Administrative Assistant 4 (Lafayette Region - Child Welfare)

State of Louisiana; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services seeks an experienced Executive Secretary to support the Area Director in Lafayette Parish. The role demands independent judgment, calendar management, travel coordination, and handling sensitive information to ensure smooth program operations.

Applicants should have at least three years in administrative services, with a strong emphasis on professionalism, ethics, and effective communication.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in administrative services.
• Ability to follow guidance and instructions with independence.
• Competencies include communication, accountability, ethics, and professionalism.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing duties and schedules.
• Possession of a valid driver's license may be required.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the confidential executive secretary to the Area Director.
• Schedules and coordinates meetings and maintains an electronic calendar.
• Manages travel arrangements and expense reimbursements.
• Coordinates special projects and prepares staff utilization reports.
• Acts as time administrator, reviewer, or backup for the Regional/Parish Office.
• Performs other duties to ensure smooth operation of the Department.

Skills

Follow directions

Effective communication

Accountability

Ethics and integrity

Adaptability

Initiative

Professionalism

Job description

Department MISSION

To protect children, empower families, and strengthen communities so every child grows up safe, stable, and strong.

Department VISION

A future where every child thrives in a loving environment, supported by empowered families and resilient communities.

Department VALUES

Treating all people with dignity, compassion and respect, while providing services with integrity.

This position is located in the Lafayette Parish Child Welfare Office in Lafayette, Louisiana.

At The Department of Children and Family Services, our mission is to empower communities and improve lives by delivering responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking public services. We are proud to serve the people of Louisiana with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to equity.

AN IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING COMPTENCIES:

• Accepting Direction:The ability to be open and willing to follow guidance or instructions.
• Communicating Effectively:The ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions using structured communication methods that promote understanding and engagement.
• Demonstrating Accountability:The ability to take ownership of actions, behaviors, performance, decisions, and outcomes.
• Acting with Ethics and Integrity:The ability to make choices that reflect ethical standards, integrity, and honesty, regardless of circumstances or personal benefit.
• Adapting to Change:The ability to demonstrate flexibility in thoughts, behaviors, and actions in response to evolving circumstances or unexpected change.
• Demonstrating Initiative:The ability to assess situations independently and take proactive steps to address them without being prompted or instructed by others.
• Displaying Professionalism:The ability to uphold workplace standards through consistent conduct, responsible communication, and consideration for others.

If you're driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact—this could be the opportunity for you!

Three years of experience in administrative services.

EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION:

Every 15 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as six months of experience.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties:

• Serves as the confidential executive secretary to the Area Director.
• Performs duties independently and exercises a high degree of independent judgment and initiative in determining the appropriate action in matters.
• Schedules and coordinates meetings and conference calls while maintaining an electronic calendar with meeting logistics and background information.
• Responsible for all aspects of travel and expense reimbursement.
• Handles and coordinates special projects.
• Compiles and prepares staff utilization reports for all programs in the defined area.
• Serves as time administrator, reviewer, or backup for the Regional Office or Parish Office as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned for the smooth operation of the Department.

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type: Thisposition may be filled as a probational appointment or a job appointment that may last up to 48 months. Job appointments may convert to probational appointments. Also, it may be filled as a detail and promoted within 12 months or by promotion of a permanent classified employee.

Work Schedule: Typically, work hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday. Flexible work schedules are available after meeting certain criteria and is dependent upon the position you are applying for. Some positions require working shifts.

Work Location: Lafayette, Louisiana

Louisiana HB 420 requires all prospective DCFS employees to complete and clear multiple background clearances prior to employment with this agency.

In accordance with La. R.S. 46:51.2 the department shall conduct a State Central Registry (SCR) check for a potential employee of the department to determine whether or not said individual's name appears on a SCR subsequent to December 31, 2009, and whose duties include: investigations of child abuse or neglect, supervisory or disciplinary authority over children, direct care to a child, or performance of licensing surveys.

In accordance with state laws, selected candidates must pass the following checks before any final job offer will be made: Drug Test, Criminal Background, State Central Registry, and Louisiana State Police Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry.

NOTE: The incumbent of this position must not have been convicted or pled nolo contendere to a crime listed in R.S. 15.587.1 (c).

May be required to possess a valid driver's license & access to a personal vehicle.

DCFS is an “Equal Opportunity Employer”, and Louisiana is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.