Job Description

This job classification represents the senior, most experienced level in the Public Services Specialist clerical series. It is not an entry-level position. Public Services Specialists are employed Countywide and provide office support as department receptionists, often being the first point of contact for callers and visitors. Duties include operating a multi-line telephone system, greeting and screening individuals, taking messages, providing information about County services, handling mail, ordering supplies, maintaining logs and calendars, and serving as a backup for clerical staff. They may also perform routine or specialized office tasks as assigned. The ideal candidates should be able to adapt to frequent interruptions, communicate clearly and courteously, use sound judgment and tact, relate well with diverse populations, handle stressful situations effectively, and work well under pressure. NOTE : The eligible list from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies, including extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified positions. Duties may include: Dealing with visitors and callers who may have significant problems or require specialized services, sometimes in confrontational or strained situations. Explaining policies, procedures, and regulations related to the department. Directing visitors to the proper office or personnel. Answering and directing telephone calls, taking messages. Performing specialized office support tasks, such as arranging transportation, completing intake forms, handling legal or County documents. Logging calls, assisting with long-distance calls, and helping staff with telephone equipment. Checking and reporting telephone malfunctions. Performing basic office duties like collating, mailing, proofreading, typing. Staying informed about office activities to communicate effectively with the public. Instructing staff on telephone equipment use. Providing relief for other office tasks and offering off-hours services as needed. Performing related duties as assigned. Bilingual Fluency: Some positions may require fluency in both English and Spanish. Knowledge of: Department policies and procedures. Dealing tactfully with the public, often in challenging situations. Proper spoken and written English. Office practices and equipment operation. Basic arithmetic and computer applications. Skill/Ability to: Handle difficult interactions tactfully and effectively. Assess situations and recommend appropriate actions. Use initiative and sound judgment. Interpret and explain complex rules and policies. Follow oral and written instructions accurately. Perform detailed clerical work with accuracy. Type efficiently and accurately. Operate a multi-line telephone system. Education and Experience: Any combination that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Typically, this includes: One year of receptionist and telephone operations experience or two years of general clerical experience in an office setting. Open and Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo employees with at least six months of continuous service in a classified, probationary, or limited-term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final score. Responses to supplemental questions are required in addition to the application. The examination will be a multiple-choice Civil Service Computer-Based Written Exam (weight: 100%). IMPORTANT: Applications are accepted only online. If you are on the County's website, click the Apply button. Otherwise, visit to apply. Qualified applicants will be notified via email with the link to the exam. Please read notices carefully. Accommodations for medical conditions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. About the County: San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. It has over 750,000 residents and a diverse community. The County is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds. Most employees surveyed would recommend the County as a great place to work. The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. HR Contact: Jennifer Reyes (05092025) (Public Services Specialist - E368) #J-18808-Ljbffr County of San Mateo

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