Secretary 1

Are you a self-starter? Do you want to make a difference? If so, please read on to learn more about this wonderful opportunity!    

The State of Connecticut, State Department of Education (SDE) invites applicants to apply for a full time Secretary 1 position within the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS).  The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) serves approximately 11,200 full-time high school students.   

This position is located at Emmett O’Brien Technical High School in Ansonia, CT and will be responsible for providing clerical support to the guidance office. Office management and the ability to communicate, both written and oral, with state agencies, school personnel, students and parents are critical elements of the position.  An ability to think creatively, problem-solve, and cultivate and retain relationships of trust are essential qualities. As CTECS undergoes systemic growth and organizational transformation, it is important that this person be able to manage a certain level of ambiguity and change. This is a 12-month position, 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM.  

The mission of the CTECS is to provide a world-class, unique, and rigorous learning environment for high school students and adult learners that:  

• Ensures both student academic success and career technical education mastery, as well as promotes enthusiasm for lifelong learning.  
• Prepares students for post-secondary education, including apprenticeships and immediate productive employment.  
• Engages regional, state, national and international employers, and industries in a vibrant collaboration to respond to current, emerging and changing global workforce needs and expectations. 
• Pursues and participates in global partnerships that provide CTECS students with international exposure and experience.

 You will discover the opportunity to:  

• Engage in a rewarding career;
• Showcase your talents in a meaningful role;
• Thrive in an exciting environment;
• Make a difference in the public sector;
• Work together in a collaborative team environment.  

We hope you take this opportunity to continue your career with us and make an impact by serving your state!

In order to be considered for this job opening you must be a current State of CT employee who has worked for the state for at least six (6) months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service, absent any applicable collective bargaining language, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.     

In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.

Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening and must specify their qualifications on their application. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified. 

Please note you will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system. Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position. 

The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.

Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process. 

Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account.   

Note:  At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include:  a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.  Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position. 

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Julie Barker, at Julie.Barker@ct.gov.

All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period.  It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception.  Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.

In a state agency, this class is accountable for performing a full range of secretarial support functions.

Incumbents perform a variety of secretarial duties as illustrated in the following areas:

1. TYPING: Using a personal computer or other electronic equipment formats and types a full range of correspondence, reports, bills, drafts, etc. from rough draft, transcription, dictated notes, etc.; proofreads for content; edits using knowledge of grammar, punctuation and spelling.

2. FILING: Designs office filing systems; organizes and maintains files (including confidential files); maintains, updates and reviews reference materials and manuals.

3. CORRESPONDENCE: Composes routine letters/memoranda, etc. (e.g. standard replies and acknowledgement letters) for supervisor's signature.

4. REPORT WRITING: Compiles information from standard sources and prepares data reports (e.g. number of forms processed during the month).

5. INTERPERSONAL: Greets and directs visitors; answers phones and takes messages; answers questions requiring knowledge of terminology, organization, supervisor's responsibilities, etc. (e.g. appropriate referrals, general purpose of the unit).

6. PROCESSING: Scans correspondence; pulls and attaches related materials; reviews, routes and prioritizes mail.

7. PERSONAL SECRETARY: Arranges and coordinates meetings (including space and equipment); writes minutes of meetings, lectures, conferences, etc. from rough draft; takes notes using shorthand, speedwriting or machine transcription prepares expense accounts; makes travel arrangements.

8. OFFICE MANAGEMENT: Maintains an inventory of supplies and equipment; orders supplies when necessary; completes, processes and maintains paperwork for purchasing (e.g. orders, requisitions, invoices, etc.); maintains time and attendance records; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of office systems and procedures; considerable knowledge of proper grammar, punctuation and spelling; knowledge of business communications; some knowledge of business math; interpersonal skills; ability to schedule and prioritize office workflow; ability to operate office equipment which includes personal computers and electronic equipment; ability to operate office suite software; ability to take notes (shorthand, speedwriting or other method acceptable to the supervisor).

Two (2) years' experience above the routine clerk level in office support or secretarial work.

College training in the secretarial sciences may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience.

Preference will be given to candidates who possess:  

• Experience working in an Educational Setting.
• Experience using PowerSchool.
• Experience completing assignments in a fast-paced environment while demonstrating flexibility in adapting and responding to competing priorities with a focus on details.
• Experience communicating in person, on the phone, and in writing with a variety of stakeholders, including co-workers, state and/or private agencies, and the public.
• Experience using Microsoft Outlook/Teams, Excel, Word and PowerPoint including, but not limited to, tracking/managing data spreadsheets, composing correspondence, report writing, scheduling meetings, managing multiple calendars, and other related records.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.