Current job title: Senior
Administrative Assistant
Industry: Healthcare
Department: Administrative
Years worked in this industry: 8
Years worked in this department: 8
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department):
Requirements were prior administrative experience (I had 5 years). What I
believe also helped was a college degree, although it was in unrelated
field.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: I have one supervisor, but
report to the management team (4) and offer various support services for
staff of 17.
Typical work hours: 8:30 – 4:30 Monday
through Friday
Weekends or overtime hours: No
weekends. Rarely work overtime, but am compensated for work over 35 hours.
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.): For my
position the starting salary was around $24,000. I don’t know if there is
a cap.
Benefits (direct or indirect): We have
great benefits here. Medical insurance provided for our family at no cost.
The company contributes 8% of our salary to retirement account. Sick time
and vacation time is generous. We have approximately 11 paid holidays. Our
company also promotes fun, team building events and recognizes birthdays
and anniversaries.
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
A typical day on the job: One thing I
like about my job is that the work varies from day to day. Much of what I
do is computer driven, but what I do is dependent upon what the agency needs
are for that day or week. I do a lot of prep work for meetings and
upcoming events. I trouble shoot problems for various office equipment and
work with vendors. I communicate with building owner for related issues,
etc. I basically do whatever is required or asked of me by staff to help
meet their needs.
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: My work is valued by my
co-workers and I feel appreciated. I have a number of responsibilities
which have helped me to grow professionally.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: My agency is relatively small
so there is no room for advancement. Being a non-profit agency funding is
always a concern and job stability (will we be here next year, etc).
Type of workspace/office:
cubicle (due to expansion and limited space) Our office is quiet so it’s
not a big deal, but my privacy has been compromised.
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position: Supervise the front desk
coordinator (receptionist). Support the management team and Board of
Directors. Schedule, make preparations for, attend and take minutes for
various meetings. As Safety Representative I am responsible for writing
procedures and ensuring that they are followed and staff training.
Maintain the agency’s calendar, schedule appointments and coordinate
reservations for all staff.
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement: Prior
experience in working with non-profits or Board of Directors, supervising
others and college degree would be helpful.
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Copy machine (which also serves as network printer), multi line
telephones, postage meter and fax.
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Email, internet. I am responsible for updating the agency’s website.
Critical soft skills: Communication
(verbal and written) is critical in my job. I have to keep staff informed
of schedule changes (there are a lot of them) and be accommodating of
multiple schedules. You have to be flexible (due to the number of changes
required) and you have to get along well with everyone. I have been
commended for my calm demeanor and ability to handle many situations with
ease.
Pace of this position: Again it’s
dependent upon the day or situation at hand. Most often it’s average pace.
Geographical region: Midwest U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™