Why Join talentedge?
At talentedge, we believe that the backbone of any thriving nation is the seamless delivery of essential public services. Our Remote office supporting the Chicago Passport Agency is a critical hub where precision, security, and customer care intersect. As a leading provider of federal contract services, talentedge empowers its members to make a tangible impact on the lives of millions of travelers each year. If you are looking for a role that blends meticulous data handling, front‑line citizen interaction, and a supportive team environment, you have just found your next career destination.
Position Overview
The Passport Data Entry Clerk II is a full‑time, hourly position based in Chicago, IL, with the flexibility of remote work. You will be the trusted guardian of passport application data, ensuring every document is scanned, processed, and archived with uncompromising accuracy. This role offers a competitive hourly wage of $17.97, a comprehensive benefits package, and clear pathways for professional growth within talentedge.
Key Responsibilities
- High‑Speed Scanning & Mail Processing: Operate state‑of‑the‑art scanners, metering machines, and mail‑out equipment to handle large volumes of passport applications and supporting documents.
- Document Preparation & Verification: Assemble envelopes, attach the correct passport booklets, and verify that each package meets federal passport standards before dispatch.
- Customer Interaction at Information & Will‑Call Counters:
- Confirm appointment schedules and guide applicants through the submission process.
- Review photographs, identification, and supporting paperwork for completeness and compliance.
- Explain fee structures, answer policy questions, and provide courteous service.
- Quality Assurance of Passport Books: Print, inspect, and certify passport books for accuracy, ensuring no errors reach the applicant.
- Financial Transactions & Reporting: Process credit‑card payments, generate refunds or reimbursements, and run detailed transaction reports for the Cashier’s Office.
- Training & Onboarding Support: Assist Acceptance Agent trainers by preparing materials, conducting meet‑and‑greets, organizing tours, and facilitating hands‑on sessions.
- Electronic Records Management: Collaborate with the Customer Service Manager (CSM) to maintain and catalog electronic records of passport acceptance facilities using SharePoint and other secure platforms.
- Applicant Follow‑Up: Contact applicants for missing documents, resolve undeliverable mail, and document all actions in the SharePoint system.
- Discrepancy Resolution: Generate correspondence for Return‑to‑Sender (RTS), rewrites, re‑issues, and re‑batching under the guidance of Department of State (DOS) Passport Specialists.
- Physical Requirements: Frequently lift and carry up to 45 lb, stand and walk for the duration of the shift, and maintain a safe, organized workspace.
Essential Qualifications
- U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain an MRPT (Mandatory Restricted Personnel) clearance – a non‑negotiable requirement due to federal contract obligations.
- High school diploma or GED; a strong academic foundation is essential.
- Minimum three (3) years of general office experience, demonstrating reliability in a fast‑paced environment.
- At least two (2) years of hands‑on experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and familiarity with data entry software.
- Proven ability to perform repetitive tasks while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a customer‑service mindset.
- Physical stamina to stand, walk, and lift throughout an eight‑hour shift.
- Demonstrated awareness of internal and external security protocols, especially when handling sensitive personal data.
Preferred Qualifications & Additional Skills
- Prior experience in a government‑contract environment, especially with passport or immigration services.
- Familiarity with SharePoint, document management systems, or other collaborative platforms.
- Experience conducting training sessions or onboarding new staff members.
- Basic knowledge of federal fee structures and payment processing procedures.
- Ability to troubleshoot common scanner and metering equipment issues.
- Strong organizational skills for filing, archiving, and cataloging both physical and electronic records.
Core Competencies for Success
- Accuracy & Precision: Zero‑tolerance for data entry errors; meticulous verification of every passport application.
- Customer‑Centric Attitude: Empathy, patience, and clear communication when assisting applicants.
- Team Collaboration: Ability to work closely with fellow clerks, trainers, CSMs, and DOS specialists to meet daily targets.
- Adaptability: Comfortable handling fluctuating workloads, policy updates, and technology upgrades.
- Security Mindset: Constant vigilance in protecting personally identifiable information (PII) and adhering to federal security standards.
Compensation, Benefits & Perks
talentedge offers a transparent and competitive compensation structure. In addition to the base hourly rate of $17.97, eligible members enjoy a robust benefits suite designed to support health, financial security, and work‑life balance:
- Health & Welfare: Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage with multiple plan options.
- Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match and profit‑participation contributions.
- Share Purchase Plan (SPP): talentedge matches dollar‑for‑dollar employee contributions up to a defined limit, fostering ownership and long‑term wealth building.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) & Federal Holidays: Generous accruals to recharge and celebrate national observances.
- Career Development: Access to internal training portals, tuition reimbursement, and mentorship programs.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling, legal resources, and wellness services.
- Remote Work Flexibility: Ability to perform core duties from a home office while maintaining secure connections to talentedge systems.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
talentedge is committed to nurturing talent from within. As a Passport Data Entry Clerk II, you will have clear pathways to advance your career:
- Specialist Tracks: Move into senior data validation, quality‑control supervision, or compliance analysis roles.
- Cross‑Functional Exposure: Collaborate with IT, security, and policy teams, gaining a holistic view of federal contract operations.
- Leadership Development: Participate in management‑ready programs that prepare you for team lead or operations manager positions.
- Certification Support: Funding for certifications such as Certified Records Manager (CRM) or Federal Information Security Management (FISMA) credentials.
Work Environment & Culture at talentedge
Our Remote office is more than a collection of desks; it is a community of dedicated professionals who share a common purpose. talentedge fosters an inclusive culture where every member feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute ideas. Key cultural pillars include:
- Diversity & Inclusion: A workplace that celebrates varied backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
- Ownership Mentality: Members are shareholders, encouraging accountability and pride in delivering high‑quality service.
- Collaboration: Open communication channels, regular team huddles, and virtual coffee chats to keep connections strong.
- Innovation: Continuous improvement mindset; we welcome suggestions that streamline processes or enhance citizen experience.
- Well‑Being: Wellness challenges, virtual fitness classes, and mental‑health resources to support a balanced life.
Application Process & Next Steps
Ready to become a vital part of talentedge’s mission to deliver secure, efficient passport services? Follow these steps to apply:
- Prepare an updated resume highlighting relevant office, data‑entry, and customer‑service experience.
- Draft a concise cover letter that showcases your commitment to accuracy, security, and public service.
- Submit your application through the provided link, ensuring you reference the job requisition number if you need an accommodation.
- Our recruitment team will review your submission, conduct a brief phone interview, and schedule an in‑person or virtual assessment.
talentedge is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to providing accommodations throughout the hiring process. If you require assistance, please contact our accommodations team at talentedge_us_employment_compliance@talentedge.com.
Join talentedge – Make a Difference Every Day
Imagine a career where each keystroke helps a family reunite, a student study abroad, or a business expand internationally. At talentedge, your meticulous work directly contributes to the smooth operation of the nation’s passport system. If you thrive in a detail‑driven environment, enjoy helping people, and are eager to grow within a forward‑thinking organization, we want to hear from you.
Apply today and start your journey with talentedge – where your expertise meets purpose.
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