Local government administrative assistant
Support the teams who provide vital public services like schools, child protection and street cleaning. Answer people's enquiries and give them information.
Also known as: support officer, customer service assistant, clerical officer, administrative officer
About the job
What it's like
You would support the teams who provide vital public services like schools, child protection and street cleaning. You’d make sure the office runs smoothly. You’d answer people’s enquiries and give them information about the services.
You could work with managers and teams in any local council department, for example housing, education, social services, or planning.
Depending on the department you work for, you could:
Deal with enquiries by phone, in writing or in person
Look up information on a computer system
File and photocopy documents
Produce and send letters
Sort, record and distribute mail
Deal with cash and payments
Update computerised and clerical records.
You might act as a secretary or personal assistant (PA) to a manager or department and work with staff in other departments.
Hours
In a full-time job you would usually work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Part-time and temporary work are often available.
Environment
The work is mainly office-based. In some departments you may spend some of your time handling enquiries at a counter or reception desk.
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Related industries
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- statistics
- financial management
- invoicing
- personal security
- social work
- administrative support
- project management
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- reliable
- time management
- developing a plan
- sorting
- attention to detail
- observation
- written communication
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Administration and Information Technology
Business
Economics
Social Subjects
Foundation Apprenticeship: Business Skills
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You don't always need formal qualifications to enter this job but some employers ask for National 4/5s or occasionally Highers.
A course in administration or business may be helpful at National Certificate (SCQF level 4), National Qualification (SCQF level 4) or Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7).
It is possible to gain work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in business and administration (SVQ level 3/4/5).
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