Program Support Assistant Jobs in Hickory, NC (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $38,608.00 - $54,553.00 Annually
Location : Alexander Administration Building - 621 Liledoun Rd Taylorsville, NC 28681
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600055
Department: Administration
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/21/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position Description
Performs a variety of clerical, secretarial, or support duties in an office requiring an understanding of the unit's services, and independence and program knowledge in the performance of special assignments relating to the office. Employees in this class perform a variety of clerical and administrative support duties. Work generally requires that employees handle day-to-day activities such as information processing and referral. Clerical duties are distinguished by the variety, complexity, and independence of action. Work requires self-initiative in activities. Unusual situations may be referred to others for guidance. General knowledge of the County, assigned department, and related functions are needed. Guides may include a variety of written manuals and instructions, as well as oral instructions. Some judgment is required in selecting and applying the appropriate guide; deviations from established procedures are referred to others. Work is performed under the supervision of the County Manager and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and the quality and effectiveness of work completed.
Responsibilities

• Provides secretarial and administrative support to the County Manager, Clerk to the Board, and other management or professional staff as needed. Screens calls and inquiries, responds appropriately, and obtains and provides information.
• Receives and greets visitors; gives information concerning visitors' needs; may handle requests independently.
• Secures information via telephone or personal contact; selects appropriate materials to answer questions; processes mail for the unit.
• Schedules appointments and coordinates logistics for meetings and conferences. Prepares and compiles agendas, supporting materials, and relevant data as needed, and records notes or meeting minutes when required.
• Produces a wide range of documents, including correspondence, letters, memos, notes, meeting minutes, charts, and reports. Reviews materials for adherence to instructions and for correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar, and proofreads final versions to ensure accuracy.
• Maintains records and files; processes documents based on review and verification; files and retrieves materials based on limited information and performs periodic follow-up activities.
• Inputs data into computer system; verifies and edits data and corrects as necessary.
• Screens and routes materials according to content of communications.
• Orders supplies which may require processing of purchase orders and tracking line-item expenditures.
• Handles daily cash transactions for the department.
• Attends various meetings as needed and participates in special projects as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
• Working knowledge and ability to use correct grammar, vocabulary, and spelling.
• Working knowledge of arithmetic and its uses in general office work.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by email, and by telephone.
• Ability to gather and give basic information and instructions on departmental programs to answer inquiries.
• Ability to learn a general knowledge of staff and departmental programs.
• Ability to be tactful and courteous.
• Ability to gather and compile materials from a variety of sources.
• Ability to operate office machines such as a computer, calculator, copier/scanner, fax machine, or other equipment;
• Ability to use judgment in organizing and establishing priorities of the work assigned.
• Ability to compile information based on general instructions.
• Ability to arrange and place records, reports, and files into a proper sequence.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, employees, and the general public.

Required Minimum Education / Experience

• Graduation from high school or GED and 2 years experience as an office assistant, secretary, or related position; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in local government is preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.
• Possess a valid NC Driver's license.

Alexander County is a rewarding and supportive workplace, where employees are valued and encouraged to grow. We offer a full compensation package including quality benefits that include flexible options designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families.
HEALTH CARE
Medical Insurance - Employee medical insurance is 100% paid provided wellness incentive requirements are met. Spouse and family coverage is available at employee expense per pay period:
Child: $75.00 Children: $225.00 Spouse: $250.00 Family: $425.00
Dental Insurance - Employee dental insurance is 100% paid. Spouse and family coverage is available at employee expense per pay period:
Child(ren): $19.28 Spouse: $21.47 Family: $59.52
Vision Insurance - Employee vision insurance is 100% paid. Spouse and family coverage is available at employee expense per pay period:
Child(ren): $4.19 Spouse: $3.77 Family: $8.12
WELLNESS
Health Clinic - Available to all County employees and dependents covered under the medical insurance plan. Covered visits include ear infections, colds, first aid, physicals, and other acute care needs.
Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) - The medical plan offers alternative therapies such as acupuncture, hypnotherapy, massage therapy, yoga, and others. Specific requirements must be met for partial reimbursement - refer to the employee benefit guide for more information.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Counseling services are available to all employees and dependents in the home. Services are provided in a private and confidential setting. The County provides coverage for the first five visits per year.
YMCA - No joining or monthly membership fees for eligible employees. Employees may opt to upgrade their membership to a family rate of $7.50 per pay period.
Genesis Fitness - Discounted member fees for eligible employees - refer to the employee benefit guide for more information.
WORK/LIFE BALANCE
Holidays - Twelve days of paid leave are provided throughout the year to eligible employees.
Sick Leave - Employees earn eight hours per month; EMS employees earn 11 hours per month.
Annual Leave - Employees earn prorated hours per month based upon years of service and hours worked.
Birth Month Leave - Employees will receive the equivalent hours of one regular workday added to their annual leave on the second day of their birth month.
Community Involvement Leave - Employees earn eight hours per calendar year, expiring on December 31.
Bereavement Leave - Employees are given 24 hours of paid leave to grieve the loss of an immediate family member.
Parental Leave - Eligible employees can request up to 6 weeks of paid leave per calendar year.
Discount Tickets - Discount tickets to various recreational venues including AMC Theaters, Carowinds, Tweetsie Railroad, Biltmore Estate, and others.
FINANCIAL STABILITY
NC Local Government Retirement System - The Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System (LGERS) is a defined benefit plan. Full-time and eligible part-time employees are automatically enrolled in the system. Employees contribute a mandatory, fixed 6% on a pre-tax basis. An employee is considered vested after five years of contributory service.
Life Insurance - $12,500 of Life and AD&D at no cost to the employee. Additional coverage is available at employee expense.
Longevity - After five (5) years of continuous full-time County service, employees receive an annual lump sum payment of 1.5% of their salary during their anniversary month. Moving forward, the amount increases by .10 per year based upon years of service.
401k and 457 Deferred Compensation - The County will match full-time and eligible part-time employee's voluntary 401(k) contribution, up to 2% of their salary. Sworn Law Enforcement Officers (LEO) receive an additional automatic 5% County contribution.
Tuition Reimbursement - Employees who have completed their initial probationary period are eligible to participate in the tuition reimbursement program of up to $1,000 per semester in qualified expenses.
Supplemental Benefits - The County partners with Aflac, as an employee option, for additional supplemental benefits.
Local Government Federal Credit Union (CIVIC) - Memberships are available to County employees.
For additional details on benefits, please review the Alexander County policies at www.alexandercountync.gov or
contact the Human Resources Department at (828) 632-1132.
01
Please select your highest level of education completed.

• Some High School
• High School/GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

02
How many years as an office assistant, secretary, or related position do you have?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 - 2 years
• 2 - 3 years
• 3 - 4 years
• 4 - 5 years
• 5 + Years

03
Do you have a valid North Carolina driver's license?

• Yes
• No

04
Please describe your level of proficiency with office tools, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and any other relevant applications.

• Basic
• Intermediate
• Advanced

Required Question