Description

The Office of Secretary of State (OSOS) offers some of the most unique and diverse job opportunities in state government. Its critical responsibilities include ensuring a fair and accurate elections process; connecting Washingtonians through the power of libraries; protecting our important government records; and registering corporations and charities. The Secretary of State also administers vital community programs that inspire giving, document our history, and assist crime survivors in avoiding further abuse. This independent office under the state Constitution operates from facilities in the Olympia area and statewide.

The OSOS is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values of integrity, service excellence, visionary leadership, collaboration and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance. The benefits of working in state government also include potential eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

The Washington State Library connects people to the power of libraries. As Washington's oldest cultural institution, the library's unique and rare collections date back to territorial days. Resources include historical print and digital compilations, collections of state newspapers and maps, state and federal government publications, and the Ask-a-Librarian service.

The library benefits local libraries and their patrons through its consulting services, grants, subsidies, training, and programming. Additionally, the Washington State Library provides services to state prison and state hospital libraries. OSOS also operates the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) in Seattle, a library for people unable to read standard print.

The mission of the Washington State Library is to connect Washington through the power of libraries. The Library builds prosperous and informed communities by providing technology, access to information, resources, and professional support. This position reports to the Deputy State Librarian, assists with move preparation projects, and provides customer service.

Please note: Interviews for this position will be conducted on an on-going basis, with first review of applications to begin on November 9, 2022 . It is in the candidate's best interest to apply as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at any time.

Duties

Move Preparation Projects
Tasks include:

• Works on projects involving collection materials. Tasks may include, but are not limited to, searching the library catalog, data entry, checking the shelves to find out if something is owned and if so, the condition of the item, comparing items to what is on the shelf collection maintenance activities, and/or processing items for the collection
• Works on other projects to prepare staff for moving

Customer Service
Tasks include:

• Provides backup coverage for the lobby service point
• Acts as the building receptionist and manages the main building phone line
• Greets visitors, assesses their needs, and refers them to the appropriate Library or OSOS staff person, OSOS division, state agency, or other organization
• Responds to basic, routine customer inquiries regarding library services, program areas, processes, policies, procedures, and materials, as well as basic, routine information requests. Refers customers to reference service areas or staff for further information when appropriate
• Logs customers in to the quick use computer and answers questions about computer use-related policies
• Assists library customers with the circulation system by phone and in person
• Explains library card registration procedures and assists customers with completion of registration forms
• Reviews and verifies library card applications and issues library cards
• Enters and updates customer information in the circulation system
• Assists customers with check-in, checkout, renewal, and/or holding of library materials; overdue, claims returned, and lost library materials; and payment of fines for lost or damaged library materials
• Maintains a safe and organized lobby area
• Accepts package deliveries for OSOS mailroom staff in their absence
• Provides backup pager coverage and retrieves collection materials upon request

Miscellaneous
Tasks include:

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires sitting for long periods of time each day interspersed with periods of physical activity while working in a library/office environment with public contact. The core hours are Monday - Friday from 8 AM-5 PM. Regular travel between the Washington State Library building and the Annex in Tumwater will be required. This position uses standard office equipment such as a computer, fax, copier, and phone. The incumbent works with both internal and external customers, some who may be angry, distraught, or frustrated, by phone, email, and in person. The incumbent must be able to lift up to 40lbs as well as be able to stand, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, grasp, climb on and off of stepstools, push and pull fully loaded book carts, lift, carry, and crank compact shelving handles, with or without reasonable accommodation.

All employees at the Office of the Secretary of State must be fully vaccinated and show proof againgst COVID-19. Your vaccine status will be verified by Human Resources prior to your first day of employment. Please contact HR Consultant, Human Resources at hr@sos.wa.gov if you need information on medical or religious accommodation.

HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this position you must attach the following documents:

• Resume
• A letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position description and the required and preferred/desired qualifications.
• Three professional references. Personal references will not be accepted.
• You must complete the supplemental questions at the end of this application. Incomplete responses such as "see resume" will not be considered. In addition, if the employer you identify in the additional information section is not included on your resume or work experience profile, you will not receive credit.
• All veterans must include a copy of your DD214(or NGB22 etc.) to receive preference in the hiring process. You must redact your social security number before attaching it to your application.
• All employees of the Office of the Secretary of State are required to be fully vaccinated and show proof against COVID-19.
• Willingness to sign a confidentiality statement.

The Office of the Secretary of State is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, age, sex, marital status, race, color, creed, national origin, political affiliation, military status, sexual orientation, or any real or perceived sensory, mental or physical ability. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this announcement in alternative format, should call (360) 704-5210.

Supplemental Information

Required Qualifications:

• 
  One year of experience in the functional operations of a library
• Ability to read and effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, using the English language
• Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position
• Attention to detail

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Experience providing customer service to the public, clients, or customers
• Knowledge of and experience with the Dewey Decimal and/or Superintendent of Documents (SuDoc) classification systems
• Experience working with library collections, including shelving, shifting, shelf-reading and other stacks maintenance activities
• Knowledge of state and federal government agencies