Please note that this position is a competitive civil service title and will require a civil service examination in the future. This is a provisional appointment, made under the provisions of New York State Civil Service Law. Candidates must take and pass the examination and be reachable for permanent appointment(s) from the eligible list, in accordance with the Rule of Three. Provisional employees may only retain their appointment if they are among the reachable candidates following the examination process.
Position Overview
The Erie County Personnel Department is seeking a detail-oriented and organized individual to join our team as a Personnel Clerk. This position involves supervising and participating in various personnel-related clerical duties, including processing personnel forms, maintaining records, and supporting human resources functions. The Personnel Clerk will work under the general supervision of a higher-ranking administrative employee and may oversee other clerical staff.
Key Responsibilities
- Process personnel transactions such as appointments, promotions, transfers, reinstatements, leaves without pay, resignations, and maintain employee records.
- Work cooperatively with the County Personnel Office to interpret and apply personnel and Civil Service rules.
- Canvass Civil Service eligible lists and publicize Civil Service announcements.
- Act as an information clerk to address general personnel and benefit inquiries.
- Process health benefits transactions, including COBRA, and manage Workers' Compensation and unemployment claims.
- Provide clerical support to the Public Employee Safety and Health Committee.
- Prepare Federal and State-mandated reports as required.
- Operate alpha-numeric keyboards to transcribe data directly into computer systems.
- Assist with preparation of data for collective bargaining negotiations.
- Interpret union contract provisions related to personnel matters.
- May interview applicants for clerical positions.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma.
- Three (3) years of satisfactory office experience, including two (2) years of responsible personnel clerical experience.
Note: Verifiable part-time and/or volunteer experience will be pro-rated toward meeting the full-time experience requirement.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Good knowledge of personnel transaction procedures and attendance rules.
- Working knowledge of Civil Service Law and related rules and regulations.
- Ability to explain laws, rules, regulations, and employee benefits clearly to agency employees.
- Proficiency in preparing correspondence related to the employment process.
- Competence in operating micro-computers and/or computer terminals.
- Ability to interpret written materials such as Civil Service Laws, employee contracts, and benefits information.
- Strong clerical aptitude, good judgment, and effective communication skills.
- Tact, courtesy, and professionalism in all interactions.
- Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Compensation and Benefits
- Starting Salary: $46,627 annually (CSEA Job Group 6).
- Health and Dental Insurance: Comprehensive coverage provided through the Labor Management Health Fund.
- Work/Life Balance:
- Holidays Off: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas.
- Vacation Time: Ten days of paid vacation time in your first year.
- Sick Leave: 15 days of sick leave accumulated annually.
- Personal Leave: Four days of personal leave annually after one year of continuous service.
- Retirement Plan: Membership in the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS).
- Deferred Compensation: Option to participate in a 457(b) plan for retirement savings.
- Career Advancement: Advancement opportunities are available through the civil service process.
Application Process
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter to:
David Nitsche
Department of Personnel
95 Franklin Street, Room 604
Buffalo, NY 14202
Email: david.nitsche@erie.gov
Please include the job title "Personnel Clerk" in the subject line of your email.
Erie County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to workplace diversity.
Join our team and contribute to the success of Erie County’s workforce!