COMPUTER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves responsibility for operating a computer (mainframe and P.C.) and related peripheral equipment, for monitoring system performance utilizing a console and on-line terminals, and for monitoring the help desk. The work is carried out in conformance with programmed instructions and involves prompt input of data to maintain system schedules, recognition of potential problems, and initiation of corrective action and maintenance of required records. This position also carries the responsibility for reviewing, monitoring and maintaining financial record keeping activities of the department, as well as having an integral part working with outside vendors. Work is performed under the general supervision of the department head or designated supervisor and calls for the frequent exercise of independent judgment. Supervision over others is not normally within the realm of this position. Shift work may be required in this position and does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Operates the computer and peripheral equipment including input of data
and the removal of outputs as required by application systems;
Monitors the Help Desk and ongoing operations by observing the
consoles and on-line terminals and determines whether the programs
appear to be operating correctly;
Provides technical support and assistance to both mainframe and P.C.
users within the scope of knowledge and authority, or forwards the
call to the appropriate staff member;
Identifies system malfunctions and initiates corrective action within
the scope of knowledge and authority, or seeks assistance from a
supervisor when causes of problems are not apparent;
Confers with technical staff when errors require a change in
instructions or sequence of operations;
Maintains data production logs, reports, statistics or other usage
operations in regard to Help Desk functions and
departmental inventory;
May act as the first point of contact for staff, users, vendors or
other outside agencies;
May resolve difficult customer service inquiries, or problems;
Compiles, prepares, reviews or analyzes a wide variety of complex
financial and statistical reports;
Reviews, monitors and assists in the preparation of the department’s
annual operating budget to insure the maintenance of necessary
financial controls;
Is responsible for the interaction with vendors, including receipt
and accounting of invoices, proposals, requisitions and related tasks;
Research information, organize and compile results, prepare detailed
summaries and track progress of projects, payments, expenditures
and reimbursements;
Assist with administration and coordination of special events,
activities, training,programs, and or projects;
The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of an electronic data processing system; working knowledge of PC’s, hardware operations scheduling, computer operations system, job control language, use of system commands and job execution; working knowledge of the use and general maintenance of computer hardware; ability to read and interpret instructions relating to data coding and the execution of computer programs; thorough knowledge of modern methods used in maintaining financial records and office terminology, ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written directions; ability to make arithmetic computations, prepare correspondence and reports, acquire familiarity with departmental organization, function, policies and regulations; good judgment in solving problems, high degree of accuracy and resourcefulness; ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education, AND EITHER:
A. A Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited or
NYS registered college or university in Accounting, Business
Administration, Computer Science, Computer Information
Systems, Data Processing or closely related field;
OR:
B. An Associate’s Degree from a regionally accredited or
NYS registered college or university in Accounting,
Business Administration, Computer Science,
Computer Information Systems,Data Processing or
closely related field, AND two (2) years of full-time,
paid experience working in an office or agency which
required computer operations support or related work
such as analysis,technical support, implementation
and delivery of information systems or
financial record keeping;
OR:
C. Four (4) years of full-time, paid experience working in an
office or agency which required computer operations support
or related work such as analysis, technical support,
implementation and delivery of information systems,
or financial record keeping;
NOTE: Part-time paid experience will be pro-rated.
Competitive Class