Customer Service Specialist - Health Department

This position is open until 07/08/2025.

This position greets and provides prompt and courteous assistance to the public both in person and over the telephone and accurately receives and processes payments from the public and provides receipts for fees collected at the Health Department. This position may serve as the Chief Deputy Registrar or Deputy Registrar for vital records and performs general clerical, data entry and customer service duties to support the department's operations. This position is fully in-person at the Cowlitz County Health and Human Services location in Longview, WA.

This position requires applicants to pass a test - NCRC Work Keys - no later than 07/11/2025.

• Clerical Exam:

Applicant must pass Level 4 (Silver Level) or higher of each of the three (3) ACT/Work Keys - National Career Readiness Test (NCRC). Cowlitz County has partnered with Lower Columbia College (LCC) in Longview, WA, to facilitate the testing process. Test scores are good for 5 years. Test Cost is $90. LCC Testing is available 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday and closed on LCC observed holidays. Testing is available by appointment only.

Applicants must take the NCRC tests no later than 3 business days after the job announcement closes.

To schedule testing, individuals can register at : www.registerblast.com/lowercolumbia or call the Testing Center directly at ...

Benefits Information:

Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision (includes dependent coverage)
• VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
• Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
• Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
• Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Reasonable work hours

The County:

Cowlitz County is a great place to live and work. Located along the Columbia River less than an hour from the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Cowlitz County provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and easy access to the Arts. The I-5 corridor runs right through Cowlitz County providing quick access to the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas.

Cashier/Receptionist:

• Perform customer service at the front counter by greeting the public in a timely, courteous and professional manner. Determine their needs, answer questions and provide information, which may include obtaining assistance from other staff, or direct them to the appropriate staff, department or agency.
• Answer the multiple-line telephone system in a timely and professional manner. Assist or answer the caller's inquiry, or screen and transfer caller to the appropriate staff, to their phone mail or take complete and accurate message. Deliver messages in a timely manner. Otherwise, assist or guide callers to the appropriate County department or agency.
• Ensure that clients/establishments are charged properly according to the fee schedule adopted by the BOCC.
• Receive customer payments and other monies at the front counter, and issue accurate and complete receipts. Balance the cash drawer at the front counter, keeping the drawer locked at all times when not in use and safeguarding the key's location.
• Ensure that billing information is entered in the Accounts Receivables billing system. Input correct data, as needed, into the system to ensure proper billings and recordkeeping.
• Assist with accurately sorting and distributing incoming and outgoing mail in a timely manner.
• Maintain records and databases that require sorting, compilation and classification, including data entry.
• Serve as the Petty Cash administrator by dispensing petty cash to employees according to Health Department policies and procedures. Reconcile account in a timely manner ensuring adequate cash available at all times. Administer dispensation and receipt of the department credit cards.
• Collaborate with other administrative staff when needed to prepare the paperwork, documents, charts and folders used for medical records. Ensure the safekeeping, confidentiality and accessibility, in accordance with industry practices and legal standards related to patient privacy.
• Perform a wide range of other office duties to assist the operation and administration of the department such as copying, faxing, and assisting in preparing reports or special projects.

Vital Records:

• Process death certificates and burial transit permits in the electronic system and on paper as appropriate.
• Fulfill birth and death certificate orders.
• Enter all birth and death certificate charges into the accounts receivable system.
• Ensure the safeguard and security of the certified paper and stamps used for birth and death certificates.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings. Communicate ideas to improve overall department and position performance and processes. Perform other duties or special projects as assigned by the supervisor.
• Attend job-related conferences, training or user groups meetings as authorized by the supervisor.

Other Duties:

• Provide back-up support to other administrative staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or Director, including assisting accounting and clinical staff with projects.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must Pass Level 4 (Silver Level) of each of the 3 ACT/Work Keys - National Career Readiness Tests (NCRC) through Lower Columbia College (LCC) by 07/11/2025 (see above for more details).
• One (1) year of experience working in an office clerical position. Experience must include accounting or bookkeeping duties; skilled use of 10-key; administering a cash drawer or cashiering; filing and records management; Computer data entry; and the use of personal computer for office applications using word processing, database and spreadsheet software.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Good math skills and knowledge of basic accounting and bookkeeping principles.
• Skilled in modern record management practices.
• Good interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously deal with and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other county employees and the general public.
• Work in a multi-task work environment, with frequent interruptions and distractions. Detail oriented and ability to organize and file accurately. Able to set and organize duties and set priorities to meet deadlines.
• Initiative to take action and be self-motivated. Work well independently as well as in a team or cooperative setting.
• Communicate in a professional business-like manner, both orally and in writing. Portray a professional image and attitude.
• Proficient and accurate in data entry into computer information systems.
• Proficient at handling cash and issuing correct receipts, and accurately make change and balance daily.
• Maintain confidentiality of restricted or private information and effectively handle sensitive matters.
• The ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.