Job # 2008-44 | Information Specialist I**

TWC Job #: 8051453
Opening Date:04/03/2008
Closing Date: Until Filled
Travel Required: N/A
Monthly Salary: $2,583.33
Position Location:1100 San Jacinto, State Insurance Bldg.
Group Step: B6
Class:1830

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Under supervision of the Director of Constituent Communications, performs routine information, basic research and information assistance duties, in accordance with approved procedures associated with timely processing, review, response and forwarding of incoming constituent and ceremonial requests. Works responsive to senior leadership provided by senior program specialists, including Writers, Editors and other Information Specialists. Performs routine research as required to respond to constituent inquiries. Provides “fresh eyes” proofreading support as requested and assists in handling incoming calls, correspondence and visitors. Works within assigned timelines. Assists in training other staff in following approved policies and production procedures. Assists other department and/or agency personnel as assigned. May assist in updating department procedures and drafting or updating web content as authorized. Performs all other related duties as assigned, including hands-on assistance with mailings when required. Through careful editing and proofreading, assists senior writers ensuring that all internal and external correspondence, reports, presentations and materials are well-written, grammatically correct and accessible. Fully uses a wide range of reference and research tools and consults with subject matter experts where necessary. Effectively uses the Internet and other information technology resources to accomplish business objectives. Corrects basic spelling, typographical and grammatical errors (proofreading), and checks accuracy of facts presented in accordance with departmental style and formatting consistency. Successfully performs several functions in tandem working within tight deadlines in a highly demanding environment. Performs all other related duties as assigned, including hands-on assistance with mailings if required to meet a departmental deadline. The Office of the Governor retains discretion to modify and/or change the duties of all positions at any time. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assists the division in meeting specific production and customer service outcomes, including timely logging and sorting incoming inquiries and performing routine research as required. Works according to division policies and procedures.
• Assists in drafting department correspondence according to the approved agency format.
• Performs data entry and mail merges as required. Demonstrates personal computer proficiency in a Windows environment and using Microsoft Office Suite products. Formats and maintains spreadsheets, databases, and other internal reports. Documents sources of data. Compiles, synthesizes, and manipulates data. Formats, keyboards, proofreads, and edits department correspondence, press releases, copy, and other materials. Assembles and collates attachments and corresponding materials where required. Reviews outgoing correspondence for completeness, content, dates and signatures.
• Conducts data searches as required, including responsive to external inquiries. Cross-trains other department staff in use of the database as authorized.
• Performs general office, administrative and professional functions incidental to division activities, including: answering and screening constituent phone calls, providing customer assistance verbally and/or in writing, responding to other requests for information and technical assistance, screening and responding to mail.
• Performs all other related work as assigned, including as may be required to assist in other areas of the Constituent Communications Division.
• Establishes and maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned. Provides technical, administrative and general office support to other areas of the department, including the Information and Referral function and Ceremonial Services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate for this position will be a college graduate with an undergraduate degree in English, Journalism, Business, Communication, Public Relations, or a related discipline and possess one (1) year of program support responsibilities relevant to providing information and technical assistance in a high-volume, customer-focused environment. Experience and education may be substituted for each other. Position requires a disciplined and highly dependable individual who is capable of performing efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Candidate must clearly demonstrate proficiency and knowledge of proper English grammar, punctuation, spelling, language use, and standards of business writing. Also requires proficient data entry, word processing, business correspondence formatting, merges, Internet research, database management, spreadsheets and other electronic communications and software expertise. Must be able to follows instructions and communicate and/or document clear and concisely worded information. Demonstrates proficient use of automated information tracking systems and advanced used of Microsoft Officer Suite products, including Word, Access, Excel and PowerPoint.

APPLICANT INFORMATION:

To apply, you may request a uniform state application from the Office of the Governor Human Resources Division, State Insurance Building, 1100 San Jacinto, Room 2.300, Austin, Texas, 78701. If required in this posting, copies of college transcripts must be provided concurrent with application for further applicant consideration. For additional information, please call 512- 463-5873, or visit our agency’s website at www.governor.state.tx.us. Dial 7-1-1 for Relay Services.

The Office of the Governor is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires all new employees to present proof of eligibility to work in the United States within three (3) days of being hired. Male candidates between 18 and 25 years of age are required to show proof of Selective Service registration (or exemption) prior to an offer of employment being extended. Such proof is not required to be filed with an application but must be provided upon request by the Human Resources office. For additional information pertaining to Selective Service registration, you may visit:http://www.sss.gov/

Notice to Applicants Who May Require Reasonable Accommodation in the Interview Process

Applicants with disabilities who may need to discuss special accommodations during the interview process should contact 512-463-5873 and ask to speak to the Office of the Governor’s Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator in the Human Resources Department. If reasonably possible, please call at least 48 hours in advance to afford our representative and the hiring division sufficient time to properly review and coordinate your request.