Clerical Supervisor/Managers
Description OES Code: 51002
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of clerical and administrative support workers. Managers/Supervisors are generally found in smaller establishments where they perform both supervisory and management functions, such as accounting, marketing, and personnel work, and may also engage in the same clerical work as the workers they supervise.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $14.02
25th Percentile $16.16
50th Percentile $20.56
75th Percentile $26.37

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $13.55
25th Percentile $15.28
50th Percentile $18.50
75th Percentile $23.80

Wages by California County
OES Survey
CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Almost all employers offer medical insurance, vacation, and sick leave. Most employers also offer dental insurance, retirement plans and life insurance.Some clerical supervisors in the private sector may receive additional compensation in the form of bonuses and stock options.

Most work a standard 40-hour week. Because some organizations operate around the clock, however, clerical supervisors may have to work nights, weekends, and holidays. In some cases, supervisors rotate among the three shifts. In others, shifts are assigned on the basis of seniority.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 159,260
Projected Employment 2008 198,770
Percent Change 1998-2008 24.8%
Separations 1998-2008 41,470

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 2,390
Projected Employment 2006 2,780
Percent Change 1999-2006 16.3%
Separations 1999-2006 400

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Office and administrative support supervisors and managers are employed in a wide variety of work settings, but most work in clean, well lit, offices that usually are comfortable.

Advancement
A clerk with potential supervisory abilities may be given occasional supervisory assignments. To prepare for full time supervisory duties, he or she may attend in-house training or take courses in time management or interpersonal relations, for example, at a local community college or vocational school.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Some clerical supervisors are hired from outside the organization for positions with more managerial duties. These positions may serve as entry-level training for potential higher-level managers. New college graduates may rotate through departments of an organization at this level to learn the work of the entire organization.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.


Education and Training
Many employers require postsecondary training — in some cases, an associate's or even a bachelor's degree.

Most firms fill clerical supervisory and managerial positions by promoting individuals within their organization from the clerical ranks. To be eligible for promotion to a supervisory position, clerical or administrative support workers must prove they are capable of handling additional responsibilities. When evaluating candidates, superiors look for strong teamwork skills, determination, loyalty, poise, and confidence. They also look for more specific supervisory attributes, such as the ability to organize and coordinate work efficiently, set priorities, and motivate others. Increasingly, supervisors need a broad base of office skills coupled with personal flexibility to adapt to changes in organizational structure and move among departments when necessary.

Skills & Other Requirements
Supervisors must pay close attention to detail in order to identify and correct errors made by subordinates. Good working knowledge of the organization's computer system is also an advantage.

All organizations need timely and effective clerical and administrative support to operate efficiently. Coordinating this support is the responsibility of clerical supervisors and managers. They can be found in nearly every sector of the economy, working in fields as varied as office management, or, customer services. Although some functions may vary considerably, many duties are common to all clerical supervisors and managers. Supervisors perform administrative tasks to ensure that their staffs can work efficiently. For example, equipment and machinery used in their departments must be in good working order. If the computer system goes down or a photocopier malfunctions, they must try to correct the problem or alert repair personnel. They also request new equipment or supplies for their department when necessary.

Planning and supervising the work of their staff is another key function of this job. To do this effectively, the supervisor must know the strengths and weaknesses of each member of the staff, as well as the required level of quality and time allotted to each job. They must make allowances for unexpected absences and other disruptions, and adjust assignments or perform the work themselves if the situation requires it.

References
US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Related Occupations: Bookkeeping, Accounting & Auditing Clerks, Cashiers, Tellers

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)