Administrative Associate

Administrative Specialist

The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

Job Series: Administrative Support

Classification: Administrative Specialist Career Path

Class Code: PAS03P

Pay Grade: SGS02

Salary Range: $35,610 - $52,703

Job Summary

The Administrative Specialist is a key administrative support role within a department, responsible for performing a variety of office duties to ensure efficient office operations and support for agency staff and programs. This position involves handling administrative tasks, coordinating schedules, managing documentation, and assisting with customer service. The Administrative Specialist will work closely with team members, supervisors, and the public to maintain smooth and effective office workflows.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of administrative functions, including answering phones, responding to emails, managing office supplies, and maintaining office equipment.
• Maintain and update office filing systems, both physical and electronic, ensuring that documents are properly organized and easily accessible.
• Draft and proofread internal and external communications, including memos, reports, and correspondence.
• Coordinate meetings, appointments, and conferences for agency staff and leadership.
• Manage calendars, ensuring that appointments, deadlines, and meetings are scheduled efficiently and with attention to priority.
• Prepare and distribute meeting agendas, take minutes, and track follow-up actions for meetings.
• Create, maintain, and update records, files, and databases, ensuring accuracy and compliance with agency and state policies.
• Provide helpful, professional, and timely responses to inquiries, referring questions to appropriate staff when necessary.
• Accurately input and maintain data in electronic systems, databases, and spreadsheets.
• Monitor and update records or databases to ensure that information is current and accurate.
• Ensure that supplies and materials are ordered and available to meet operational needs.

Knowledge and Skills

Ability to draft clear, concise, and professional correspondence. Ability to interact with the public, staff, and leadership in a professional and approachable manner. Ability to maintain organized records and files. Ability to assess situations, troubleshoot problems, and implement effective solutions in a timely manner. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and in compliance with state and federal privacy laws. Knowledgeable of office software applications (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and familiarity with office equipment (e.g., copiers, fax machines, phone systems). Proactive in identifying opportunities for process improvement and streamlining office operations.

Minimum Qualifications

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee's demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs. Licensure/Certifications N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE. The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.