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Local government administrative assistant

administrative officer clerical officer customer service assistant support officer
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Administration, business and management
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Career outlook for local government administrative assistant

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£18,000

Experienced

£24,500

Currently employed in Scotland

17,300

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would support the teams who provide vital public services like schools, child protection and street cleaning. You’d make sure the office runs smoothly. You’d answer people’s enquiries and give them information about the services.

You could work with managers and teams in any local council department, for example housing, education, social services, or planning.

Depending on the department you work for, you could:

  • Deal with enquiries by phone, in writing or in person
  • Look up information on a computer system
  • File and photocopy documents
  • Produce and send letters
  • Sort, record and distribute mail
  • Deal with cash and payments
  • Update computerised and clerical records.

You might act as a secretary or personal assistant (PA) to a manager or department and work with staff in other departments.

Working conditions

Hours

In a full-time job you would usually work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Part-time and temporary work are often available.

Environment

The work is mainly office-based. In some departments you may spend some of your time handling enquiries at a counter or reception desk.

UK employment status

Full-time

54%

Part-time

45%

Self employed

1%

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Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.

  • Cooperating
  • Verbal communication
  • Written communication
  • Observation
  • Attention to detail
  • Sorting
  • Developing a plan
  • Time management
  • Reliable

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.

Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.

Qualifications

You don't always need formal qualifications to enter this job but some employers ask for National 4/5s or occasionally Highers.

A course in administration or business may be helpful at National Certificate (SCQF level 4), National Qualification (SCQF level 4) or Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7).

Useful subjects

  • English (required by most employers and courses)
  • Maths
  • Business subjects
  • ICT subjects
  • Administrative subjects

Helpful to have

It is possible to gain work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in business and administration (SVQ level 3/4/5).