Administrative Assistant, Counseling
Salary: $65,805.48 - $92,595.48 Annually
Location: Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 2600281
Division: Office of Student Services
Department: Counseling & Advising
Opening Date: 08/17/2026
Closing Date: 9/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: CSEA-California School Employees Association
Description
About College of the Desert
The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 20,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines.
College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including racially and ethnically diverse students, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, "dreamers", and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.
When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.
Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below.
- The Community - Coachella Valley
- College of the Desert
Who We Want:
College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:
- Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
- Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
- Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
- Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and
- Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.
BASIC FUNCTION
Under the direction of a Dean or Director of a major function plan and perform a variety of complex secretarial and technical office duties in an assigned area to assure timely and efficient office operations for the department and relieve the Dean or Director of technical clerical duties; research, collect, analyze and compile data and information as needed; maintain complex files and records related to departmental operations, programs and expenditures.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Administrative Assistant performs duties as primary secretarial support to a Dean or Director of a major function. The Secretary provides support to a Coordinator, Director or other supervisor of a small program or function. The Senior Administrative Secretary reports to a Vice President and provides a broad range of administrative support to a College Administrator.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
- Plan and perform complex secretarial and technical office duties to assure timely and efficient office operations and relieve the Dean/Director of technical clerical duties.
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Perform various secretarial and administrative duties including answering telephones and greeting visitors; provide information in person or on the telephone or refer to appropriate personnel; open, screen and route mail.
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Compose, prepare and type a variety of correspondence, memos, reports and other materials specific to the assignment; proofread materials to assure accuracy and completeness.
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Organize and coordinate office functions activities and communications to assure efficient and effective office operations.
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Develop new and improved systems and procedures as a result of new policies or directives; assist with implementation after securing approval.
- Research, analyze and prepare information on a variety of topics for dissemination to the public through various communication means maintaining confidentiality of sensitive departmental and other information.
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Make decisions in accordance with laws and regulations and apply them to problem situations; receive and resolve complaints.
- Develop and maintain accurate files and records as required to support the office functions; maintain files in progress and assure proper completion.
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Process documents specific to the office assigned according to established procedures; prepare financial and statistical reports for the Dean/Director.
- Operate office machines including computers and related software applications, photocopiers, calculators, typewriter and other office equipment as assigned; maintain and control various databases.
- Attend meetings and record notes and minutes as required.
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Schedule appointments and meetings and notify appropriate individuals of meeting times and locations; arrange for meeting facilities as needed; prepare calendars as required.
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Maintain an appropriate level of office supplies and order forms and other office supplies as necessary.
Perform related duties as assigned.
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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school supplemented by college-level course work with a grade of "C" or better in computer information systems or business related coursework and three (3) years of increasingly responsible office secretarial or administrative office support experience including some public contact.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: Modern office practices, procedures and equipment; telephone techniques and etiquette;
Record-keeping techniques; operation of office machines including computer equipment and applicable
software including word processing, spreadsheets, database management; and email; correct English usage,
grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills
using tact, patience and courtesy; policies and objectives of assigned activities.
Ability to: Plan and perform complex secretarial and public contact work in support of a Dean/Director;
Plan and organize work; read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures;
evaluate and recommend improvements to systems, procedures and methods; work confidentially with
discretion; meet schedules and time lines; maintain logs, reports and records; answer telephones and greet
the public courteously; determine appropriate action within clearly defined guidelines; operate a variety of
office machines including a computer and applicable software including word processing, spreadsheets,
database management and email; type at 45 words net per minute from clear copy; communicate effectively
both orally and in writing; maintain records and prepare reports; establish and maintain cooperative and
effective working relationships with others; maintain confidentiality of student records; understand and
follow oral and written instructions; sit for extended periods of time; bend at the waist, kneel or crouch.
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
- Classified Bargaining Unit Position
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Classified Staff Salary Range 12
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Retirement System: CalPERS (upon meeting eligibility criteria)
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Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.
SCHEDULE & LOCATION:
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This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
- The schedule is Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- The primary location is Palm Desert Campus.
- The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need.
REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:
To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:
- Online Application: All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.
- Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.
- Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
OPTIONAL UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:
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College Transcripts: Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.
REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION:
- List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:
- Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
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College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.
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Employment is contingent on residence in California.
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Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
- All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only.
- Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position.
- Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted.
- All travel arrangements will be at applicant's expense.
- Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted.
- For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at https:// www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/career-opportunities.php or call (760) 773-2529.
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FAQs: For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions.
TIMELINES:
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For consideration, please apply by September 4, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
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Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on October 19, 2026.
- Final Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on November 2, 2026.
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Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.
Notice to all Candidates for Employment:
DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position.
The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment:
- Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
- Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate's expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment).
- Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States(Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) A Social Security Card will be required for payroll processing.
- Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms.
May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable.
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Salary Placement: Contingent on education, experience, and department budget. All materials must be provided at the time of application for consideration.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.
Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).
California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:
A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.
Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS
Disability Accommodations:
If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (760) 773 -2529 or sending an e-mail to
[email protected].
Attendance Requirement:
All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.
Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:
Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/public-safety/.
Non-Discrimination Notice:
The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
California Fair Chance Act:
The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:
The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.
The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCD's mission and goals for DEIA and EEO.
Additional Resources
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA)
- Discrimination Laws Regarding People With Disabilities
- Reasonable Accommodation
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
- AP 7100 - Commitment to Diversity (Download PDF reader)
- COD - Equal Opportunity Plan (Download PDF reader)
Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
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THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
To apply, visit: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/collegeofthedesertca/jobs/5448605/administrative-assistant-counseling
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