Election Program Trainee

State of Maryland•Kent, MD

18h

About The Position

NATURE OF WORK: An Election Program Trainee performs the entry level of work for specialized data processing, technical, and clerical services in a local election office. Employees in this classification learn election laws, regulations, policies and procedures of the election office and all election related programs. Employees in this classification develop a thorough understanding of one or more of these programs by performing a variety of duties utilizing one or several election related software systems. Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions. Employees in this classification receive close supervision from an Election Director, Election Deputy Director or other designated administrative staff and are expected to exercise considerable tact, discretion and judgment in all areas of work. Matters of confidentiality are given close attention by their supervisor. The work may require travel to schools, nursing homes or other facilities to perform the tasks related to their job assignment(s). Employees may be required to work evenings and weekends, particularly prior to and following an election. Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology. The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification. The Election Program Trainee, Election Program Assistant I and Election Program Assistant II are differentiated on the basis of degree of supervisory control exercised by the supervisor over these employees. The Election Program Trainee learns to perform duties under close supervision. The Election Program Assistant I performs duties under moderate supervision. The Election Program Assistant II may lead other support staff in a particular area or perform advanced level duties under general supervision.

Requirements

Knowledge of word processing, personal computer, Microsoft office and other office equipment and related software applications
Skill in maintaining accurate and detailed records
Ability to learn and apply State and Federal election laws, regulations, policies and procedures
Ability to remain organized while performing multiple functions or tasks
Ability to maintain workflow despite frequent interruptions and changing priorities
Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully and maintain confidentiality
Ability to develop and use independent judgment in applying and explaining election laws, rules and procedures
Ability to meet time sensitive deadlines and demands
Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Six months of general office experience including data entry, record filing and maintenance, multiline phone use, general computer skills and email software.
General clerical, data processing, technical or administrative experience is defined as work performing a variety of duties which are clear-cut and typically found in office settings, such as filing, copying, inputting data, general computer skills, and directing telephone calls.
Note: Candidates may substitute thirty credit hours from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
Employees in this classification are required to be registered voters in the State of Maryland in accordance with the Election Law Article, Section 2-207(d), Annotated Code of Maryland.
Employees in this classification may not hold or be a candidate for any elective public or political party office or any other office created under the Constitution or laws of this State in accordance with the Election Law Article, Section 2-301(b).

Nice To Haves

Customer service experience. Including face to face, phone, and email.
Experience working in a fast paced environment.
Proficient with Microsoft office, digital record keeping, and email applications.
Experience handling confidential information.
Ability to lift 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Learns to perform accurate data entry following the processes and procedures of the Statewide Voter Registration System
Learns to prioritize work to assure timely completion of data processing tasks in accordance with office policies and procedures
Learns to identify and report discrepancies and issues
Learns to register voters and how to respond to voter registration inquiries
May learn to assist in recruitment of election judges to staff polling places
May learn to assist in organizing and implementing training sessions following established policies and procedures
May learn to assist with voting equipment maintenance, inventory and preparation
May learn to assist with identifying polling place facilities to comply with election laws, regulations, policies and procedures
May learn to assist in maintaining inventory and office supplies
May learn to assist in accepting and processing candidate and committee filings
May provide the full range of specialized clerical work in a local election office
Performs other related duties.