Customer Service Representative - PHSS - EH (.60)

Job Description:

Customer Service Representative - PHSS - EH (.60)

Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Under close supervision, provides customer service on behalf of Lewis County Public Health & Social Services; performs a variety of clerical functions in support of departmental operations.

The following duties are the fundamental, crucial job duties performed by this position. This is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that may be assigned. Incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned and appropriate for the position.

• Assists the public at service counter in all departmental business.
• Responds to customers via phone, email, and in person seeking information; registers customers for services and provides intake or check-in support for programs such as environmental health services, veterans services, and other departmental programs; issues certificates and permits; and makes referrals to community services.
• Collects and receives payments including cash, checks, and credit cards; processes transactions in the accounting system; balances the cash drawer and prepares deposit daily; and handles funds per County cash-handling policies and procedures.
• Maintains program databases used for report development, billing, and tracking.
• Maintains functional awareness of updates in program areas and ensures co-workers are cross-trained. Maintains knowledge of RCWs and WACs, including responsibilities of the Deputy County Registrar for births and deaths, and assists with the development and maintenance of desk manuals.
• Maintains customer, client, and program records in accordance with Washington Secretary of State records retention and archiving requirements. Processes and assists with public records requests.
• Prepares, copies, scans, processes, and/or distributes correspondence, forms faxes, notices, agendas, meeting minutes, news releases, and other types of documents.
• Participates in training courses, client meetings, in-house meetings, and community meetings as assigned.
• Occasional local travel to support departmental operations, including procurement of supplies and completion of routine errands.
• Maintains stock of necessary supplies and order forms, pamphlets, etc. as necessary.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related matters and County information in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552s), as amended, and applicable HIPAA policies and procedures.
• Assists individuals in preparing program applications; determines applicant eligibility; calculates levels of exemption; and prepares vouchers.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed in a standard office environment and at the public counter; subject to sitting for extended periods of time, standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting of objects up to 35 pounds.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED equivalent; AND two (2) years of customer service and/or general office experience. Valid Washington State Driver License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bilingual in English & Spanish

COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors)

Knowledge of:

• Customer service principles, protocols, and standards.
• General office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Standard office software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Cash handling principles and practices.

Skills in:

• Providing customer service in person, by phone, and in writing.
• Data entry, records management, and maintaining accurate documentation.
• Organization and time/workload management.
• Operating a personal computer and using standard office software to create, edit, and format documents and spreadsheets.
• Scheduling appointments, routing calls, and maintaining calendars.
• Writing in plain language, using correct spelling, grammar, and appropriate formatting.
• Managing difficult interactions with tact, patience, and professionalism.

Ability to:

• Learn and follow County and Department policies and procedures.
• Learn, retain, and recall new or changing information and processes.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing, considering the needs of the audience.
• Provide respectful, effective service to individuals with varying backgrounds, needs, and communication styles.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Effectively manage stress and maintain composure.

Behaviors:

• Regular, reliable attendance.
• Accept personal responsibility for work, actions, and words.
• Listen to understand various perspectives.
• Demonstrate initiative to learn, share information, and improve processes.
• Build constructive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

Lewis County is an equal opportunity employer that provides access, free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, pregnancy, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by law in employment or provisions of services.

Health Insurance: We offer comprehensive medical coverage-including vision-along with dental and basic life insurance for employees and their families. Multiple medical plan options are available, so you can choose the coverage that best fits your needs.

Retirement Plans: Secure your future with enrollment in one of Washington State's Department of Retirement Systems programs: PERS, PSERS, or LEOFF. Both you and the County contribute to your retirement, ensuring long-term financial stability.

Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.

Longevity: We recognize and reward your dedication with additional monthly compensation for continuous service milestones.

Deferred Compensation: Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness: If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Please visit our Employee Benefits webpage for details: 2026 Benefits

Accommodations for All Applicants: If you need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to help! Contact our Human Resources Department at (360) 740-2737 or [email protected] .

Closing Date/Time: 5/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$23.35 - $31.38 Hourly