Introduction
Typists work in most departments within Local Authorities.
They provide word processing support to groups of officers or
technical staff such as educational welfare officers or social
workers, or to an entire section/department. They aim to
provide an efficient administrative, word-processing support
service. The precise nature of their duties varies according
to whom they are providing the service for and their
seniority. For example, some typists concentrate on word
processing; others play a bigger part in the running of the office
and have additional duties such as reception work and dealing
with enquiries from the public. Within some service areas,
there are other posts, generally at a higher level, where
typing/word processing skills are combined with other clerical
duties which could include database input, scanning into electronic
records and general office/clerical support - these posts may be
advertised as clerk/typist.
Work Environment
Typists are office-based. Some work in offices that are open
to the public and others work in teams in busy, open plan office
environments. They spend much of the time sitting - usually
at a computer screen, although regular recommended breaks are
taken. Typists normally work a 37-hour week, although there
are plenty of opportunities for part-time, job share and flexible
working hours.
Daily Activities
Daily tasks usually include:
- undertaking typing/word processing duties as directed by a
manager/ supervisor;
- receiving, recording and sorting mail;
- preparing letters, formal court reports, data tables and
reports from drafts prepared by others;
- answering telephone enquiries or providing switchboard cover
(taking incoming calls and transferring calls to the appropriate
person).
However, some jobs also include some of the following tasks:
- reception duties - this could include dealing with various
people including local authority staff, elected Members of the
Council and members of the public, informing staff of the arrival
of visitors, signing visitors in and giving them directions;
- undertaking general office administration tasks - such as
photocopying, faxing, emailing, making appointments and updating
diaries.
Skills & Interests
Typists need to:
- work accurately and pay attention to detail;
- have good written and verbal communication skills - able to
speak clearly over the telephone and in face-to face
situations;
- have organisational skills - able to prioritise their workloads
and meet strict and competing deadlines, sometimes under
pressure;
- have a discreet, confidential approach to work;
- have a pleasant personality - ie, be friendly, polite and
approachable, especially if their duties involve reception work and
talking to members of the public;
- be able to work on their own initiative or as part of a
team.
Entry Requirements
Formal academic qualifications are not normally required, although
employers will expect a reasonable standard of education.
Some Councils ask for four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) including
English, or an Intermediate GNVQ/GSVQ level 2 in Business, or
NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Business. All typists must possess a good
standard of word processing. Most Councils ask for at least
40 words per minute (wpm) typing speed; some ask for 60wpm.
It is an advantage to have completed at least RSA Stage 2 word
processing, or equivalent. Previous office or secretarial
experience is also an advantage; some employers specify proficiency
in minute taking and audio typing, or experience of reception
duties, for example. Some Councils prefer knowledge of
particular software/word processing/spreadsheet packages such as
Microsoft Word and Excel.
At higher grades, applicants are sometimes asked to have a BTEC
Certificate/Diploma in Public Administration, or an Advanced
GNVQ/GSVQ level 3 in Business Administration. Typing and
other skills may be tested prior to or after shortlisting and/or
you may have to present documentary evidence of
qualifications. Once in post you may be expected or
encouraged to work towards relevant NVQs/SVQs.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
Providing clerical support offers varied experience and training -
which in turn leads to both promotional opportunities and sideways
moves. Temporary typist posts can lead to permanent positions
and there are good prospects to become a typist/clerical assistant,
responsible for the work of a group of typists. It may be
possible, once you have gained experience in a particular
department, to take advantage of on-the-job training (and perhaps
via NVQs/SVQs or professional qualifications) to become a
specialist assistant/officer, in for example, education services,
social services, human resources , trading standards, etc.
Further Information & Services
Council for Administration www.cfa.uk.com
European Computer Driving Licence www.ecdl.com
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.