Current job title: administrative assistant
Industry: Nonprofit community mental
health services
Department: Program/Clinical Services
Department
Years worked in this industry: less
than 3
Years worked in this department: less
than 3
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): 5+ years’
admin experience / BA preferred, experience with contracts, grants &
proposals, ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
A “can do” attitude, exceptional organizational skills
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: [My executive director] is the priority; I also assist four immediate directors
that follow this position in addition to various clinicians/program
managers (as necessary).
Typical work hours: 9:00a.m. to
6:00p.m.
Weekends or overtime hours: I
occasionally work weekends at my own discretion, without overtime pay. I
do work overtime when necessary, approximately two – three months per year
and I receive overtime compensation.
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.): $32,000 -
$36,000
Benefits (direct or indirect): Yes, the
standard benefits are offered in addition to personal necessity time that
is accrued
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
Diagnostic Evaluation
The aim of a general psychiatric evaluation are 1) to establish a
psychiatric diagnosis, 2) to collect data sufficient to permit a case
formulation, and 3) to develop an initial treatment plan, with particular
consideration of any immediate interventions that may be needed to ensure
the client’s safety.
Dually Diagnosed
A person who has both an alcohol or drug problem and an
emotional/psychiatric problem is said to have a dual diagnosis.
Quality Assurance
An approach to improving the quality and appropriateness of medical care
and other services. Includes a formal set of activities to review, assess,
and monitor care to ensure that identified problems are addressed.
A typical day on the job: I work on
various tasks and projects, anything from preparing proposals to assisting
with organizing events. Constant communication flow, meetings, liaison
between staff, single point of contact, new staff orientation schedules,
some site coordination (we have five sites), program manual preparation, in
addition to the usual AA tasks of reports, scheduling meetings,
correspondence, filing, etc…
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry:
1. Provide exceptional
administrative assistance skills where it makes a difference.
2. An opportunity to help the community, without being in the frontline.
3. Opportunity to be involved in different aspects of a nonprofit
organization
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry:
1. The salary is lower than in
other organizations.
2. Not many non clinical positions you could promote into.
3. The possibility of being caught in a situation.
Type of workspace/office:
office
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position:
1. Assist the [executive director] where
needed
2. Assist the directors immediately under the [executive director] position
3. Meetings
4. Consistent communication flow/liaison between staff
5. Assisting with contracts, contract amendments, proposals
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
1.
Have a can do attitude/ability to follow through
2. Exceptional organizational skills
3. Ability to take initiative
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Copier, fax, shredder, printer,
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
MS Office, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Adobe, CD creator, various
search engines
Critical soft skills:
Good
communication
Good presentation/attitude
Why?
Good communication helps to keep everyone on the same page, lessons the
space for error as well as helps productivity move along smoothly.
Good presentation/attitude-anyone who presents themselves in a well
professional business manner will also gain and maintain respect. Those
that you need to listen to what you have to say, will. Something I believe
all administrative assistants should practice.
Pace of this position: Mainly an
average pace, however it can move fast and take a turn at any moment and
when it does hold on tight for an adventurous ride.
Geographical region: Southwest U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™