1.0 FTE R.I.S.E./Special Education Secretary (Beginning July 1, 2026)

SUMMARY: To assist the R.I.S.E. Director and the Administrative Assistant to the Office of Student Services in developing and implementing effective practices and policies that helps meet the administrative needs of the Reading School Department’s R.I.S.E. program and ultimately supports the school system’s overall goals. The incumbent must possess excellent customer service skills (including experience interacting with parents and children) and a genuine desire to communicate and work cooperatively with others as part of a team. Responsible for all routine secretarial duties including answering phones, delivering messages, typing, filing, faxing, and copying.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES: The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work that is performed and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for by this position. Other duties may be assigned.

• Acts as “go to” person for all inquiries from staff, parents, and community members.
• Liaises with parents regarding paperwork and payment procedures.
• Maintains appropriate levels of confidentiality related to work and information handled by the R.I.S.E. Director and by the Student Services Office.
• Maintains up\-to\-date databases and spreadsheets.
• Tracks expenditures and keeps budget up\-to\-date. Completes timely and accurate fiscal reports related to the program.
• Organizes and maintains student files. Creates copies of all student files, as needed for matters related to referrals, litigation, and/or parent requests. Retrieves and helps manage long term files.
• Reviews and files all IEPs with the SEMStracker for Special Education staff prior to sending to parents/guardians. Manages IEP tracking database.
• Update and train personnel in SEMStracker.
• Inputs student attendance in attendance database and runs all appropriate reports.
• To perform responsibilities including, but not limited to:
• Answering phones/doors
• Copying and filing of R.I.S.E. documentation
• Prepare reports, letters, flyers, newsletters and other documents
• Submitting computer and maintenance trouble tickets
• Opening mail
• Ordering office supplies
• Scheduling and coordinating meetings
• Enters employee Time/Attendance in MUNIS for biweekly payroll purposes. Oversees payroll for R.I.S.E. and Student Services.
• Enters requisitions and processes invoices in MUNIS Accounts Payable for all school purchases.
• Deposits all checks/cash received by school in MUNIS Payments Entry.
• Receives all tuition payments and prepares for deposit to Town Hall.
• Prepares and submits Personnel Action and Position Authorization forms to Central Office for both school year and summer programs.
• Prepares and submits all work orders to Facilities Department.
• Places and receives telephone calls, records messages, and/or routes to voicemail.
• Communicates with families of new students regarding Orientation day and collects and confirms all paperwork.
• Updates town\-wide database for all students; special needs students, both in\-house and outpatient, serviced by R.I.S.E. therapists.
• Prepares and mails screening packets. Tracks screening releases.
• Tracks all grant funds and submit all invoices for payment to Childcare Circuit.
• Prepares all documents for inspection for NAEYC accreditation.
• Distributes and logs applications from prospective students.
• Prepares all appropriate advertising for Open House and lottery. Notifies each family who participated in yearly lottery of their placement standing.
• Prepares new student cumulative folders. Uses checklists for the management of paperwork.
• Assists in producing placement roster for the next academic year.
• Prepares and distributes to all elementary secretaries a Placement Projection list for future kindergarten students.
• Prepares updates and mails all paperwork for new students which include: Parent Handbook, Emergency Forms, Releases, Medical Forms, and Tuition Payment Schedules.
• Facilitates CORI certification/recertification of staff and volunteers by verifying information on form before submission to Central Office for processing.
• Any other duties as defined by the R.I.S.E. Director and/or the Director of Student Services or the administrative assistant for Student Services.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Exercises no supervision.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. The Superintendent may waive or modify the qualification requirements.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS \& ABILITIES:

• Strong administrative support and office management skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office applications as well as other information management/database applications
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence
• Ability to present information and respond to questions from staff, parents, and the general public
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely in written and oral communication
• Ability to multi\-task and prioritize workload
• Knowledge of special education procedures to maintain appropriate confidential records
• Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies
• Knowledge of accounting principles; specifically in regards to accounts payable

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree preferred.
• Experience in a school and/or business secretarial environment preferred.
• Experience with MUNIS database system and Special Education software preferred.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: None required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The employee must be able to remain stationary for extended periods and occasionally move throughout the school building as needed. Regular use of hands for typing, handling objects, and operating tools is required, along with sufficient grip strength for various tasks. The role involves frequent use of a computer and standard office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. The employee must be able to enter data, read from screens, and review handwritten or printed materials, with or without visual aids. Clear and effective communication with students, parents, and colleagues—both in person and over the phone—is essential. Strong visual and auditory awareness is necessary to ensure student safety and provide meaningful feedback to instructional staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The noise level in this environment is quiet to loud depending upon the activity in the particular part of the day and location. The employee interacts with parents, staff members, and the general public. The employee occasionally must meet multiple demands from several people.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.