Customer Service Specialist

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The City of Salem is seeking a full-time Customer Service Specialist 1 (CSS1) to join our Customer Service Center team within the Enterprise Services Department. The CSS1 will serve as the point of contact and provide excellent internal and external customer service on a wide range of City services and programs. Become part of a dynamic team where you will help provide a positive customer experience through consistency, efficiency, and resourcefulness.

This job is not eligible for remote work.

Learn and grow in this role by supporting enterprise‑wide initiatives. The vision of the Customer Service Center is to provide a one‑stop shop that is valuable, innovative, and efficient to create a positive customer experience.

The Customer Service Specialist 1 position will provide services, including accepting payments, maintaining financial records in various systems, issuing licenses and non‑developmental permits, processing registrations, and answering general inquiries. You will perform complex customer service transactions such as looking up information, cash handling, problem solving, and duties involving financial and accounting, account reconciliation, accounts payable, purchasing, and tracking. This role requires independent judgment in making decisions, meeting deadlines, and reviewing documents for accuracy, completeness, and appropriate designations.

The successful candidate must communicate efficiently and develop effective working relationships with all levels of management, subordinates, and customers. The CSS1 works under general supervision and does not supervise others.

The CSS1 is an entry‑level flex opportunity in the Customer Service Center and may be reclassified to a Customer Service Specialist 2 classification after successful completion of one‑year probationary period, having demonstrated the knowledge, experience, and proficiency to perform complex customer service transactions in all service areas of the Customer Service Center.

to learn more about our Customer Service Center and how we support our community.

• 5% Bilingual incentive for qualifying candidate.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• Competitive pay.
• Employer‑paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Opportunity for voluntary pre‑tax contributions to a 457(b) account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary long‑term care.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee health clinic.
• Position schedule is Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education. We encourage you to describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Learn more about Equal Pay.

• Must pass the pre‑employment background check.
• High school graduate/GED and two years of direct customer service experience including one year of cashiering experience, or any combination of experience and training that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and the ability to perform the essential job functions.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts as assigned.
• Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, so please provide detailed information in your application that includes your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as requested in the supplemental questions and job advertisement.

• Bilingual skills preferred.

• Providing prompt, friendly, and efficient customer service to diverse communities.
• Demonstrating professional demeanor throughout customer interactions.
• Effective working relationships with all levels of management, subordinates, and customers.
• Respect, seek to understand, and value individual differences to foster and support a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Great communication…