What does a program assistant do?
Program assistants have a great deal in common with administrative assistants, engaging in administrative duties such as filing, scheduling, and answering phone calls. They play a valuable supporting role, performing many client service and clerical tasks while ensuring that a team, project, or program is well organized.
Their duties can vary based on the organization or sector in which they work. For example, a childcare program assistant may research educational resources, liaise with parents, or provide help with homework.
Program assistant skills and qualifications
A successful program assistant will possess the skills and qualifications required to perform their duties and responsibilities. While some specialized program assistant roles may call for other capabilities, here are the most common competencies needed in this position:
- Administrative know-how, including the ability to manage schedules, organize and retrieve files, answer telephone and e-mail inquiries, and order office supplies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Accomplished time management skills and the ability to prioritize, enabling them to meet deadlines, multitask, and oversee complex schedules
- Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and PowerPoint software, allowing them to enter data quickly and accurately, compose program correspondence, and create visual presentations
- Top-notch organizational skills, including the ability to create and adhere to a user-friendly filing system and manage multiple schedules and deadlines
- A keen eye for detail, ensuring accuracy in data entry, file management, and document preparation
- Experience with the operation and maintenance of office equipment, including photocopiers, telephone systems, shredders, and printers
- Accomplished interpersonal skills, enabling them to interact positively with clients, team members, and program leaders
Program assistant experience requirements
A suitable candidate for a program assistant position will possess work experience in an administrative or clerical role—ideally, in a program or project environment. Those who have worked as an administrative or office assistant in other sectors are also likely to possess the requisite skills. You may also wish to consider those who have performed receptionist duties, possess excellent typing skills, and boast billing experience.
Program assistant education and training requirements
Program assistants typically possess a high school diploma, while a certificate or degree in business administration, office administration, public administration, medical administration, or a related field is advantageous. It is wise to seek candidates who have computer skills, including the use of word processing and spreadsheet software.
Program assistant salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a program assistant in Canada is $50,316 per year. This salary may vary according to the individual’s experience level, geographical location, and company.
Job description samples for similar positions
If the job description for a program assistant does not meet your company’s needs, here are some related job descriptions that may be a better match:
Program assistant job description FAQs
What qualities make a good program assistant?
When posing interview questions to a prospective candidate, there are some desirable personal qualities and characteristics that you may wish to seek. An ideal applicant will be a team player with a positive state of mind, striving to support team members, provide help, and encourage others. They take ownership of their actions and are accountable for the results, honour commitments, and display a high degree of conscientiousness. An ideal program assistant also possesses a passion for the program, project, or organization, displaying a genuine dedication to the work they are doing.
Does a program assistant work outside the office?
The bulk of a program assistant’s work will be conducted inside the office, but they may occasionally be allowed to work in different environments. Possibilities include partaking in offsite meetings, attending conferences, or visiting program partners and collaborators.
Who does a program assistant report to?
Typically, a program assistant reports to the program manager, director, or leader, but this varies according to the organization and its sector. In some cases, they can report directly to the executive director.
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