Current job title: Business Manager
Industry: Non-profit, Social Services
and Behavioral Healthcare
Department: Children and Family
Services
Years worked in this industry: 10
Years worked in this department:
5 (although reorganized several times)
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): Previous
experience as a business manager or administrative assistant. HS Diploma
and post-secondary education (college or business school). Valid driver’s
license and car. Computer literacy and good communication skills.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: Too many – 100-150, although
not all at the same time.
Typical work hours: 35/week. 9-5
Weekends or overtime hours: Sometimes –
no OT, but “compensatory time off (CTO)”
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.): $$35,000 -
$55,000
Benefits (direct or indirect):
Health insurance, paying only 15% of premium
Dental
Life
Disability short term and long term
3 weeks vacation
17-18 paid holidays/year
12 sick days/year
Credit Union
Pension (new hires get 403B)
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
IOP – Intensive Outpatient Program (for substance abusers)
IIC – Intensive In-Community Counseling
BA – Behavioral Assistance
A typical day on the job: Very hectic,
with many interruptions
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry:
It’s rewarding – I know I’m
working in an agency that provides valuable assistance to the community.
The people who work in this industry are very dedicated to what they do.
The benefits, understanding and flexibility make up for the low salary.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry:
Not enough money.
Too much to do and not enough time or staff to do it.
Accountability is somewhat lacking as managers can be “too understanding”
Type of workspace/office:
office (but I travel to other offices and sometimes it’s
hard to find work space.)
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position:
Supervising administrative
assistants and their subordinates in two offices. Providing support to
same in four other offices.
Personnel Point person – contact for all HR issues. Open all new personnel
requisitions, advertise for those positions, and process hire paperwork.
Liaison to Billing Dept. Assist with billing/collections issues. Provide
IT support to desktop users with problems with the billing software.
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
Computer proficiency in WORD, Excel, Outlook with ability to troubleshoot
computer problems.
Ability to multitask and maintain pleasant demeanor in the face of
outrageous demands.
Experience in supervision with Emotional Intelligence.
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
PC
Fax
Copier
Phones
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Computer hardware troubleshooting
Fax trouble-shooting
Copier trouble-shooting
Telephone equipment programming and troubleshooting
HVAC troubleshooting
Plumbing troubleshooting (including plunging)
Critical soft skills: Persistance,
follow-up, negotiating, good communication.
I have to stay on top of things to make sure they get done. I’m working on
making OTHER people more accountable and delegating more instead of
finding ways around them to do things myself.
Pace of this position: fast
Geographical region: Northeast US
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™