the keyboard to enter new data or edit existing data;
• Manipulates the keyboard in order to make file searches;
• Maintains disk directories and other storage media used in information processing operations;
• Updates table of contents or index entries as appropriate to identify files, records and documents;
• Retrieves necessary data from information processing equipment in order to print out required reports;
• Operates information processing equipment in word processing mode to record, edit, store and revise correspondence, reports, statistical tables, forms and other textural materials and documents;
• Sets up appropriate controls on equipment for margination, line spacing, paragraph, heading and footer information and other controls as necessary for document amendment or production;
• Prints completed documents to draft or letter quality as appropriate and forwards to supervisor or administrator for review;
• Analyzes machine stops and observes indicators on console and peripheral equipment and takes necessary steps to verify proper functioning of the equipment;
• Performs routine minor operator preventative maintenance on information processing equipment as specified by manufacturer to insure efficient and effective operation;
• Confers with superiors on projects as to procedures, machine time, rate of output and difficulties encountered;
• Assists in training new personnel on information processing equipment as requested;
• Makes arithmetical computations and compiles simple statistical reports;
• Performs a variety of clerical functions related to the position;
• Performs a variety of related tasks as required.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of the use and operation of information processing equipment and related peripheral equipment; working knowledge of office terminology and procedures, working knowledge of proper grammatical usage and punctuation; working knowledge of business vocabulary; ability to manually manipulate information processing equipment; ability to determine and set up appropriate document formats, charts and tabular listings for word processing mode; ability to coordinate information from typed or handwritten copy to word processing mode and verify document of a cathode ray tube visual screen; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; accuracy.

NOTE: The essential functions of this job are determined by the department/jurisdiction where the job is located.

(A) Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma; OR

(B) One year of clerical experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Candidates must demonstrate the ability to type at least 35 words per minute.

This position is a provisional civil service appointment and applicants must meet civil service requirements including residency in New York State. Successful candidates are required to take civil service exam when offered.