Digital/Administrative Assistant (Administrative Assistant IV)

Job Announcement

This is an exciting time to join the Fairfax Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, as the office embarks on the ambitious criminal justice reform agenda amidst the ongoing national conversation on race and the legacy of racism in the criminal justice system. After taking office in January 2020, Commonwealth’s Attorney Descano’s initiatives have included restructuring the office to produce accountability around reforms, issuing a comprehensive policy to address mass incarceration, and the formulation of a Justice Advisory Council, among others. His passion for reform and creating an atmosphere of diversity and fairness within the office has prompted the offices to seek team members with a passion for criminal justice reform and working to address racial and socioeconomic disparities in the local justice system. This office seeks to foster a culture of inclusion and diversity, with team members who are eager to take meaningful action to spearhead and institutionalize equity initiatives.

POSITION SUMMARY:
Under direction, assists with planning, organizing and administrating public affairs and departmental communications program for a primary criminal justice mission, i.e. prosecutors, paralegals, administrative staff, legal investigators; provides assistance and support for a wide array of communications activities, including but not limited to: media relations, special events, press conferences, livestreaming events, community relations, assists with management of department website, social media accounts, e-newsletter and other duties as required. Duties will involve the use of a computer to access, develop and maintain content for social media sites and department website. Will also help others with computer-related work in clerical and administrative duties of a legal nature and related work as required.

The ideal candidate will possess digital communications experience and must be creative, goal oriented, mission driven to provide high level of quality content and positive attention to the office and its programs.

Note: The assigned functional areas of the position are general administrative support, communications, public affairs, and legal support.

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

Communication
Independently composes original correspondence (e.g., preparation of replies to non-technical requests) for the executive/work unit head's review and signature;
Coordinates data collection and provides information to others including executive/work unit head;
Explains policies of the functional area (e.g., purchasing, travel, and leave).

General Administrative
Develops filing systems (paper and/or electronic);
Develops internal mailing processes and procedures;
Prepares non-routine responses to correspondence.

Receptionist/Public Contact
Oversees or resolves non-routine/difficult situations based on knowledge and interpretation of established policies & procedures;
Interprets county rules & regulations to employees, management, and the public using discretion as to proper application.

Word Processing/Typing
Develops macros;
Serves as unit expert or lead over other clerical/administrative positions.

Information Systems/Software
Develops macros;
Creates and maintains databases;
Generates unique reports;
Creates complex spreadsheets for work unit;
Diagnoses and resolves simple software/hardware problems;
Maintains Web pages;
Designs and lays out publications using specialized software packages;
May supervise.

Reports
Prepares routine reports and statistics based on information compiled from various sources;
Determines report format and elements.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

Knowledge and understanding of the programs or activities of the unit served, as well as of the county and departmental administrative guides;
Position may require knowledge of basic principles and methods of a technical or professional field.

Math Skills
Basic math skills.

Word Processing/Typing
Intermediate skills in use of applicable Microsoft Office Word.

PC Skills
Intermediate skills in the use of applicable Microsoft Office Suite software;
Intermediate skills in the use of agency specific software applications.

Communication
Ability to communicate well through written and oral means.

Information Abilities
Ability to gather, integrate, and analyze simple data.

Interpersonal Abilities
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with both external and internal contacts.

Executive Assistance
Ability to maintain confidentiality and be sensitive to political issues.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience and training equivalent to high school graduation and three years of experience providing administrative support in the assigned functional area(s).

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Not applicable.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of the court system.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Fox It, Video Editor) and computer technology.
• Ability to work in high-volume, fast-paced office environment.
• Notary Public.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks after the last required dose) as a condition of employment or obtain approval of a medical or religious exemption prior to their start date. Proof of an exemption or vaccination status will be required during the pre-employment onboarding process. New employees who obtain an exemption from the vaccine mandate for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs may be subject to a weekly testing requirement. Vaccinated employees and employees with a medical or religious exemption will complete the attestation online on their first day of employment or shortly thereafter.
• The appointee to the position must satisfactorily complete a criminal background check.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Duties are generally sedentary in nature; however, visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor. Ability to operate keyboard driven equipment. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview

TO APPLY:
Please send a resume and cover letter to benjamin.shnider@fairfaxcounty.gov with “Digital/Administrative Assistant” in the subject line.

NOTE: The appointee of the position have a one (1) year probationary period. Employment is at-will serving at the pleasure of the Fairfax Commonwealth's Attorney.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.

Merit Positions

Fairfax County is proud to offer employees an attractive and comprehensive benefits program, including the following:

• Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
• Group Term Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• LiveWell Program
• Flexible Spending Programs
• Paid Leave (annual, sick, parental, volunteer activity, and more!)
• Paid Holidays
• Contributory Retirement Plan
• Deferred Compensation
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employees' Child Care Center
• Commuter Benefit Program
• Continuous Learning Opportunities

NOTE: Fairfax County Government is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. For more information about the PSLF program: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service