Principal Clerk - SHS School Counseling and College & Career Readiness Department Secretary

Position Summary

The School Counseling and College & Career Readiness Department Secretary provides comprehensive administrative and clerical support to ensure the efficient operation of counseling, college, and career readiness programs. This position serves as a central point of contact for students, families, staff, and district personnel; manages confidential records, supports budgeting and purchasing functions, and assists with scheduling, communications, and standardized testing activities.

The Secretary works closely with department leadership to maintain accurate records, meet deadlines, and support a welcoming and well-organized department environment.

• Organize and coordinate a wide range of office and administrative functions to support school counseling and college and career readiness programs;
• Prioritize, schedule, and manage daily work assignments to ensure efficiency and adherence to established timelines;
• Serve as a primary point of contact by answering phones, directing calls, responding to inquiries, and greeting students, staff, parents/guardians, and visitors;
• Communicate and collaborate with district personnel, vendors, and school staff to coordinate operations, services, and maintenance needs;
• Prepare, compose, proofread, and distribute correspondence, reports, forms, and other departmental documents;
• Maintain calendars, schedules, appointments, and work schedules for department staff and activities;
• Prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings as assigned, and record and distribute meeting notes;
• Compute, enter, verify, and maintain accurate data, records, and reports using district and department systems;
• Utilize office software and systems including Aspen, Naviance, MUNIS, Google Workspace, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Office for data management and reporting;
• Process purchase orders, requisitions, invoices, contracts, and payments in MUNIS; maintain budget and bookkeeping documentation as directed;
• Manage departmental records in accordance with established retention, retrieval, and destruction guidelines, ensuring confidentiality at all times;
• Operate and troubleshoot standard office equipment such as copiers, printers, phones, and fax machines;
• Maintain and update content on the department page of the school or district website;
• Support the Director of College & Career Readiness and the Registrar with standardized testing preparation and related administrative tasks;
• Establish and maintain cooperative, professional working relationships while exercising discretion and adhering to ethical and confidentiality standards;
• Perform other duties consistent with the scope and responsibility of the position as assigned.

• Knowledge of basic office procedures, telephone systems, and standard office equipment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a customer-service focus
• Ability to greet, assist, and direct visitors and callers in a professional and welcoming manner
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and remain calm in a busy environment
• Computer skills, including use of email, word processing, spreadsheets, and scheduling systems
• Skills in project and event preparation and management
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive information
• Bilingual or multilingual skills strongly preferred

Physical Strength Requirements: Sedentary – Primarily seated work; may involve lifting or carrying items up to 10 lbs

Posture & Movement Requirements: Frequently sitting for extended periods

Sensory Requirements: Ability to perceive written information (near vision);
Ability to hear and understand verbal instructions;
Ability to communicate clearly in person and by telephone

Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in an office environment with frequent interaction with staff, students, parents, and the public; work environment may include a moderate noise level and frequent interruptions typical of a busy office.

• Previous clerical, receptionist, or customer service experience preferred
• Experience working in a school district or public-sector office preferred

Position

Reports to:

SHS School Counseling Department Chair and Director of College and Career Readiness

Location: Somerville High School

Department: School Counseling and College & Career

Union Affiliation: AFSCME Clerical Union (Principal Clerk 2 designation)

Work Year: Full Year (260 days)

Work Hours: 7.5 hours/day

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Benefits Status: Eligible

Salary: $62,089-$72,735 commensurate with experience and in accordance with the AFSCME Clerical Contract

• MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance
• Fingerprints

The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion,…