Job Title: Public Records Specialist
Reports To: Public Records Supervisor 
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Job Type: Full Time, In Office
Starting Salary: $21.64 hr, 35 hours per week

First Responder/Essential Employee Status: This position is NOT defined as first responder according to the Federal Labor Standards Act and the intentions of the Louisiana Revised Statutes 33:9103 and 33:9124. This position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be required to report for duty during major events and/or declared emergencies of any size.
 

Job Purpose/Summary of Position

Position Responsibilities

• Receives records requests from the public via the NextRequest system and responds with approved documentation and information.
• Verifies pertinent information is submitted to complete the request according to applicable laws and/or timelines; includes notification of receipt of request.
• Verifies the pending request is not a duplicate before initiating research and if it is a duplicate, provides the date/time information was provided to the District Attorney’s (DA) office if the request is from the DA so that organization may pull the report as previously submitted, was provided to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) if the request was from NOPD and to whom it was provided for case file management through NOPD’s internal process, and other duplication checks from city agencies to ensure additional work is not being requested for the same matters previously provided.
• Notifies appropriate personnel and/or supervisor of critical situations and issues relating to communications and/or computer equipment.
• Use strict diligence and ensures accuracy when processing requests for records.
• Fields customer questions and complaints, and, when necessary, alerts the supervisor and requests guidance.
• Maintains and records all requests and interactions via the established record-keeping system.
• Maintains knowledge of Public Records services and complies with laws, policies, and procedures.
• Attends training courses and sessions as offered and/or required by OPCD.
• Adheres to and maintains strict confidentiality and protection of sensitive information.
• Adheres to strict deadlines.
• Maintains a formal and informal network of communications with other agencies on issues relating to Public Records.
• Performs multiple tasks simultaneously; takes appropriate action when presented with a routine request.
• Makes court appearances when subpoenaed and/or appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience)

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• One (1) year of customer service, records management, communications experience, or equivalent combination of related education and experience.
• Must be to communicate effectively, both orally, with individuals and groups, and in writing
• Experience in conducting analysis.
• Successful completion and clearance of criminal background investigation and drug screening
• Must be able and willing to work all shifts, including weekends and holidays; may be re- assigned at any time based upon the agency's need.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience)

• Two (2) years of experience in customer service, records management, or communications
• Knowledge/experience utilizing NICE or equivalent recording systems.
• Knowledge/experience processing federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Louisiana Sunshine Act, or other public records requests.
• Working knowledge of Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system

Physical Requirements

Drug Free Workplace

Shift

Additional Information for Prospective Candidates

This job description does not contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice as required to fulfill the organization’s mission.

The Orleans Parish Communication District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

The Orleans Parish Communications District provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Orleans Parish Communications District complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. The Orleans Parish Communications District expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of The Orleans Parish Communications District’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

One City, One Agency, One Mission