Administrative Assistant III - Detention Operations Command

Harris County Sheriff's Office; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County Sheriff's Office is seeking an Administrative Assistant III to provide high-level administrative support, manage complex projects, and prepare sensitive reports. The role may lead lower‑level staff and coordinate workflow while safeguarding confidential information.

Key duties include coordinating command staff calendars, serving as a liaison across divisions, and handling payroll documentation.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Business Administration or similar field with four years of professional administrative support experience.
• Internal applicants may have one year in Administrative Assistant II or equivalent within the Administrative Support job family.
• High school diploma/G.E.D. with six years of professional administrative support experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and organize assignments for command staff.
• Serve as a point of contact for other divisions and internal/external offices.
• Schedule meetings, prepare agendas, and coordinate travel and training logistics.
• Maintain bureau files and prepare non-routine letters or reports, including sensitive materials.

Skills

Office administration

Calendar management

Document preparation

Communication

Confidential information handling

Education

Associate degree in Business Administration

High school diploma or GED

Tools

STARS payroll

SIRS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Under the general supervision of a Captain or Director, Administrative Assistant III provides advanced administrative support by managing complex projects, preparing detailed and non‑routine reports and correspondence (which may be sensitive), and assisting with policy implementation. The incumbent may serve as a lead worker, guiding lower‑level administrative staff and coordinating workflow, and exercises discretionary authority with constant access to confidential, sensitive, and private information.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs advanced administrative support duties by coordinating and organizing assignments for command staff
• Serves as a point of contact for other HCSO divisions, bureaus, and internal/external offices
• Schedules meetings, prepares agendas, and coordinates travel and training logistics
• Maintains bureau files and prepares non‑routine letters and/or reports, which may be sensitive in nature
• Assists in resolving administrative issues and process improvements for the assigned unit
• Processes payroll and payroll‑related documentation, and manages confidential personnel records
• May guide or provide work direction to Administrative Clerk or Administrative Assistant II staff
• Performs other duties and assignments as required

Illustrative Assignment‑Specific Duties (examples — not all‑inclusive):

• Coordinating command‑staff calendars and large‑scale meetings across multiple divisions
• Serving as a resource for departmental procedures and process improvements
• Assisting with budget tracking or procurement documentation for the assigned bureau

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee in this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

• Associate’s degree in Business Administration or a closely related field and four (4) years of professional administrative support experience in an office environment. OR
• (internal Applicants) Currently classified as an Administrative Assistant II or other position in a classification within the Administrative Support job family at pay grade 2, with a minimum of one (1) year in the classification. OR
• High school diploma/G.E.D. equivalency and six (6) years of professional administrative support experience in an office environment.

• Must pass the “Administrative Staff Skill Test” with a minimum overall score of 80% and a typing speed of 40 WPM with 85% accuracy.
• Copy of last evaluation (front and back) with a minimum score of 20 (internal Applicants)

Knowledge, Skills, and Proficiencies:

• Basic knowledge of database management or other specialized software relevant to the role.
• Experience in managing schedules, organizing meetings, and handling correspondence.
• STARS payroll system, SIRS, phone operations, and maintaining a filing system.
• Proficiency in office software such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and data integrity.
• Professional demeanor and excellent customer service skills.

Ability to:

• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Organize, set priorities, and exercise sound independent judgment.
• Manage multiple priorities, work independently, and meet deadlines.
• Establish and maintain working relationships in a diverse environment.
• Collaboratively work with various levels of the organization as well as the public.
• Observe and adhere to regular duty hours and assignments.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the commanders, peers, supervisors, and managers assigned to all bureaus and divisions of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

• Experience in law enforcement, public safety, or government administration
• Prior experience providing direct support to command‑level staff

Work Environment, Physical Demands & Schedule

Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Physical Demands: This role is largely sedentary; the ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds is necessary to lift files and/or boxes of files, documents, etc.

Position Type and Typical Hours: This is a full‑time, non‑exempt position. Harris County Sheriff’s Office operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Most positions in this classification work Monday through Friday, 8‑hour shifts scheduled between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; the specific start and end time is established by the assigned Bureau/Division based on operational needs. Some assignments require 24/7 coverage and may include weekend or night shifts, typically 6:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., or 10:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m. The specific shift and schedule for a given position are set at the time it is posted.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.