Office Specialist I - Anticipated Vacancy - State of Maine : Job Details

Department of Defense, Veterans & Emergency Management Job Class Code: 6546 Grade: 16/Administrative Services Salary: $18.76-$27.03/HourLocation: Augusta - Camp Keyes Opening Date: November 20, 2024 Closing Date: December 6, 2024 The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services is excited to hire an Office Specialist I with our Central Office in Augusta at Camp Keyes. This is a front office position within our Central Office with the following duties: Responsibilities include conducting initial interviews to determine the nature of benefits sought by the veteran and/or family member, providing scheduling appointments for senior staff and veterans services officers, making determinations on eligibility for state programs such as Honorable Service Veteran Recognition, Veterans State Park and Museum Pass, and Disabled Veterans Hunting and Fishing License program, and establish eligibility for Veterans Dependent Education Benefits (VDEB) program among other services. This position represents MBVS at outreach events and will require occasional travel. Additionally, this position provides phone coverage to various field and cemetery offices as needed. This position is responsible for performing a variety of complex modern office tasks, as well as the use of client management software that requires independent judgment and action, including making frequent decisions following department policy and procedures. Primary responsibilities include:

• Employees of this class are expected to carry out assignments with minimal supervisory assistance:
• Primary for the Veterans Dependent Education Benefit for program management, liaison between the Bureau and the Maine College System, and determine dependent eligible
• Primary for Central Office front desk, including greeting the public, answering phones, interacting with other agencies within Camp Keyes, and processing mail
• Determine eligible and issue certificates or licenses for Bureau programs such as Honorable Service Veteran Recognition, Veterans State Park and Museum Pass, and Disabled Veterans Hunting and Fishing License program
• Manage schedules for the Central Office, such as the Central Office Conference Room, the Bureau Director, or other Senior Staff as needed
• Document all customer interactions with the Bureau's client management software.
• Draft and proof business correspondence
• Maintains and orders quarterly office supplies

Skills or knowledge required:

• Knowledge of human resources practices and employee benefits.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and equipment related to data input and output quality control
• Ability to conduct research, gather information, and analyze results to reach a conclusion
• Ability to oversee and maintain inventory/supplies
• Ability to review input/output of information from electronic information systems and develop/implement quality control standards for data input structures and output quality assurance
• Ability to write clear and comprehensive reports.
• Ability to develop and recommend new work methods and administrative policies/procedures
• Ability to understand and promote management goals as they affect day-to-day operations

Minimum qualifications: Training, education, or experience in office and administrative support work that demonstrates 1) competency in applying a proficient knowledge of modern office practices to perform advanced administrative support tasks requiring specialized skills, and 2) the ability to use independent judgment, initiative, and discretion to make determinations on varied matters. All positions in this classification assume the qualifications of: Office Assistant I, Office Assistant II, Office Associate I and Office Associate II. LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class.) Some positions may require possession of a valid Class B Maine Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Contact information: Questions about this position should be directed to Steven Lanning [email protected] Application Instructions: Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the Apply for this opening button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. If you require a paper application, please download and print one here or contact our office at 207-###-####. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or faxed to 207-###-####. Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included. Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date. Benefits of working for the State of Maine: No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto- Dirigo or I lead -as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage - The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan - The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.09% for Confidential employees.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time. There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you're looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we'd love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Thinking about applying? Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you're currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.