Program Assistant - Public Records

Essential Functions

The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:
1 Serve as the point of contact for public disclosure requests and coordinate activities related to this function
2. Receive, review, and process public records requests for police reports, videos, and other related documents.
3. Ensure compliance with state and federal laws regarding the release of public records.
4. Coordinate with various department members, labor unions, and other City departments to gather and compile requested information.
5. Redact sensitive or confidential information from documents and videos as required by law.
6. Maintain accurate records of all requests and responses.
7. Assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures related to public records requests.
8. Provide excellent customer service to requestors, addressing inquiries and concerns professionally and promptly.
9. As part of a team, determine how to manage diverse workloads and workload fluctuations to meet state and federal deadlines, criminal justice system priorities, and customer expectations.
10. Support the Criminal Records team as needed.
11. May provide direction and training to less experienced members.
12. Punctual, regular, and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
1. Knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, laws, and ordinances related to the care and maintenance of a variety of detailed public records, particularly law enforcement records in various formats.
2. Knowledge of applicable laws related to the Public Records Act.
3. Skill in operating personal computer equipment and software, including word processing, database, and presentation programs, at a level of proficiency to perform position duties and responsibilities.
4. Ability to assist the public and/or other City staff in understanding public records and how to request them.
5. Skill in defusing angry or agitated people.
6. Ability to manage technical, complex information systems in compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
7. Ability to manage competing requests for assistance and demanding deadlines.
8. Ability to responsibly work with and manage sensitive criminal justice information using discretion, good judgment, and maintaining confidentiality.
9. Ability to learn and apply Washington State laws governing the release of criminal history information.
10. Ability to resolve difficult situations tactfully, diplomatically, and within Department guidelines.
11. Ability to work independently from general instructions and broad work expectations.
12. Ability to work cooperatively and effectively as a member of a service-oriented team.
13. Ability to communicate well and present a positive, professional image of City services.
14. Ability to organize work for maximum efficiency.
15. Ability to follow verbal and/or written instructions.
 
Experience/Education:
1. A high school diploma or GED and two (2) years records and information management experience is required.  A bachelor's degree in records and information management or a closely related field is preferred.
2. OR a combination of experience, education, and training that demonstrate expertise in the related areas.
3. Experience with redacting and editing of video recordings is highly desired.
 
Special Requirements:
1. Achieving Level II ACCESS certification for use of the Washington Crime Information Center (WACIC) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) within six months of appointment is a condition for continued employment.
2. Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal history background check and polygraph examination is required.
3. Valid Washington State driver’s license is required.
 

Supplemental Information

Contacts:
1. Members in this position have extensive contact with non-commissioned and commissioned department members to receive/share information.  The information may be sensitive or distressing in nature.
2. Members may also have extensive contact with the general public and others seeking information from the department.
3. These contacts may be stressful in nature and require the member to maintain their composure and follow Department guidelines under difficult circumstances. 
 

Supervision:
1. None
 
Accountability:
1. Members in this position are accountable for the timely completion, quality, and accuracy of assigned tasks.
 
Working Conditions:
1. Members work in a setting with moderate noise and frequent interruptions.
2. The work requires sitting and performing routine tasks (such as video redaction) for long periods of time.
3. Members in this position will be exposed to scenes of graphic and/or violent incidents captured on body-worn cameras and mobile audio video systems.
4. The work may involve the stress of heavy workloads and pressure to meet strict timelines.
5. Some positions may require assignment to a swing shift work schedule. 
 

Union:

Compensation (minimum-maximum):

Exempt:

For general application or position questions please contact the hiring supervisor or Human Resources at humanresources@ci.olympia.wa.us.

The City of Olympia complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Manny Bosser, Director of Human Resources, at (360)753-8309 or mbosser@ci.olympia.wa.us. This contact is for ADA accommodations only. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the manager noted in the Contact section near the top of this recruitment.