Office Specialist I - Evidence Assistant

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

47d•Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as administrative support for the Forensic Chemistry Section (FCS) in the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) within the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The role involves documenting, inventorying, and securing evidence, verifying submission forms, recording subpoenas, compiling discovery documentation, and maintaining chain of custody records. The Office Specialist I will also communicate with agencies regarding evidence handling and testing status, manage the Evidence Appointment Booking System, and may present information or give testimony on administrative procedures related to evidence. Additionally, the role includes assisting in training lab personnel and external agencies, performing annual evidence inventory and archiving, entering data into laboratory databases, purchasing and distributing sample collection kits, and inputting sample information into specific databases.

Requirements

Training, education, or experience in office and administrative support work that demonstrates competency in applying a proficient knowledge of modern office practices to perform advanced administrative support tasks requiring specialized skills.
Ability to use independent judgment, initiative, and discretion to make determinations on varied matters.
Competency in office and administrative support work.
Proficient knowledge of modern office practices.
Ability to perform advanced administrative support tasks requiring specialized skills.
Ability to use independent judgment, initiative, and discretion to make determinations on varied matters.
Office Assistant I, Office Assistant II, Office Associate I and Office Associate II qualifications.

Nice To Haves

Ability to process requests for information according to established procedures
Knowledge of recordkeeping procedures, in particular chain of custody procedures and evidence processing
Ability to obtain status as a State of Maine Notary Public
Experience providing information and giving testimony in court and depositions
Ability to utilize the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to secure, record, and distribute evidence, maintain chain of custody reports and perform evidence audits

Responsibilities

Document, inventory, and secure evidence submitted to the FCS.
Verify accuracy on evidence submission forms and ensure items are properly packaged upon submission.
Record and track subpoenas.
Compile requested discovery documentation as directed.
Ensure proper documentation is maintained for all evidence received to ensure change of custody is maintained.
Communicate with agencies on evidence submission and handling procedures, and status of forensic testing and analysis.
Manage information into the FCS Evidence Appointment Booking System.
Present information and give testimony on administrative procedures as it pertains to evidence as needed.
Assist in training lab personnel, law enforcement, and prosecuting agencies on administrative related evidence submission requirements.
Perform annual evidence inventory and file review and archive protocols.
Enter information in the laboratory and storage location databases.
Purchase and distribute HETL approved sample collection kits as requested.
Input sample information from sample analysis into the Implied Consent/Duty to Submit Database.
Enter approved instrument documentation into the instrument database and communicate with associated site coordinator(s).

Benefits

13 paid holidays
3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
12 days of sick leave per year
Health Insurance Coverage (State pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums)
Health Insurance Premium Credit (Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%)
Dental Insurance (State pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums)
Retirement Plan (State contributes 14.06% of employee's pay towards MainePERS)
Gym Membership Reimbursement (up to $40 per month)
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility
Living Resources Program (employee assistance program)
Six weeks of fully paid parental leave
Voluntary Deferred Compensation (MaineSaves 457(b) account)