BLR SUPPORT SPECIALIST

The Bureau of Legislative Research is accepting applications for a full-time BLR Support Specialist in the Legal Research and Drafting Section of the Legal Division.  The BLR Support Specialist acts as the receptionist for the main reception desk of the Legal Division; provides administrative and clerical support to the staff in the Legal Division; and fulfills other requested tasks.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and the internet and the ability to learn and use internal software and databases are required.  Strong proofreading and organizational skills are also required.  Applicants must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work and communicate with a variety of people in a professional setting.

BLR works exclusively for the Arkansas General Assembly, providing various services, including bill drafting and legal analysis, to committees and members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, regardless of political affiliation.  BLR is known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan.  BLR seeks to ensure that the Arkansas General Assembly has immediate access to high-quality research, analysis, and writing on issues of interest to its members and committees.

Applicants should have a high school diploma or the equivalent as well as education, experience, and abilities commensurate with the duties outlined above.  Periodic work outside normal office hours is required.  A background check is required.

Application Requirements: Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter in addition to an application. 

POSITION:   BLR Support Specialist, Legal Division

GRADE:        GS04

SUMMARY OF POSITION:  The BLR Support Specialist works under the supervision of the Administrator of the Legal Research and Drafting Section.  The BLR Support Specialist acts as the receptionist for the main reception desk of the Legal Division; provides administrative and clerical support to the staff in the Legal Division; and fulfills other requested tasks.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:          

• Answer the main Legal Division telephone and direct and transfer calls to appropriate or requested persons.
• Relay timely and accurate messages to Legal Division staff pertaining to missed phone calls. 
• Greet members of the General Assembly and other visitors at the Legal Division front desk during regular office hours.
• Alert Legal Division staff when a visitor is present or coming to their office.
• Maintain a working knowledge of each section and staff member assignment in the Legal Division in order to readily know to whom requests for information should be relayed.
• Maintain computer files and paper files in accordance with office procedures and instructions from the Administrator of the Legal Research and Drafting Section and the Assistant Director for Legal Services. 

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain the ability and knowledge to function as part of an administrative assistant team, including without limitation assisting with the workload of other Legal Division administrative assistants when necessary.
• Perform other related duties as requested by the Administrator of the Legal Research and Drafting Section and the Assistant Director for Legal Services.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Education, experience, and abilities commensurate with assigned duties.
• Knowledge and proficiency in English grammar, spelling, and punctuation. 
• Strong proofreading skills. 
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to organize workload and set priorities. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook, the Internet, and Access database programs.
• Knowledge of the operation of facsimile machines, copy machines, and multi-line telephone systems.
• Ability to communicate with Bureau Staff, state agency staff, members of the General Assembly, and members of the public.

PRODUCTION STANDARDS:

• Adept in communicating with Bureau staff, members of the General Assembly, state agency staff, and members of the public, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrates the ability to provide valid solutions to staff or member complaints or issues.
• Exhibits professional attitude, appearance, and communication skills.
• Demonstrates proficient time management skills, including the ability to complete work under strict time deadlines. 
• Prepares phone messages and other necessary information in a timely and accurate manner. 
• Accurately compiles information and data for use by others. 
• Accurately maintains files and records. 
• Maintains high standard of professional ethics and exercises appropriate discretion with confidential matters.
• Continues to improve job-related skills and knowledge.
• Effectively organizes and monitors the status of projects and work flow.
• Works cooperatively at problem solving and assists coworkers with a variety of tasks. 
• Functions and cooperates as part of an administrative assistant team, including without limitation assisting with the workload of other Legal Division administrative assistants when necessary.