| Location | Santa Clara, CA |
| Salary | $62,393.76–$75,206.56 Per Year |
Office Specialist III
Salary
$62,393.76 - $75,206.56 Annually
Location
Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
26-D09-A
Department
County-Wide Recruitment
Opening Date
10/01/2026
Closing Date
10/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit
02
Description
Under limited supervision, to perform a wide variety of moderately complex and responsible assignments requiring comprehensive knowledge of subject matter, organizational activities and operations.
WRITTEN EXAM REQUIRED: Applicants who meet the employment standards will be invited to take a written examination. The examination is tentatively scheduled for the week of November 2, 2026. Examination date(s) may change based on the number of applicants.
Typical Tasks
Furnishes public, departments and agencies with information by searching for and abstracting technical data, giving explanations of laws, regulations, policies or procedures, sending materials, and composing routine letters; may respond to inquiries via electronic mail;
Assists visitors and callers about locations, functions and services of departments. Exercises considerable judgment, discretion and interpretive ability in determining the needs of callers and visitors to direct them to appropriate offices or personnel;
Extracts technical and statistical data for entry into computer system; performs research to complete input as needed;
Prepares a variety of correspondence, forms, legal documents, reports, articles, technical specifications, memoranda, resolutions, minutes of meetings or hearings from a dictation machine, clear copy, notes or instructions, where knowledge of format and presentation is necessary;
Takes and relays messages for department office or personnel; returns phone calls as needed or refers message to appropriate office or personnel;
Maintains subject or numerical files in a standard equipment or computer system; classifies material and prepares new file folders or database as needed; may perform record maintenance of activities of a unit including work received, status of work, work completed and renewal action required;
Identifies potentially dangerous or disturbed persons and takes appropriate action according to office policies and procedures;
Performs variety of clerical duties including copying and assembling materials, collecting and distributing mail, answering phones, faxing documents and other related tasks;
Performs payroll activities such as maintaining records of time worked, overtime, leaves and absences;
Orders office supplies and equipment by preparing requisition and purchase orders, and checking prices and extensions;
Creates and maintains a database for case tracking, retrieval of information, and maintenance of computer files; performs research to complete database as needed;
Schedules meetings, appointments, rooms, and training for both staff and clients; maintains schedules of activities and location of staff members as required;
Coordinates billing, accounts payable and inventory; maintains records of transactions by issuing receipts, permits, passes, releases, and licenses; checks, computes and collects fees, and may maintain control over petty cash;
Interviews patients/clients to secure basic personal, financial and medical data as necessary; performs research and updates on client status from folder files or computer files;
May offer orientation and answer procedural questions for new employees and coworkers;
Reviews and corrects documents, records, and forms for accuracy, completeness, and conformance to applicable rules and regulations;
Prepares statistical summaries for billing purposes, work activity of unit, technical data and reports;
Operates standard office equipment; performs simple troubleshooting and maintenance;
Performs other related duties as required.
Employment Standards
Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:
Experience Note: The knowledge and abilities required to perform this function are normally acquired through training and experience equivalent to the possession of a high school diploma and 2 years work experience performing a wide variety of clerical duties, or one (1) year work experience equivalent to that of a Santa Clara County Office Specialist II.
Knowledge of:
Office practices and procedures, including filing systems, financial record keeping, reference sources and preparation of correspondence and reports;
English vocabulary, grammar, spelling, punctuation and style/format;
Customer services principles, including the handling of irate and distressed people;
Computer applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet and/or database;
Basic mathematics to perform simple calculations and statistical reports;
Telephone procedures and etiquette.
Ability to:
Deal tactfully with members of the public often under stressful conditions;
Communicate effectively in providing information and assisting callers and visitors;
Use a keyboard with moderate speed and a high level of accuracy;
Use discretion in organizing activities and set priorities;
Prepare concise reports;
Analyze information and materials and formulate conclusions;
Interpret and apply specific laws and ordinances, office policies and procedures;
Effectively organize activities and prioritize to meet deadlines;
Operate standard office equipment.
Departments may selectively recruit for typing speed up to 50 Net WPM, depending on departmental need.
The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more here.
The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.
In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.
Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the CalPERS pension plan. In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.
Health Flexible Spending Account
The Health Flexible Spending Account (HFSA) empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.
Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the Employee Childcare Assistance Plan, an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.
Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Long-Term Disability insurance, California State Disability Insurance, and Integration with Leave. These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.
Employee Wellness
The Employee Wellness Program offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.
Education Reimbursement
A generous Learning and Employee Development program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.
NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.
Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01
Please answer the following questions: The completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED for your application and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine the minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. Please include the name of the employer, job title, dates of employment, and number of hours worked per week for questions asking about your experience. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete.
Do you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?
02
Do you possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent?
03
How many years of experience do you have in performing a wide variety of clerical duties?
04
Describe your experience performing a wide variety of clerical duties. For each position, provide the name of the employer, job title, dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and a description of your duties and responsibilities. If you do not have experience, please indicate N/A.
05
Do you possess a minimum of one year of experience that is equivalent to an Office Specialist II classification in the County of Santa Clara? To view the job specification, please click here Office Specialist II job specification
06
Describe your experience equivalent to an Office Specialist II classification in the County of Santa Clara. For each position, provide the name of the employer, job title, dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and a description of your duties and responsibilities. If you do not have experience, please indicate N/A.
07
Are you willing to travel to different offices or work locations throughout the county, as needed?
08
Are you willing to work weekends, holidays, and/or odd or unusual hours on an as- needed basis?
09
Are you willing to work on a part-time basis?
10
The list established will be used for full-time and temporary extra help assignments. Are you willing to accept a temporary extra help assignment?
11
Some positions require working in a locked facility. Are you willing to work in this type of environment?
12
I understand that for some departments, I am required to pass an extensive background investigation prior to appointment. Do you understand this requirement?
13
Select all computer applications that you are proficient in using. Proficient is the ability to utilize with an intermediate or advanced level of understanding and competency.
14
Describe your experience using the computer applications you selected above. Include the application/program name, your level of proficiency (basic, intermediate, or advanced,) how frequently you use it, and the types of tasks you perform. If not applicable, please indicate N/A.
15
Select all languages in which you are fluent.
16
If you selected "Other," please specify the language. If not applicable, please indicate N/A.
17
For each language selected, please indicate your level of proficiency. If you are proficient in more than one language, select your highest level of proficiency. Bilingual Positions: Candidates selected for a bilingual position must successfully pass a language proficiency examination prior to appointment.
18
Please complete this survey carefully. Your responses help us better understand your interests and may determine whether you are referred to a specific department and/or location. Please select all location(s) where you are willing to work.
19
How did you find out/hear about this job?
20
If you selected an event/fair or other in the question above, please specify here. If not, please indicate N/A.
Required Question
Employer County of Santa Clara
Address 70 W. Hedding Street
8th Floor, East Wing
San Jose, California, 95110
Phone (408) 299-6816
Website http://www.sccjobs.org/