GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Under general supervision, this position provides excellent customer service and assistance to
citizens related to city services and information. Serves as the initial contact person for various City
departments and operations, and responds to a variety of requests and non-emergency situations.
Reports to the Communications Supervisor, 311.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Provides support to a variety of internal and external customers concerning a broad base of City
issues, projects, services and customer concerns. Interacts with the public and others in the work unit
to resolve a wide variety of customer inquiries or complaints through the use of an automated call
distribution or electronic services system; uses computer software to research questions and to choose
the appropriate service request. Responds to telephone and email inquiries from the public and City
employees with tact and professionalism.
Performs administrative support work such as inputting, updating and editing customer service
requests, and functions that may require interpretation, judgment and determining appropriate
processes to be used. Reviews daily updates related to current City activities or events.
Performs other duties as assigned.
PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Employees at all levels are expected toeffectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

Customer Service — Considerable knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer
service. This includes meeting quality standards for service.

Office Administration – Knowledge of general office equipment and personal computers to
include word processing, spreadsheet, databases, custom applications, and related software.
Comprehensive knowledge of office systems, practices, procedures and administration.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships
with employees at all levels, accounting representatives from all departments, and outside
agencies. Effectively responds to and resolves complex inquiries and disputes.

NEWPORT NEWS, VA

CITY OF OPPORTUNITY

JOB DESCRIPTION

CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANT, 311
(311 CALL CENTER)
COMMUNICATIONS Human Resources Department

700 Town Center Drive, Suite 200
Newport News, VA 23606

Phone: (757) 926-1800
Fax: (757) 926-1825

Critical Thinking – Uses logic and reasoning to identify potential solutions, conclusions, or
approaches to problems.

Time Management - Plans and organizes daily work routine. Estimates expected time of
completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Implements
work activities in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

REQUIRED ABILITIES

Communication – Ability to effectively communicate ideas and proposals verbally and in writing,
to include the preparation of service requests and email responses to inquiries.Ability to
accurately listen and interpret verbal communications and to respond accordingly.Ability to
handle a variety of customer concerns with tact and diplomacy, verbally solicit, and obtain
relevant information through telephone communication. Ability to fluently speak, read, and
understand the English language and to read maps.

Judgement/Decision Making – Ability to use logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and
evaluate situations and exercise good judgment to make appropriate decisions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Requires a high school diploma and 3-5 years of directly related experience, or an equivalent
combination of education and experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check.
The job is considered Essential Personnel and will be required to work during and following natural
disasters and emergency situations.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work.

Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10
pounds).

Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or work station.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals.

Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.