Senior Program Associate - Front Desk

County of Dakota; West Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Dakota County as a full-time administrative support role in Social Services. You will be the first point of contact for clients, providing essential support and maintaining data integrity. This position requires effective communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office. The role is office-based with some physical activity and travel required.

Qualifications

• 1 year of administrative experience or 3 years with a high school diploma.
• Proficient at keyboard skills including typing at least 45 WPM.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with answering phone calls and supporting walk-in guests.
• Providing administrative support across program areas.
• Handling confidential client information in compliance with legal regulations.

Skills

Communication

Data Management

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Research

Analysis

Prioritization

Education

Associates Degree in business administration

High School Diploma

Job description

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Social Services
HOURS: Full-time, 40 hours per week
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $50,194 - $56,468/year (105 Grade Level)
FULL SALARY RANGE: $50,194 - $78,428/year
LOCATION: Will be primarily located at the Northern Service Center in West St. Paul; coverage at and travel to the Western Service Center in Apple Valley may be required
UNION: AFSCME 306
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 5/28/2025

Come join us at Dakota County and Be more. Dakota County employs over 2,000 skilled individuals whose talents and contributions make Dakota County a premier place to live and work. The work County government does is unique. Dakota County offers important careers – the kind of careers that make a difference in people's lives.

Dakota County welcomes and is inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and perspectives. The County aims to reflect the community and clients it serves and fosters an equitable and respectful working environment where everyone is empowered to be their authentic selves.

This position supports the Social Services front desk/reception area primarily at our Northern Service Center and may be called on to provide coverage at our Western Service Center. This role will be the first point of contact for callers, walk-in guests, and will support a variety of social services programs. This position provides a wide range of highly skilled administrative functions and completes tasks under limited supervision.This position is required to be in-office daily.

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• Associates Degree in business administration, human services or related field AND One (1) year of progressively responsible administrative experience in an office environment.
OR
• High School Diploma AND Three (3) years of administrative experience in an office environment.
OR
• Current combination of education and experience to total 3 years.

• Candidate must be proficient at keyboard skills including typing at least 45 WPM.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with multi-line phone systems
• Experience with individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and/or substance use disorders
• Experience working with diverse populations and clients with limited English proficiency
• High level of skill with Microsoft Office applications
• Experience in electronic databases and records management systems

To be eligible for hire, an applicant must successfully complete a background check and meet the criminal history background criteria required to access certain networks/systems necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

Responsibilities include:

1. Assisting with answering phone calls and supporting walk-in guests, directing calls, and providing information.
2. Providing administrative support across program areas, including processing background checks, managing incoming faxes, and completing work orders.
3. Supporting program staff with intake and ongoing program activities.
4. Handling purchasing tasks such as supplies, postage, and business cards.
5. Maintaining and updating information in state and county systems.
6. Processing program data, ensuring accuracy and data integrity.
7. Scheduling client appointments, organizing documents, maintaining office equipment.
8. Recommending and developing administrative procedures.
9. Handling confidential client information in compliance with legal regulations.
10. Conducting internal audits to ensure compliance with mandates.
11. Supporting department programs through special projects.
12. Supporting cultural diversity and equity initiatives.
13. Performing other duties as assigned.

Essential skills include:
• Knowledge of State, Federal, and County guidelines.
• Effective communication and professionalism.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of HIPAA and data privacy.
• Data management and record reconciliation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data systems.
• Research, analysis, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.

Work environment involves office work, some physical activity, and travel as needed.

Selection process involves evaluation of training and experience, with top candidates forwarded for further consideration.

Dakota County promotes diversity and inclusivity, reflecting the community it serves.