I JUST started a position at a college, and I have never been in a position where I have had to manage other employees.

I have what they call "student workers", who are students that are on a work program for the college. They basically work around the students schedule. Any way

Since I've just started I have On the job training, and during this I am having to DEAL with students workers.

One worker has been there for over a year, and she seems to think SHE is the boss... She's kinda a dead beat worker, won't show up, calls in sick a lot etc. but my boss knows this from the previous person who was in my position.

She has this attitude as though I should know everything, and because I don't that SHE is superior to me.

She's supposed to be my assistant, but I usually have to answer the phones and such BECAUSE she is on her phone talking or what ever. She more familiar with the job than me right now, but I expect that to change very soon.

I feel pretty helpless because I report to my boss, and I'm supposed to tell her about the problems I have with my student workers. I want to fix the problem myself, because I don't have any proof or straight out problems per SE with her, and another student worker who I have a similar problem...

But the other worker started a few days after me, and assumed that because I was younger than her, that she was superior AND that I myself was a student worker... After she found out I was her boss... Her attitude IMMEDIATELY changed! But at least I know how she is going to treat the other workers. I have about 5-6 employees I have to manage, and I'm only having or at least had an issue with 2 of them, but I guess it's just the one now...

I'm young, only about 2 years older than some of my workers and so they don't see me as a superior figure. I've worked hard to get into my position, and I NEED to know how to deal with this. I've seen students workers before, I've been one. I have not seen this problem with them before.

While I'm alone, I have this problem with her. When the woman training me is there, who I am replacing the workers attitude changes.. But she doesn't say anything to me, or smart off to me.
It's just the way she acts.. it's different, and I've noticed.

The one that has been there for a year thinks she can walk all over me, and I need to know how to change my attitude and presentation so that she get's that she is not my boss, and that she needs to keep her place...

I'm not power greedy, LOL I just don't want to be a rug and I'm getting aggravated at the way things are going at this point...

What can I do without having a "talk" with them to make this better, because until the problem get's worse I can't say anything... I want to nip this in the bud and try not to let it get worse...

I'm tryint to be friendly and nice, and I don't want to come off as and anal b*tch

Plus I feel pretty helpless because I'm new, and still don't know what to do. I've been there only a week and a half...

Help?
This is NOT about students, this should be like a regular job you get anywhere else... They just don't want to give me ANY respect. a bad employee is a BAD employee...

Answer the question or don't post.

Dont let her get to you, you only have to work with her, not live with her.
Ask her directly if she has any imput in making her job more productive, listen to her needs...and accommodate.
If she does not come half way.....tell her you need her support in running a successful training....and tell her what you want from her, so it is clear what she expects from you.

Perhaps make a point about setting specific objectives and review those objectives on a regular basis giving praise or guidance. Give your assistant a vision of how you believe the office should be operating and discuss with her why you believe her input might be falling short of that vision. Try to understand her worries and concerns and where possible act on them, but where not possible (i.e. where the behavior is totally unacceptable) make sure you say so. Communication is the key. You might find you will gain, over time, some respect.