Job Description

Posting number: 17004

Department: Institute of Forensic Sciences

Division: Administration Services

Job classification: Administrative Assistant

Posting type: Open

Categories: Administration, Administrative Assistant, Clerical & Data Entry, Communications, Office and Administrative Support

Mission

The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to provide medical examiner and crime laboratory services of the highest quality in an unbiased manner with uncompromised integrity.

Vision

• To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the entire community.

• To create a technological strongpoint for legal agencies to facilitate justice in criminal and civil proceedings.

• To establish an academic environment for training in the field of Forensic Science.

Brief Administrative Assistant Overview:

The Administrative Assistant generally provides administrative and clerical support to various assigned Divisions within the Department, cross-trains to provide coverage for Administrative Coordinators in other sections, and coordinates activities with administrative staff and supervisors. This particular position will primarily work in the Records & Reports section of Administration.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides general administrative and clerical support as needed/directed. Specific responsibilities will vary depending on area of Department assigned to, but could include report proofreading, record management, scanning and/or maintaining case files and other records and documents, receiving and responding to incoming calls / emails, receiving and distributing mail to appropriate areas, providing calendar and meeting schedule support, and general customer service to coworkers and the public

• Performs data entry into various databases, including the county’s financial and human resources system and the Department’s LIMS. Disseminates reports from extracted data, constructs text reports, graphical charts, or presentations based on the data

• Assists with Department procurement and reimbursement process, including drafting and processing of purchase requests

• Processes subpoena requests, discovery requests, court appearances, and open records request to include communication with various managers, attorneys, family members, independent laboratories, and criminal justice agencies

• Cross-trains on other responsibilities to ensure coverage of administrative staff. Coordinates with other administrative staff to ensure tasks are completed in a timely and consistent manner

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Examples of duties

All applicants must register and take the HRRM Clerical Skills Test and score a minimum of 85% clerical aptitude and 40 wpm with 85% accuracy

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx/jobs/998426/hrrm-clerical-skills-test

Please see testing instructions in the General Information section below.

Education:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent from an accredited educational institution

Experience:

• At least two (2) years of administrative experience in an office setting

Licensure/ Certificates:

• Maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License and maintain ability to safely operate a motor vehicle

Additional Requirements:

• Pass Harris County Clerical Test with a score of at least 85% clerical aptitude and 40 wpm with 85% accuracy

• Must pass criminal background check and drug / alcohol screening (prior to and randomly during employment)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Professional demeanor in dealing with a diverse set of outside callers and coworkers; desire to make customer service a priority

• Strong written and oral communication skills, ability to multi-task and adjust priorities as needed

• Attention to detail and ability to anticipate needs of others

• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office

NOTE Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Qualifications

Education:

• Associate degree OR 60 credit hours of college OR high school diploma plus a professional secretary or equivalent certificate (preferred)

Experience:

• Experience in a medical office, laboratory, or law enforcement agency (preferred)

Supplemental information

Register Online for the HRRM Clerical Skills Test using the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx/jobs/998426/hrrm-clerical-skills-test

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

• Full-Time | 40 hours per week | In Office

• Monday – Friday

Work Environment:

• Office setting

Potential Exposures:

• The Institute of Forensic Sciences provides medical examiner and crime lab services for Harris County. The work performed is sensitive and serious and routinely deals with criminal evidence and deaths of adults and children that resulted from violence, natural disease, or other causes. While this position won’t have any direct contact with evidence or decedents, there will be exposure which may be emotionally taxing

Physical Demands:

• Sedentary work. Requires physical strength to push, pull, and lift up to 20 pounds frequently and repeatedly

• Must be physically able to sit or stand for extended periods

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.