He is dumb.
Just so, so dumb. The only reason they keep him I think is that he shows up on time, and is nice.
Since July 1st, this is a great sampling of his typical behavior:
-On July 1st, our foreign exchange student from China was leaving to go home for the summer. She stopped by the office for a "have a nice trip" farewell, and on her way out, he asked IN ALL SINCERITY how they celebrate 4th of July in China. When we said they don't that's an American holiday, he looked back at her and then clarified, "well, I mean, you probably don't have parades but you do something, right?" She looked confused, said "No" and left.
-After we further explained to him that the 4th was an AMERICAN holiday not celebrated anywhere else and why....on July 6th he was being introduced to one of our new student workers, this one a foreign exchange student from Spain. "How'd you like your 4th of July weekend? A lot different than the ones in Spain?" When the student was confused he asked AGAIN if it was different than the 4th of July in Spain. The student said "Well, we don't celebrate it at all so it was very different. We have our own independence day, but it's very different." Co-worker continued to be confused about why they didn't at least have a small 4th of July celebration.
-There's a project we're working on that's not exactly secret, but it's not supposed to be discussed until it's finished. He opens all talks with new people, especially people he passes in the hallway, or new students here for orientation about it.
-He invited himself to an ex-coworkers girlfriend's surprise birthday party/engagement. The co-worker left in January and they have talked once since. He found out about the party from another co-worker who was invited. He hadn't gotten an invitation (because he doesn't know the soon-to be-fiance and also they weren't close) and so he called the ex-coworker. "So, I hear you're having a party! I'm so excited, what time? Which kind of dip should I bring?" It's already been established that he cannot keep secrets, and even if he was wanted at the party, there's concern he'll ruin both the surprise party, and the surprise engagement.
-His cousin worked for us as a student worker. The cousin got a job interview for a different position and scheduled it during his shift that we have no coverage for. He called to ask how to get the time off for the meeting. Co-worker told him a no-call no-show would be fine, because then he wouldn't have to lie about being sick.
-He announced 2 months ago he was moving to a different state while keeping this job. From a 20 minute commute to an hour and half each way, if the train isn't late. We all told him this was a bad idea. If nothing else he works the night shift, and if he's late he could miss the last train and be stuck downtown. Plus the reason they moved was cheaper rent, but he is now spending 3x what he had been on commuting....he's spending MORE on commuting than he saved on rent. He only JUST figured out it was a bad idea. "I didn't think it would be so bad, but I spend 3 hours on the train a day, and I miss my family" DUH.
-He doesn't understand what "summarize" means. So if, for example, he tells you about a movie he saw this weekend....he describes it to you shot for shot, spoilers and all even after you tell him you don't want to hear about it, just whether he liked the movie or not.