What Are the Duties of a Clerical Worker?
The duties of a clerical worker will vary significantly depending on the type of office setting. The daily operations of the office will determine what work a clerical worker will do that day. For example, if the office needs copies to be made or files to be pulled, the clerical work will take care of these duties.
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Training
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The knowledge of basic computer applications and office machinery as well as good communication skills are an introduction to clerical training. A general Clerical Assistant certificate will certify that a prospective employee has been trained on the general duties of a clerical worker. Training will include telephone etiquette, customer service, filing, typing and how to use Microsoft Office software. There are career specific Clerical certificates such as medical office and real estate.
Duties
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An office clerk for example in a real estate office would not perform the same tasks that a clerical worker in a large pharmaceutical company or of a furniture wholesaler. Most clerical workers sort checks, keep payroll records, keep time records and access information. They also perform duties specific to their field of expertise, such as sorting medications in a doctor's office or organizing materials for presentations
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Types
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Clerical workers fall into two general types. The first type of clerical duties related to general office work includes typing, and bookkeeping, and keeping records. The second set of duties are pertaining to the operation of various office machines, such as calculating machines, adding machines and duplicating machines.
Work Environment
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For the most part, clerical workers are in a general office setting. The actual workstation may be a cubicle, separate office or an open space such as a reception area. An efficient office has a copier, fax, scanner, phones, desks, chairs and computers. Although the general office setting has been custom, more clerical workers are making their homes the work environment. A home office could be the couch or the kitchen table.
Potential
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After work experience or specialized skills, clerical workers have advancement potential. Generally, clerical workers who achieve expectations will take on more responsibility and gain a new title. A step above clerical workers would be secretaries, administrative assistants and receptionists. To advance to more professional careers, additional education may be required. The potential income a clerical worker can make are listed below along with the job category, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Local government: $26,590
General medical and surgical hospital: $26,050
Elementary and secondary schools: $24,230
Colleges, universities, and professional schools: $23,980
Employment services: $21,890
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