Office Specialist I

Yakima County•Yakima, WA

2d•$21 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

The mission of Yakima County Government is to provide accessible, responsive and responsible public service through leadership and teamwork committed to understanding and meeting public needs. Our Values: Integrity, Common Sense, Innovation, Accountability. This is a Temporary (Fixed Term) Non-Exempt position eligible for overtime. There is one Temporary Office Specialist I vacancy with the Yakima County Auditors Office. This position provides technical assistance to the public in person, on the phone, at community outreach events and citizenship ceremonies regarding voter registration and balloting laws and requirements.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GEG plus three years of experience; or the equivalent education and experience to perform the essential duties of the job.
Bilingual/biliterate in Spanish
Valid Driver’s License and proof of insurance, if requested.
US Citizen
Certification as a Passport Acceptance Agent within 6 months of employment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products
Customer Service experience
Ability to meet the requirements to complete Washington State Patrol Certificate Training, Election Administration / Supervision within 2 years of appointment.
Successful completion of a criminal background investigation and general employment verification.

Responsibilities

Establishes individual voting records from paper forms and online submissions; scans voter registration forms, indexes information into database, maintains signature retrieval system, transmits final data to the Office of Secretary of State.
Maintains existing voter registration database; cancels and inactivates records, updates name and address data.
Assists the public in person, on the phone, and by email with inquiries about voter registration.
Obtains and maintains certification as an Election Administrator; travels to statewide WSACA conferences and trainings.
Acts as a filing officer by assisting and registering candidates for public office during multiple candidate filing periods; verifies accuracy of Declaration of Candidacy form, collects filing fee, writes receipt, disseminates information regarding the election process and applicable local and state laws.
Assists Bilingual Program Coordinator in the continuity of a bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural voter education and outreach program to meet ongoing requirements of the Voting Rights Act, Section 203.
Prepares materials and participates in voter outreach events and daily citizenship ceremonies throughout the county and state.
Reviews written translations and provides feedback regarding accuracy and proper grammar usage on public materials such as the complete text of ballot measures, legal notices, local candidate guidebooks, website information, required voter registration notices and forms, candidate voter guide statements, and correspondence.
Participates in quarterly statewide meetings with other bilingual required counties to maintain Spanish language glossary.
Obtains and maintains certification as a Passport Acceptance Agent and attends required trainings.
Acts as a Passport Acceptance Agent; reviews the accuracy and completeness of U.S. Federal Passport Applications in accordance with the Department of State Federal Register 22 CFR Part 51. Collects fees, generates receipts, takes U.S. Passport photos, and assists customers by disseminating information regarding U.S. Passport regulations, accepted travel documents depending on the country and means of travel, accepted forms of payments, and approved identification and proof of citizenship documents.
Assists public by phone, in person, and by email. Greets customers to the Auditor’s Office, answers questions, directs them to appropriate department or office.
Researches information relative to all aspects of voter registration, precincts, districts, elections, recounts, district validation, and public records requests.
Takes payments for public records requests, copies, and maps. Prepares funds for deposits.
If the selected candidate is bilingual and/or biliterate: Provides oral translations for other divisions in the Auditor’s Office. Provides direct bilingual assistance to customers in person, on the phone, or by email.
In accordance with state election law, performs tasks specific to conducting an election; including the electronic or manual inventory of incoming ballots, performing signature verification on all returned ballots, issuing ballots in person, by mail, by fax, online, or by email, opens and inspects valid ballots in preparation for scanning and tabulation.
Assists the public in person, on the phone, and by email with inquiries about the election, processes, and voting.
Assists voters with Accessible Voting Equipment.
Generates reports and corresponds with voters by mail and on the phone regarding their ballot signature. Processes incoming correspondence to place valid ballots back in processing stream.
Completes pre-election tasks; including assisting in the preparation of test deck ballots, verification of ballot audio in English and Spanish, verification of required online ballot solution, the preparation all forms, ballot envelope packets, and supply bags.
Communicates with all cities, towns, and community partners; prepares and delivers community ballot drop boxes throughout the county.
Acts as a staffing resource for other Auditor’s Office divisions. Other duties as assigned.