Environmental Health Office Technician

Benton-Franklin Health District; Kennewick (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Benton-Franklin Health District is seeking an Environmental Health Office Technician to support environmental health programs, assist with applications and permits, and manage billing and client accounts. The role requires strong clerical skills, customer service, and attention to detail in handling records and reports.

The position involves front office tasks, data entry, and collaboration with staff to ensure program compliance and timely processing of environmental health services.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; two years of college preferred.
• Two years of clerical/office administration experience for Technician I or II.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word/Excel; familiarity with data entry and records management.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and technical support for environmental health applications and permits.
• Assist clients with applications, renewals, and billing inquiries; prepare billing and manage client accounts.
• Maintain electronic data and file management systems; generate complex reports as needed.]
• Provide front office oversight including mail handling, supply stocking, and inventory management.
• Capture meeting minutes or summaries for staff, committees, or community partners.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Record keeping

Verbal communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Some college courses (2 years preferred)

Tools

10-key calculator

Job description

General Summary:

Under the supervision of Environmental Health Management, provide administrative and technical support services to Department staff by performing a variety of tasks such as oversight and review of environmental health applications, permitting, reports and complaints. Prepares and manages environmental health billing and oversees client account management. Screens technical issues brought forth by environmental health clientele and provides excellent customer service and Program or Department specific information to business, schools, and the public. Employees are expected to maintain an understanding of food, water, sewage, and vector-borne communicable diseases to assist clients in navigating environmental health support services and maintain a basic understanding of environmental health rules and regulations. Typically supports department staff and upper-level management.

Essential Duties May Include But Are Not Limited To

• Comprehend and apply relevant rules, regulations, and agency functions related to Environmental Health applications and permits.
• Assist clients with applications and renewals for Environmental Health permits and services. Provide technical support, review, and troubleshooting during the permitting process by providing relevant information and resources. Ensures compliance with regulations and requirements during the application and permitting process.
• Track and communicate with operators attending reoccurring and large temporary events.
• Performs intake for environmental health complaints and may work with the public, clients, or other departmental personnel to provide information to ensure compliance and an understanding of rules, regulations, or agency functions. May assist with illness or complaint investigations as requested by the assigned Departmental staff or Supervisor.
• Prepares billing for Environmental Health programs. Manage client accounts, including invoicing, payments, billing inquiries, and account closure. Works with the Billing Department to track and reconcile Environmental Health accounts.
• Generate billing reports and statements to Departmental staff or clients as needed.
• Prepare and maintain documentation related to client interactions, permitting processes, and billing activities.
• Maintains electronic data and file management systems and produces complex reports from database as required and necessary; uses spreadsheets to track, analyze and report quantitative information.
• Utilizes a variety of internal computer applications, creates templates, macros, presentation materials, slides, charts, graphics, spreadsheets, memos, forms, reports and correspondence.
• Prepares clear, professional correspondence to clients related to billing, enforcement, and various Environmental Health memos.
• Work with Records Management staff to establish and maintain a systematic record-keeping system, including physical and digital records.
• Organizes and maintains subject matter files and records and retrieves information, files, documents, and records as needed. Assures that record disposition schedules are adhered to and that files are kept orderly and current.
• Provides front office oversight for Environmental Health. Includes managing opening and closing procedures, sorting mail, stocking supplies and applications, purchasing and inventory management for front office supplies. May provide Department or Program staff support with requisition of program or office supplies.
• Responsible for departmental support; takes minutes and/or business summaries during staff, committee or community partner meetings.
• Maintain current knowledge and comply with all RCW's, HIPPA regulations and department/agency policies and procedures to protect the privacy and security of protected health information and confidential information.
• Maintain and apply a thorough understanding of food, water, sewage and vector-borne communicable diseases to work situations that are varied as well as routine.
• Assist with shipping biological or laboratory specimens as needed.
• Respond public health emergency drills/exercises or actual events if requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Ability to interpret and explain basic regulations; and write clear correspondence.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, coworkers, and the public.
• Knowledge in general office practices, including cash handling and ability to reconcile data.
• Knowledge of computers and various software programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel preferred.
• Ability to learn and utilize specialized software programs.
• Ability to use a 10-key calculator and type a minimum of 40 wpm required.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to a diverse staff and clientele to provide excellent customer service.
• Skills in organizing, prioritizing, and handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work with details and analyze data for correctness with a high degree of accuracy, prioritizing workload to meet customer needs.
• Knowledge of District policies and procedures preferred.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:

A high school diploma or GED. Two years of college education preferred.

Experience:

Environmental Health Office Technician I – Two years' previous experience in clerical or office administration preferred. Environmental Health Office Technician II – Two years' experience as an Environmental Health Office Technician I.

Certification/Licensure:

Individual positions may require valid vehicle license or the ability to access multiple sites in a timely manner. Must be able to obtain applicable program certifications in a timely manner or as prescribed by law or Senior Manager.

Selection Process:

The most qualified applicants, based in part upon evaluation of the completed application and related information will be invited for an interview.

Criminal Background Check required upon candidate selection.