Customer Service Specialist

<p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify">The purpose of this classification is to perform specialized administrative work while providing customer service for customers within assigned department, to include serving and assisting customers, establishing/maintaining accounts, receiving payments, generating work orders, processing related documentation, maintaining departmental databases, communicating with other organizations and meeting all mandated guidelines.</p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><strong>The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.</strong></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;">Coordinates daily work activities of assigned duties: Confers with supervisor to obtain direction regarding work assignments and priorities; organizes tasks in order to complete assigned work; monitors status of work in progress; confers with co-workers, assists each other with complex/problem situations, and provides technical expertise; assists with training and instructing co-workers regarding operational procedures and proper use of equipment. </p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;">Performs complex research of department files, database records, electronic data records, or other sources as necessary; analyzes information to better assist customers. </p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;">Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; performs data entry functions by keying data into computer; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, case management, calendar, internet, e-mail or other programs.</p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;">Performs customer service functions; answers telephone calls, responds to emails, responds to faxes,  and assists customers in person; ascertains nature of business, directs callers/visitors to appropriate personnel, and records/relays messages; retrieves messages from voice mail or answering machine; initiates and returns calls as necessary, provides assistance and information related to applicable services, accounts, procedures, forms, fees, problems, or other issues; assists customers with service requests; responds to questions, complaints, or requests for specific service(s); researches problems and initiates problem resolution and completes the research cycle to return call to customer; and assists in resolving issues involving upset customers. </p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;">Establishes and maintains customer accounts; receives applications for service; sets up new accounts in computer following current county or departmental policy; updates account information as appropriate; receives and records deposits; coordinates payment arrangements; prepares various account adjustments. </p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;">Receives moneys in payment of a variety of deposits, bills, or other fees/services; records transactions and issues receipts; posts payments to proper account on computer; prepares daily deposit reports; maintains cash drawer and balances revenues.</p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;">Maintains spreadsheets and updates databases with current information as assigned and including balance request, disconnect list, leak adjustments; enters information from orders or other data sources into spreadsheet and database; enters the results from service tests and inspections into spreadsheet.</p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;">Maintains file system of various files/records for the department/division; prepares and sets up files; sorts/organizes documents to be filed; files documents in designated order; retrieves/replaces files;</p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;">Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail. </p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;">Processes a variety of documentation and complaint questions associated with department/division operations, per established procedures and within designated timeframes receives, reviews, records, types, and/or distributes documentation; enters data into computer systems; logs, tracks, or maintains records regarding department activities; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.</p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;">Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, work orders, deposit reports, receipts, invoices, renewal notices, cash balance reports, account reports, or other documents. </p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;">Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, payments, applications, refund requests, customer account records, invoices, policies, procedures, regulations, manuals, directories, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate. </p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;">Operates a personal computer, fax machine, copy machine, general office equipment, or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, Internet, or other computer applications; performs basic maintenance of computer system and office equipment, such as backing up data, replacing toner, or refilling paper. </p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;">Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, contractors, customers, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. </p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;">Performs basic maintenance of computer system and general office equipment, such as backing up data or replacing paper, ink, or toner; coordinates service/repair activities as needed.</p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;">Maintains confidentiality of departmental documentation and issues.</p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><strong>ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS </strong></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;">Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed; performs other related duties as required. </p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><strong>Assignment to Business License may include the following additional duties:</strong></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;">Assists citizens with applications for business license and with yearly renewals. Assists with alcohol licensing and creation of server cards. Assists citizens with Customer Service Self Portal and other online resources.  Works with Zoning Inspector to ensure businesses are in compliance with County policy & ordinances.</p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0; text-align: justify;">High school diploma or GED; supplemented by two (2) years previous experience and/or training involving customer service, utility billing, accounts receivable, general office work, data entry, and personal computer operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Typing speed of 30 wpm preferred.  </p>

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Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...