Current job title: Admin Assistant
Industry: Government
Department: Human Services
Years worked in this industry: More
than 6 years
Years worked in this department: More
than 6 years
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): No special
requirements needed. A college degree helped.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: 1 director
Typical work hours: 8am-5pm
Weekends or overtime hours: If I fall
behind, and no, I don't get overtime.
General salary range
(Note: This is a general figure or range provided by survey respondent and may
NOT be an exact salary in order to
give survey respondent some privacy. Also you must take into account that
the number of years worked in industry/department may contribute to this
salary as well as criteria such as level of position and person reports
to, required hours and geographical location.): $25,000 -
$35,000
Benefits (direct or indirect): They're
better than none. Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability (ST & LT), 401K or
403c, etc. (all options we can sign up and pay for--Nothing paid except
basic life).
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
"protecting children and families", "need necessary resources to
support....", and "FTM's" (Family Team Meetings) or TANF (Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families)
A typical day on the job:
Troubleshooting for clients and staff; being resourceful to answer staff
questions; answering phones; opening and distributing mail/faxes,
scheduling director's calendar, making meeting/event/or travel
arrangements, meetings, meeting minutes, arranging Board meetings, etc.
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: You're in a position to pick
up information without anyone feeling threatened; being resourceful; and
freedom to learn the entire organization
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: People's attitudes (looking
down on admin professionals or thinking of them as servants and not
professionals); Dealing with managers that are "babies" (they can't do
anything without you); and answering phones (my personal minus--I hate
dealing with the general public).
Type of workspace/office:
open space (in an area that is designated as the director's office
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position: Meetings/Minutes; Scheduling;
Troubleshooting; Tracking/Monitoring; and Project Management.
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement: Being
resourceful; Taking initiative; and top-notch communication & grammar
skills (for editing and writing).
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Computer; copier; fax; printers; agency cell phone; calculator; and more.
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Microsoft Office Suite; Publisher.
Critical soft skills: Communication
(speaking and writing for clients and letters from the director); Good
customer service (For complaint calls and inquires or requests);
Insight/Intuitiveness (clients & staff will lie for their own advantage);
Listening skills (Our industry is high-stress, so the staff needs someone
to talk to they can trust); and more.
Pace of this position: varies
Geographical region: Southeast U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™