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Substitute Secretary Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Substitute Secretary information

See Delaware salary details

$9

$18

$27

How much do substitute secretary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for substitute secretary in Delaware is $18.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substitute secretary?

Substitute secretaries are administrative professionals who temporarily fill in for regular secretaries or administrative assistants when they are absent due to illness, vacation, or other reasons. They perform essential office duties such as answering phones, managing schedules, handling correspondence, and maintaining records. Substitute secretaries ensure that office operations continue smoothly in the absence of permanent staff. They may work in schools, businesses, government offices, or healthcare settings, adapting quickly to different environments and procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substitute secretary, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substitute Secretary, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in basic office administration, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with office software such as Microsoft Office Suite, email systems, and common office equipment is typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and reliability are standout soft skills for ensuring smooth operations during staff absences. These skills are vital for maintaining workflow continuity, supporting staff and visitors, and upholding the professionalism of the office environment.

What are some common challenges faced by substitute secretaries, and how can they be managed effectively?

Substitute secretaries often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new office environments, learning unfamiliar procedures, and managing tasks with limited background on ongoing projects. To manage these challenges effectively, it's helpful to arrive early, ask clarifying questions, and prioritize clear communication with permanent staff. Being organized, flexible, and proactive in seeking out necessary information can help substitutes succeed and make positive impressions in each assignment.

What is the difference between Substitute Secretary vs Administrative Assistant?

AspectSubstitute SecretaryAdministrative Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; basic office skillsHigh school diploma; often additional certifications
Work EnvironmentTemporary, often in schools or officesPermanent, in various office settings
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, small officesCorporations, government agencies, nonprofits
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Substitute Secretary and an Administrative Assistant lies in their employment status and work setting. Substitute Secretaries typically work temporarily in schools or offices, filling in as needed, while Administrative Assistants hold permanent positions supporting daily office operations. Both roles require similar basic skills, but Administrative Assistants often have additional certifications and broader responsibilities.

What qualifications do I need to be a substitute secretary?

To become a substitute secretary, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong organizational and communication skills, and proficiency with office software such as word processors and spreadsheets. Some positions may require prior clerical experience or a background check, and flexibility to work varied hours is often preferred.

What are popular job titles related to Substitute Secretary jobs in Delaware?

For Substitute Secretary jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Substitute Secretary job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,207 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Substitute School Secretary - District-Wide

Join Delaware Schools Consortium

Dover, DE

$15.06/hr

Full-time, Contractor

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description


JOB TITLE:  Substitute School Secretary 
REPORTS TO:  Principal
*PLEASE NOTE:  THIS IS A SUBSTITUTE POSITION, NOT A FULL-TIME, 12-MONTH POSITION*
Payrate:  




  • Substitute Secretary- $15.06 per hour.  Typically an 8 hour day with a 30 minute unpaid lunch.
  • Substitutes are casual seasonal employees and are not eligible for Benefits.

POSITION OVERVIEW
Under direction of the Building Principal, the Substitute Secretary will provide clerical, secretarial, accounting and administrative assistance to school administrators at the school site, conveying information regarding school functions and procedures; and supporting the broad array of services provided to students, parents, instructional and support employees.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following information is intended to describe the overrall nature and scope of the work being performed in relation to the position.  This is not a comprehensive listing of all of the responsibilities or tasks; other work may be assigned and deemed appropriate:
 




  • - Performs typing assignments, e.g. correspondence, labels, bulletins, rosters, reports, etc.  Composes correspondence, reports and other written documents.
  • - Works closely with Principal and Administrators on various projects and schedules.
  • - Schedules appointments and maintains up-to-date calendars for administrator(s).
  • - Open, sorts, prioritizes mail and other forms of communication and re-directs to those who should take action and/or should be kept informed of its contents.
  • - Responds to requests (telephone, personal, mail) for information/assistance, exercising independent judgment and discretion.  (Frequently in contact with representatives of local, county or State authorities, with the news media, and with members of the general public.)
  • - Performs receptionist duties for designated administrator(s) and responds to requests for information/assistance.
  • - Maintains and assumes responsibility of records and files.
  • - Assumes responsibility for inventory, ordering, and distribution of office supplies/equipment.
  • - Operate/Maintain/Train staff on appropriate office equipment.
  • - May receive, count, and secures money, and record transactions, as assigned by the administrator(s).
  • - Assists the administrator in developing, compiling and preparing information and reports.
  • - Develops priorities, methods and procedures for effective performance of duties and office preparation.
  • - Assists administrator(s) in designated, routine administrative tasks.
  • - Exercises good judgment and confidentiality in conformance with district policy.
  • - Performs related administrative secretarial duties, as assigned by administrator(s).


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Below are the qualifications for this position:
 


  • - High School Diploma or GED Certificate (two years of applicable college or business school is preferred).
  • - Thorough knowledge of secretarial techniques and office procedures.
  • - Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with others.
  • - Typing skills with accuracy.
  • - Proficient Computer skills (e.g. Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Data Management, Power Point/or equivalent, Computerized Accounting Package).
  • - Proficiency in both written and oral English usage and proofreading.
  • - Ability to coordinate workload to meet established schedules/deadlines.
  • - Demonstrates ability to make decisions, to work under pressure and to exercise good judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in performance of duties.
  • - Ability to coordinate workload to meet established schedules/deadlines.
  • - Demonstrates pleasant, cooperative attitude.
  • - Demonstrates good attendance record (school or employment).
  • - Effective communication skills.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 
The following provides a brief description of physical requirements for this position:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly talking, expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly. The employee must possess normal cognitive abilities including the ability to learn, recall and apply certain practices and policies. Frequently sitting and/or remaining in a stationary position for long periods of time. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. 
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The work of this class is generally performed in a school environment.  Work may require the ability to move around the school and office spaces.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS








  • - All persons employed by the Appoquinimink School District are required to submit a criminal background check and a tuberculosis test.
  • - Anyone offered employment is required to provide the following:  proper identification (Social Security Card and Driver's License), documentation of eligibility for employment in the U.S.A., completion of I-9 form, and completion of paperwork for the Delaware Child Protection Registry.

 
ADA ACCOMMODATIONS DISCLOSURE
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Appoquinimink School District is required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities, unless doing so would pose an undue hardship. Qualified employees must have the requisite skills, experience, education, and licenses for the job, and must also be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
NON-DISCRIMINATION DISCLOSURE
The Appoquinimink School District is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its educational programs, services, and activities for all students and employees.  The Appoquinimink School District does not discriminate or retaliate in the hiring, training, assignment, promotion/transfer of employees on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, domicile, marital status, handicap, or any other characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
EVALUATION 
Job performance will be evaluated by the Building Principal in accordance with established provisions.  
APPLICATION PROCESS









  1. Visit us at https://www.applitrack.com/apposchooldistrict/onlineapp/
  2. Locate job of interest
  3. Select apply
  4. Create a username and password to complete the application.  Please keep track of this information so that you will be able to log in and edit or review any applications you submit.



Delaware Schools Consortium logo

About Delaware Schools Consortium

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Delaware Schools Consortium (DSC), located in Dover, DE, US, is an organization in the education industry. The company, accessible via its official website at joindelawareschools.org, serves as a hub for public and charter schools across Delaware, sharing resources, knowledge, and opportunities. Founded on the notion of unified leadership and common values, DSC's mission is to foster cooperation and collaboration among schools, facilitating the growth of the education sector in the region. The consortium represents a wide range of institutions, from primary and secondary schools to vocational colleges. Its achievements include promoting educational advancement in the region, aiding in the allocation of resources, and supporting countless teachers, administrators, and students on their educational journeys.

Industry

Education

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Dover, DE, US

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