Administrative Assistant

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Wichita Falls, TX

7d • $2,482 - $3,405 • Onsite

About The Position

The Administrative Assistant provides administrative support to the unit supervisor and staff, interacting routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) employees and the general public. The position supports office operations, maintains records and case files, enters information into agency systems, and helps provide program information and referrals.

Administrative Assistants may also assist DFPS caseworkers with supervision of children without placement, primarily children ages 10 to 17. This may include monitoring children at an office or community location and helping ensure their safety and needs are met, including food, hygiene, education, and recreational activities. This work could require hours outside the normal schedule; overtime compensation may be earned.

The position is full-time, nonexempt, day shift, and not eligible for telework. It is based in Wichita Falls, Texas. Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check. Employees must complete related cybersecurity training and follow agency security and system-use policies.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• One year of full-time administrative support, general office, clerical, secretarial, or DFPS experience. Thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Knowledge of office practices and administrative procedures.
• Skill using Microsoft Works or a Windows environment.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in an office supporting several staff members and interact with all levels of staff.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple assignments in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and various software packages at an advanced level.
• Ability to work with confidential information.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment such as fax, copying, and adding machines.
• Must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check if selected for hire.
• Must complete required cybersecurity training and comply with agency cybersecurity and communications-system usage policies.
• Must provide documentation of identity and authorization to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Answer and screen telephone inquiries, take and route messages, and record intake information for referral to caseworkers.
• Greet visitors, answer general questions, and direct callers to the appropriate location.
• Prepare correspondence, forms, narratives, travel vouchers, meeting notes, performance evaluations, and other unit documents.
• Assist staff with office processes and operations, including resolving problems with office software and equipment such as copy and fax machines.
• Sort and route mail.
• Prepare time and leave forms and make travel arrangements and reimbursement requests.
• Assist with training activities as needed and provide backup for other unit administrative assistants.
• Maintain systems for progress updates and develop and maintain forms, case files, and reports.
• Enter data into IMPACT and other electronic programs and systems.
• Provide program and agency information and make referrals to community resources.
• Attend work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and perform other duties as assigned.
• Promote and demonstrate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and work-related contacts.
• When required, assist DFPS caseworkers in monitoring children without placement and ensuring their safety and needs are met at office or community locations.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for the employee and 50% paid for eligible family members.
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus 401(k) and 457 savings plans.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at rates described as lower than most private plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
• Employee discounts, including gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
• May qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED