Records Specialist I

Clay County Sheriff's Office (FL); Green Cove Springs (FL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Clay County Sheriff's Office (FL) is seeking a Records Specialist to process public records requests and manage the agency’s RMS records system. You will redact and prepare investigative reports, compose necessary correspondence, and assist the public in person and by phone.

The role requires attention to detail, the ability to multi-task, and strong interpersonal skills to handle citizens calmly. Local candidates with a high school diploma and MS Office proficiency are preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year customer service experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Speak and understand the English language.

Responsibilities

• Responds to public records requests from citizens, businesses, law firms, and other agencies under Florida public records law.
• Prepares and redacts investigative reports as requested.
• Composes correspondences, invoices, and letters for requesting individuals or agencies.
• Maintains the agency’s Record Management System (RMS) and verifies data accuracy.
• Performs computer inquiries in RMS to conduct background checks or retrieve data.
• Front desk reception duties and answering questions about public records procedures.
• Uses agency software to organize and complete records requests.
• Generates search terms for electronic searches and conducts database queries.
• Balances receipts and prepares funds for deposit.
• Fingerprints individuals as required.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Multi-tasking

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Responsible for the collection, dissemination, storage, retention and destruction of agency records. Incumbents must file and retrieve documentation, reports, and files. Duties also include providing assistance to the public, department employees, and other county personnel. The purpose of the position is to process public records requests submitted to the Central Records Section of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Record Specialist assignments are broad in nature requiring latitude for using journey level experience and independent judgement within established guidelines and procedures. Position performs a variety of administrative activities in response to public and media inquiries for information. Employees in this position receive, process, and ensure the availability of records in compliance with the State of Florida guidelines of Chapter 119 public records law. This position utilizes agency software to identify, prioritize, redact and complete records requests. The Records Specialists performs moderately complex, operational and specialized support duties specific to the section. Duties include but are not limited to maintaining a filing and archive system, processing internal and external mail, answering calls, and fingerprinting. The employee must be able to multi-task and use good interpersonal skills, including dealing politely and effectively with citizens who may be emotionally upset, excited, or distraught.

• Responds to public records requests from citizens, businesses, law firms, and other government or law enforcement agencies in accordance with Florida public records law F.S.S. 119.
• Prepares and redacts any and all investigative reports requested internally and externally.

• Composes correspondences, invoices, and letters of good faith or any other necessary materials to provide to requesting individuals, internal personnel, or external agencies and businesses.
• Maintains the integrity of the agency’s Record Management System (RMS) by complying with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s data entry standards and verifying information loaded into the RMS is accurate and consistent.
• Performs computer inquiries using the agency’s Records Management System (MS) to conduct criminal background checks, search for investigative reports or retrieve statistical data.
• Responsible for front desk reception; receives the public and answers questions in person and by telephone regarding departmental guidelines and procedures for public records requests.
• Utilize agency software to identify, prioritize, organize, and complete records requests.
• Interprets requests to generate search terms for electronic searches and conduct searches utilizing agency software.
• May perform criminal history search inquiries utilizing agency databases
• Balances receipts for deposit, preparing the funds received for deposit in accordance with department policies and procedures.
• Generates/scans a full set (each finger, 2 thumbs, 4 fingers each hand) of fingerprints of a quality consistent with comparative/latent analyses requirements, for employment, backgrounds, and for citizens of the community as applicable.
• Researches, organizes, summarizes, and assembles requested information/documentation from various files and sources, forwarding the completed work product to the appropriate personnel/authority in a timely manner pursuant to agency polices and any applicable state statutes.
• Files all pertinent documentation/reports in the appropriate physical or electronic files/folders as required by agency policies/procedures in a timely manner and will ensure that all file folders are properly filed and stored in a logical manner to facilitate access to needed information in the absence of the member.
• Provides accurate information/directions/assistance to the public, department members, and/or other department personnel in a professional and courteous manner consistent with agency policies.
• Locates and releases public record information pursuant to applicable State statutes upon request to the press, consistent with agency policies and the law.
• Processes Requests for Traffic Crash Report Information per FSS 316.0662(2) (a).
• Ensures that exempt information is not released and refers to questionable requests to the appropriate individual in accordance with agency policies/procedures.
• Coordinates the correct processing of the destruction authorization and related documents in a timely manner in accordance with applicable State Laws and agency policy.
• Develops, revises, and astutely monitors records retention schedules so as to ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
• Oversee the collection, retention and dissemination of juvenile records and will ensure compliance with applicable agency, state and federal laws, rules and regulations concerning the processing, retention, dissemination and confidentiality of juvenile records.
• Oversee the storage, release and return of agency records, ensuring that all applicable agency, state and federal policies and procedures governing the storage and dissemination of records are properly followed.
• Redacts active/inactive reports, calls, etc. according to Florida State Statute 119.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to ensure procurement goals are met.
• Practices a collaborative and team spirit in work habits.
• Utilizes a variety of analytical techniques to solve problems.
• Are resourceful and practices problem solving actions and techniques.
• Displays a strong personal commitment to the successful completion of all projects.
• Achieves results with accuracy and precision.
• Thoroughly analyzes conditions and reaches independent decisions.
• Performs all the designated duties and assume all responsibilities as required in the absence of the assigned supervisor/superior/co-worker or during periods of work overload in accordance with agency policy, procedures and supervisory direction.
• Ensures that their work area is clean, organized, safe and presentable in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Answers and screens calls as appropriate, routing the calls to the proper personnel, or correctly documenting all pertinent information and forwarding same to the designated individual.
• Processes applicable incoming and outgoing documents and/or files in a timely manner consistent with supervisory direction and/or agency policies/procedures.
• Participates in cross-training with other co-workers; assists those co-workers when the need arises and learns new tasks by working together as a team.
• Reports identified or potential maintenance, safety, and/or non-compliance findings, hazards, and incidents to the appropriate personnel and/or department.
• Timely completes all assignments, special projects, and budgetary requirements (if applicable) as directed, adhering to applicable agency policies.
• Adheres to leave and attendance policies, including punctual arrival and completing full shifts. Informs the supervisor about illness or untimely incidents, reports overtime hours worked, and timely submits timesheet, attendance, and leave requests.
• Regularly checks assigned mailbox, phone calls, PowerDMS, and email messages, responding promptly and professionally.
• Makes assigned chain of command aware of anything noteworthy.
• Responds to supervision, guidance, direction, and feedback from executive staff and superiors in a receptive manner and in accordance with agency policies.
• Conducts themselves in a polite, helpful, courteous, ethical, and professional manner, abiding by the established code of ethics, and demonstrates a courteous and professional image when engaged in any activity with the public.
• Cultivates positive working relationships with colleagues and other agency units to enhance work area output and services in line with agency policies.
• Demonstrates an understanding, consideration, and respect of cultural, religious, and gender differences when interacting with the public and coworkers.
• Actively participate in job-specific training.
• Operates and performs minor repairs for office equipment to manufacturer’s specifications and/or within the specified parameters pursuant to agency policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Requirements:

• High school diploma or its equivalent required.
• One year customer service experience
• Proficient in Microsoft office products
• Speak and understand the English language
• Internal candidates with punitive disciplinary action within 365 days are ineligible
• The following items (or authorized equivalents) may be required at various steps in the application process:
  • Driver's License
  • Birth Certificate
  • Social Security Card
  • Form DD214 for all periods served in the military
  • GED or High School Diploma and Sealed Transcripts from the highest level of education
  • FDLE Authority for Release (notarized)

Salary is negotiable for full-time positions prior to initial hire, if requested, based on verified experience up to step five (5) of the assigned pay grade. Current employee salary changes are determined based on internal methodology. Please contact Human Resources with any questions.

Benefits for full time positions include Florida Retirement System, a full suite of very affordable health/life/dental/vision benefits, ancillary insurance policies, college reimbursement, and more. Benefits are effective the 1st of the month after a full 30 days worked. For more information on benefits, please visit https://www.claycountygov.com/government/personnel-services/employee-benefits.

The duration of the selection process may range from one (1) to three (3) months and may vary based on the number of applicants and/or urgency of filling the vacancy.

Applicants are reminded to take note of the close date listed on this job posting. Interviews are not typically requested prior to this date.

If accommodations are required throughout any portion of the hiring process, please contact our Human Resources team at [e-mail].

All positions at the Clay County Sheriff’s Office have testing requirements to determine eligibility. All selected candidates will complete a drug screening, polygraph examination and a comprehensive background investigation as a condition of employment. Sensitive and/or confidential aspects of candidates’ personal lives may be explored during this process (including driving, drug usage, criminal, employment, and residential histories).

Any job qualifications or requirements listed in this job posting are susceptible to written and/or physical testing. This testing may be included in the competitive selection process.