keyboarding, others enter data at a computer terminal. They also can be called upon to operate photocopiers, fax
machines, and other office equipment; prepare mailings; proofread copies; and answer telephones, deliver messages,
greet customers, provide basic software and hardware assistance, utilize the Internet effectively, pay close attention to
numerous details, and to multi-task.
Although the day-to-day duties may differ considerably, many clerks greet customers, guests, or other visitors. Many also
answer telephones and either obtain information from, or provide information to, the public. Most clerks use multi-line
telephones, fax machines, and personal computers. Many are a visitor’s or caller’s first contact within an organization,
providing information and routing calls.
The specific duties assigned to a clerk also vary by level of experience. Whereas inexperienced employees make
photocopies, stuff envelopes, or record inquiries, experienced clerks usually are given additional responsibilities. For
example, they may maintain financial or other records, set up spreadsheets, verify statistical reports for accuracy and
completeness, handle and adjust customer complaints, work with vendors, make travel arrangements, take inventory of
equipment and supplies, answer questions on departmental services and functions, or help prepare invoices or budgetary
requests. Senior office clerks may be expected to monitor and direct the work of lower level clerks.
Assistant Digital Production Designer (OCP C)
This position involved creating presentations, reports, and documents by using digital publishing software and digital
graphics. Scanners, digital cameras, and other equipment may be used.
Administrative Office Specialist (OCP D)
As the reliance on technology continues to expand in offices, the role of the office professional has greatly evolved. Office
automation and organizational restructuring have led secretaries and administrative assistants to assume a wider range of
responsibilities once reserved for managerial and professional staff. Many secretaries and administrative assistants now
provide training and orientation for new staff, conduct research on the Internet, and operate and troubleshoot new office
technologies. In the midst of these changes, however, their core responsibilities have remained much the same—
performing and coordinating an office’s administrative activities, and storing, retrieving, and integrating information for
dissemination to staff and clients.
Secretaries and administrative assistants are responsible for a variety of administrative and clerical duties necessary to
run an organization efficiently. They serve as an information manager for an office, plan and schedule meetings and
appointments, organize and maintain paper and electronic files, manage projects, conduct research, and provide
information by using the telephone, postal mail, and e-mail. They also may handle travel arrangements.
Secretaries and administrative assistants are aided in these tasks by a variety of office equipment, such as facsimile
machines, photocopiers, and telephone systems.
Specific job duties vary with experience and titles. Executive secretaries and administrative assistants, for example,
perform fewer clerical tasks than do other secretaries. In addition to arranging conference calls and scheduling meetings,
they may handle more complex responsibilities such as conducting research, preparing statistical reports, training
employees, and supervising other clerical staff.
Secretaries and administrative assistants usually work in schools, hospitals, corporate settings, or legal and medical
offices. Their jobs often involve sitting for long periods. If they spend a lot of time typing, particularly at a video display
terminal, they may encounter problems of eyestrain, stress, and repetitive motion, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
MATERIALS
Some instructional materials are audio/visual computerized tutorials. For hygienic reasons, students must furnish their
own standard computer headphones to use in listening to the instructional programs. Students must also furnish their
own flash drive with at least 4 gigabytes of ram.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
See the attached Florida State Department of Education Curriculum Framework for program objectives and desired
competencies.
Administrative Office Specialist