Location: Educational Support Services – 900 Watervliet-Shaker Road

Basic Function:

The work involves responsibility for performing highly complex duties and administrative support tasks to further the overall work of the organization or program. Incumbents typically serve as a personal secretary to the head of a department or major division relieving them of administrative and business detail and resolving day-to-day operational problems. This position is distinguished from that of Secretary I by virtue of its expanded scope of program support tasks, increased level of decision-making and the relatively small amount of time spent in the operation of office equipment. The work is performed under the general supervision of an administrator with considerable leeway allowed for the use of independent judgment in carrying out the details of the work. Supervision may be exercised over the work of clerical subordinates. Does related work as required.

Responsibilities:

1. Prepares responses to letters concerning programs, policies and procedures for own or supervisor’s signature. 2. Opens, reviews and distributes incoming mail in accordance with staff assignments and attaches appropriate background material to correspondence. 3. Schedules and arranges meetings, conferences and appointments and assembles and coordinates background material. 4. Schedules and arranges travel and accommodations for senior personnel and other staff. 5. Coordinates the maintenance of and prepares agency financial, payroll, personnel and attendance records. 6. Establishes and implements office procedures and maintains efficient work flow. 7. Designs, sets up and maintains files of correspondence, documents and records. 8. Transmits instructions from supervisor to appropriate staff orally, in writing, or electronically, and follows up to see that instructions are followed and deadlines are met. 9. May supervise staff in the assignment of clerical tasks. 10. Screens callers and visitors to determine the nature of the inquiry, answers questions on established policy and procedure and/or refers to appropriate party or office. 11. Prepares reports using statistical and narrative information. 12. Monitors and tracks status of various program activities. 13. Prepares correspondence, memoranda, reports, minutes of meetings, hearings and conferences and related material. 14. Monitors expenditures to maintain budgetary controls. 15. Orders office supplies and maintains inventory of supplies and equipment. 16. Thorough knowledge of modern office terminology, procedures, equipment and business English. 17. Thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of office management and clerical processing. 18. Good knowledge of the organization, functions, laws, policies and regulations, and terminology of the agency to which assigned. 19. Ability to handle administrative details independently including the composition of letters and memoranda. 20. Ability to analyze and summarize information in both narrative and numerical form. 21. Ability to design and maintain filing systems. 22. Ability to maintain program accounts and budgetary data. 23. Ability to operate a personal computer and utilize common office software programs including word processing, spreadsheet and databases at an acceptable rate of accuracy and speed. 24. Ability to supervise and direct the work of others. 25. Ability to prepare and maintain complex records. 26. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 27. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. 28. Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Job Qualifications

OPEN-COMPETITIVE: A. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate’s degree in secretarial science or closely related field and two (2) years of clerical experience which involved the operation of a computer for word-processing, database or spreadsheet applications; OR, B. Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and four (4) years of experience as defined in (a).

PROMOTIONAL: A. Twelve (12) months’ permanent competitive status as a Secretary I; OR B. Twenty-four (24) months’ permanent competitive status as a Senior Typist or Senior Keyboard Specialist.

Vacancies are filled by certified list provided by Albany County Civil Service. Should no certified list be available, candidates appointed to this position will be serving in a provisional appointment in accordance with New York State Civil Service Law. The candidate must successfully complete a competitive examination and be eligible for appointment in accordance with Civil Service Law and the Civil Service Rules for Albany County to obtain a permanent appointment.

Position Start Date:06/10/2024

Application Deadline:06/07/2024

Civil Service Title: Secretary II

Job Number: 2024-217A2