PRINCIPAL DATA CONTROL CLERK

Definition

Under direction, performs the difficult, complex work involved in monitoring, editing, and verifying information processed by a data processing system and may take the lead over a group of other data control clerks on a regular and recurring basis or may serve as a shift supervisor or may supervise a small unit of data control clerks and support personnel; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Organizes assigned work and develops effective work methods.
• Controls adding, deleting, and modifying of computer input data by processing coded information forms.
• Establishes control over input/output of the unit.
• Screens, edits, and verifies input and output.
• Regulates work flow in accord with operating schedules.
• Initiates corrective procedures with data originating source.
• Checks, verifies, and proofreads information to ensure accurate and timely issuance of data.
• Maintains control records.
• Changes forms.
• Reviews and analyzes internal problem reports and recommends corrective actions.
• Prepares reports and maintains records.
• Explains work requirements, methods, and procedures to other data control clerks and clerical support staff giving special instructions on difficult or different operations and answers questions about the work to ensure that assigned tasks are understood.
• Plans management of own workload such as examining work needed to be done, setting work priorities and deadlines and so forth to complete assignments in a timely and efficient manner.
• Keeps in touch with the status and progress of work performed by other clerks and makes day-to-day adjustments in accord with established priorities obtaining assistance from the supervisor on problems that may arise such as backlogs which cannot be disposed of promptly, and so forth, to assure that work is out in a timely manner.
• Distributes and balances the workload among employees in accord with established workflow or job specialization to ensure timely accomplishment of the assigned workload and/or ensure that each employee has enough work to keep busy.
• Resolves informal complaints of employees that are within their jurisdiction, consulting with higher levels of supervision as appropriate for information to correct unsatisfactory condition.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Three (3) years of clerical or data processing experience, one (1) year of which shall have been in data processing control work.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the basic operation of unit record and computer equipment.
• Knowledge of principles of statistics.
• Ability to analyze data.
• Ability to reason logically.
• Ability to give suitable assignments and instructions to subordinates.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
• CODES: LG - CAH 11/22/96
• This job specification is for local government use only.

Note

The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Satisfactory completion of a course of study in electronic data processing at a recognized college or university or accredited school of programming may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.