Processing Assistant IV - EH

Chatham, County of (NC); Pittsboro (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Chatham County, NC — The Environmental Health Division seeks an Administrative Support Specialist to serve as a main intake contact for clients requesting services and applications.

In this role you will assist with forms, explain permitting steps, manage accounts receivable, schedule appointments, and support a team of Environmental Health Specialists and program staff. High school diploma and 2 years' admin experience required; proficiency in Microsoft Office essential.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school and a minimum of two years of administrative office experience or completion of a two-year program related to responsibilities; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics;
• Ability to tactfully question clients to assist them in applying for the right service or permit;
• Ability to maintain complete and accurate reports;
• Excellent computer skills with a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office programs;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.

Responsibilities

• Greet clients at the front window and on the main environmental health phone line
• Provide information and assistance in completing forms and explain the permitting process to clients
• Respond to questions, research answers, and advise applicants about deficiencies in paperwork
• Process applications via Open Gov, prepare files, and schedule appointments
• Maintain daily accounts receivable and process refunds as needed
• Generate monthly accounts receivable report and maintain OSWW staff tracking report
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Microsoft Office

Customer service

Data entry

Basic math

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Two-year administrative program or equivalent training

Tools

Open Gov

Job description

We believe our people are our greatest asset. When you join our team, you’re not just stepping into a job—you’re joining a community that values your well-being, supports your goals, and celebrates your success. We offer an outstanding benefits package, robust wellness programming, and a genuine commitment to work-life balance. From flexible scheduling and generous leave policies to professional development opportunities and pathways for career advancement, we’re here to help you thrive—both personally and professionally. If you're looking for meaningful work in a supportive, growth-oriented environment, we’d love to have you on our team.

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as one of two staff who are the primary office contact for the division’s clients through the intake of applications and public requests for service. In this capacity, this position works closely with the County’s Central Permitting department to provide one-stop permitting for clients. The position also shares responsibility for providing administrative support to the division staff, including eight (8) Environmental Health Specialists, two (2) Program Specialists, three (3) Program Supervisors, one (1) Soil Scientist, one (1) Environmental Health Technician, and one (1) Environmental Health Director.

The following essential functions serve as a general guide for this position. Position functions are subject to change based on departmental needs and external factors including, but not limited to, regulatory requirements.

• Greet clients at the front window and on the main environmental health phone line;
• Provide information and assistance in completing forms and explain the permitting process to clients;
• Respond to questions, research answers, and advise applicants about deficiencies in paperwork;
• Process applications via Open Gov, prepare files, and schedule appointments;
• Maintain daily accounts receivable and process refunds as needed;
• Generate monthly accounts receivable report and maintain OSWW staff tracking report;
• Perform other duties as assigned

Graduation from high school and a minimum of two years of administrative office experience or completion of a two-year program related to responsibilities; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Knowledge of basic mathematics;
• Ability to tactfully question clients to assist them in applying for the right service or permit;
• Ability to maintain complete and accurate reports;
• Excellent computer skills with a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office programs;

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking, hearing and repetitive motions, frequently requires touching or feeling and occasionally requires standing, walking, climbing, balancing, reaching, pushing, pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; work requires vocal communication to express or exchange ideas orally; work requires hearing to perceive information at normal spoken levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally performed in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).