Office Specialist; and Promotional

Job Summary

Senior, most experienced level in the general office support classification series. This position is not an entry level role. Office Specialists provide complex, technical, or specialized clerical services across departments. They are experts in all aspects of general office support functions, performing difficult clerical tasks, answering complex questions, creating and proofreading correspondence, entering data, preparing reports, gathering materials for meetings, making travel arrangements, ordering supplies, managing files, and serving as a backup for absent clerical co‑workers.

• Perform difficult, complex technical and/or specialized office support work requiring independent judgment and knowledge of detailed activities.
• Research and assemble information from a variety of sources for forms or reports; make arithmetic or statistical calculations.
• Provide information to the public or County staff requiring judgment and interpretation of policies, rules, and procedures.
• Organize, maintain, and purge departmental files.
• Type correspondence, reports, forms, and specialized documents from drafts or brief instructions using a computer.
• Proofread and check typed and other materials for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with departmental policies and regulations.
• Enter, edit, and retrieve data; prepare and review reports using an online or personal computer system.
• Oversee and personally perform administrative tasks such as preparing purchase requisitions, arranging equipment repairs, transmitting information, and keeping reference materials up to date.
• Act as receptionist: receive and screen visitors and telephone calls and direct callers appropriately.
• May train others in work procedures or direct the work of others on a project or relief basis.
• Provide off‑hours support as required.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Office administrative practices and procedures, including filing and operation of standard office equipment.
• Basic business data processing principles and use of word processing or personal computing equipment.
• Policies and procedures related to the department to which assigned.
• Proper form for typed materials.
• Business arithmetic, including percentages and decimals.
• Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Record‑keeping principles and procedures.
• Perform technical, specialized, complex, or difficult office support work.
• Organize, prioritize, and coordinate work activities.
• Read, interpret, and apply rules, policies, and procedures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Compose routine correspondence from brief instructions.
• Make arithmetic calculations with speed and accuracy.
• Use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Operate standard office equipment, including a word processor, personal or online computer, and centralized telephone equipment.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is one year of journey‑level office support experience.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.