Information Assistant - State of Alaska

**PLEASE NOTE:    This recruitment has been extended.  If you have already applied, you do not need to re-apply.**

Definition:  

Works in a legislative information office.  Answers phones, distributes information to the public via e-mail, print media, radio and personal contact.  Coordinates public hearing teleconferences enabling the public to participate in legislative meetings and assists the field information officer with daily office operation.  This position works a 40-hour work week.

Examples of Duties: 

Monitors legislative session and furnishes information to the public on the status of all moving legislation and upcoming hearings available via teleconference, bills, committee action and floor proceedings.  

Schedules teleconferences, advertises the date and topic, assembles materials, operates teleconference equipment and moderates testimony. Maintains communication with the Juneau office during the teleconference and distributes materials to participants.  

Troubleshoots problems with teleconference connection or equipment during the call, maintains a log of participants and sends written testimony and other correspondence to committees and legislators.  

Processes public information messages (POMs) by taking information by phone, e-mail or fax and relaying the message to the appropriate legislative office.   

Answers telephones and responds to questions and information requests from constituents.  

Conducts basic research on topics related to statutes, legislation and legislative actions.  

Identifies appropriate resources for public questions and provides contact information.  

Maintains a database of constituents interests in order to provide them with updated information throughout the legislative session.

Assists in maintaining and preparing yearly inventory of all LAA assets including office items, IT equipment, keys, parking passes, etc.

Monitor legislative chat service. 

Schedule conference room for various legislative meetings other than committee hearings

Provide office support services to legislators and staff as needed to include phones, computer equipment, etc.

Maintain a functional building environment.

Maintain an information library and reference materials.

Forward Legislative mail during session

Assist constituents with compilation of State forms and provide said forms.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. 

Knowledge of Alaska legislature, legislative procedure and legislative committees. 

Knowledge of Alaska state government divisions and agencies. 

Knowledge of standard email, video conferencing, social media, word processing programs, copiers and fax machines.

Knowledge and ability in conflict resolution and social de-escalation. 

Knowledge of basic computer and IT equipment connectivity, repair and maintenance.

Ability to write and speak clearly, concisely and in a well-organized manner.

Ability to act professionally, objectively and impartially in dealing with legislators and public.

Ability to communicate and perform effectively and diplomatically with personal contacts.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle politically sensitive work.

Why work for the Legislative Affairs Agency?
 
Working here is a chance to be a part of Alaska history. LAA employees provide essential nonpartisan support to the Legislature where vital policy and laws are created. The Agency is made up of eleven sections led by a management team with 200 years of combined legislative experience and institutional knowledge who, along with our staff, share an unwavering commitment to serving Alaskans. We work in a dynamic environment and teamwork is not just a buzzword, but fundamental to everything we do.
 
We value:
 
Accountability. We are committed to responsible use of human, financial, and environmental resources.
 
Respect. We provide services without discrimination or judgment.
 
Integrity. We are honest and ethical in our work.
 
The Alaska Legislature values the unique contributions that candidates with diverse experiences, knowledge and backgrounds can bring to our work.  We are an equal opportunity employer committed to embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at our workplace.
 
Comprehensive Benefit Package
 
The Alaska Legislature offers health benefits including a range of coverage choices for medical, dental, and vision; a health flexible spending account; as well as other health services such as Teladoc, Hinge Health, and Surgery Plus. In addition, there are a variety of supplemental elections: life insurance, additional accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, and both short- and long-term disability.
 
Health and Wellness
 
For mental health wellness, the State of Alaska offers free, confidential help through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
 
Financial Well-Being
 
The State offers savings and investment plans, paid leave, insurance options, and more to help employees meet their financial goals.  
 
This includes:

• Public Employee Retirement System (PERS), with either a Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution based on original State of Alaska hire date.
• Deferred Compensation plan with options for before or after payroll taxes.
• Supplemental Benefits System Annuity (SBS) in lieu of Social Security.
• Workers Compensation Insurance.
• Voluntary Savings Plan (Defined Benefit participants only)

 
Professional Development
 
Professional development that empowers employees to do the work they love and reach their career goals is encouraged and expected.  
 
Work/Life Balance
 
Work/life balance is supported through:
 

• Agency staff may accrue as compensatory time up to 150 hours of hours worked over the standard work week. There is no cash value to compensatory time.
• The State offers paid leave starting at 6:04 (h:mm) a pay period or 21 days a year.  If you have previous time working for the State of Alaska in a leave eligible position, the time will be calculated into your accrual rate.
• 11 paid State holidays each year
• The Legislative Affairs Agency is a family-friendly employer.