Reception Assistant Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $37,431.00 - $48,300.00 Annually
Location : Dorchester County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 191698
Agency: Department of Social Services
Division: County Office-Dorchester
Opening Date: 08/13/2026
Closing Date: 8/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: AA75
Position Number:: 61012888
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN06
Hiring Range - Min.: $37,431.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $48,300.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: All applicants must apply online. All correspondence from DSS Human Resources will be made through electronic mail, unless otherwise indicated.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
Do you have a passion to provide meaningful work in the community? Would you like to be part of an organization whose central mission is helping to protect, stabilize and strengthen the lives of children, families, and vulnerable adults? Then the South Carolina Department of Social Services has the right job opportunity for you.
Job Duties:

• The Administrative Assistant is responsible for the administrative functioning of the intake area of the local County DSS office to include supervising the Clerical staff responsible for answering the telephones, greeting and serving customers, and performing duties related to the Economic Services program.

• Supervises administrative support staff in the Intake, Referral and Reception areas and Mailroom; completes performance evaluations of staff and addresses performance and conduct issues through agency's Progressive Discipline process.

• Ensures that staff maintains a professional and courteous manner while serving clients; general public and other staff members.

• Ensures all applications are thoroughly researches and staff use SCCHIP for processing online and paper applications; ensures mail is processed timely; FA mailboxes are checked several times daily and mail is routed appropriately.

• Assigns work, advises staff and upper management when changes in procedure are necessary to ensure that qualify service is provided to customers. Addresses complaints of walk-in customers and those via phone.

• Organizes and implements policies and procedures within the work area; works with county Advocate to address concerns/complaints.

• Reviews work of subordinates for accuracy through spot checks; direct observations of employees' work, and through customer complaints.

• Provides and/or assures that new staff are trained in policies and procedures; cross trains employees.

• Schedules coverage of front receptionist area, schedules lunch hours and leave to assure adequate coverage of area.

• Participates in Red Cross training and shelter duty or other emergency shelter duty/services as directed; performs related duties as required.

• Performs job delivery and/or performance with positive or appropriate customer service delivery to clients, the public and co-workers as integral requirement.

• To ensure that personal identifying information (PII) is properly used, accessed, gathered, shared and disposed. To protect the agency networks and applications by safeguarding systems, equipment and data.

Minimum and Additional Requirements
A High School Diploma and four (4) years of responsible clerical or administrative experience.
An Associate Degree and two (2) years of responsible clerical or administrative experience.
A Bachelor's Degree may be substituted for the related work experience.
Additional Comments
This application for employment with the SC Department of Social Services must be completed in its entirety. A resume may be included; but shall not be substituted in lieu of the completion of this application in part or in whole. "See Resume" is not acceptable information for the completion of any part of the requirements of this application. If such is submitted, this employment application will be considered incomplete and may not be forwarded as eligible for consideration to hiring managers.
Must possess a valid driver's license and have access to and be able to operate a motor vehicle. Individuals must comply with necessary field work assignments.
If you certify, by completion and submission of this application, that you possess educational credentials that qualify you for the available DSS positions, you will be required to provide a certified official transcript, if you are selected for job offer.
The South Carolina Department of Social Services offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

DIVISION: Economic Services / Dorchester County
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01
Have you ever been terminated or forced to resign from any job? If yes, please explain.
02
I understand that supplemental questions are considered part of the official application. Any misrepresentation will result in disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. If there are periods of time when you were not employed, you must also list those periods on your employment application. A resume cannot be submitted for completed work history and education sections of the employment application. The employment application may be considered incomplete and may not be forwarded. I have read and acknowledge the above.

• Yes
• No

03
I understand that by completion and submission of this application, that if I possess educational credentials that qualify me for the available position(s) and in the event I am offered a position with the SC Department of Social Services, I will be required to provide a certified official transcript within two (2) weeks of employment.

• Yes
• No

04
If you selected "Yes" that you are a veteran in the Agency-Wide Questions, are you able to provide a Member 4, Service 2-Copy, or NGB22 DD-214?

• Yes
• No

05
Have you ever been employed by the State of South Carolina? If yes, please provide the state agency/agencies.
06
How did you hear about this job opportunity?

• HR Recruiter
• DSS Employee
• DSS Internship
• Careers Website
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• SCWORKS
• College/University Job Portal
• Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
• Radio/TV/Billboard
• Other

07
If you selected "Other" or "DSS Employee" in the previous question, please list the source below.
08
Have you completed an internship with the SC Department of Social Services?

• Yes
• No

09
Which of the following best describes your highest level of completed education?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate
• None of the above

10
How many years do you have of responsible clerical or administrative experience?

• None
• Less than 2 years
• 2 years - Less than 4 years
• 4 years or more

Required Question