Senior Clerk Typist, Special Education Department, Salem Public Schools, Salem, MA SY2024-2025

Job Title: Senior Clerk Typist, Special Education Department
Schedule: Full  Year Position (32.5 hours/week) 

Salary: Hourly Rate per AFSCME Contract 

About Salem Public Schools, where belonging leads to opportunity.

Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history.  Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district enrolling nearly 4,000 students across our 11 schools. Our vision is to ensure that all students will be locally engaged, globally connected, and fully prepared to thrive in a diverse and changing world. We hold dear our core values of belonging, equity, and opportunity in everything we do. Over the next three years (2023-2026), we are committed to the work outlined by the four core priorities in our strategic plan: 1) Elevate Learning; 2) Empower Educators; 3) Center Belonging; and 4) Strengthen Our Foundation. We seek individuals who are passionate about urban education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement for all students, regardless of ability, economic status, gender/gender identity, language, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other backgrounds. Applicants who have experience working in urban schools and settings and are bilingual are strongly encouraged to apply.

What You’ll Do:
The Senior Clerk Typist is a critical role within our Special Education department, requiring a highly organized and detail-oriented individual to provide timely and accurate administrative support to the Department of Special Education. This role involves regular communication with families, guardians, advocates, lawyers, and staff, often under tight deadlines and adhering to strict legal and regulatory requirements.

Role Responsibilities:

• Administrative Support:
• Manage and maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including student files and department documents.
• Prepare and process a variety of documents, reports, and correspondence.
• Data Entry and Management:
• Accurately input and update data into various software systems, including ASPEN, eSped, and other relevant programs.
• Generate reports and analyze data to identify trends and inform decision-making.
• Ensure data integrity and confidentiality.
• Communication and Collaboration:
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, parents, and other stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
• Collaborate with team members to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
• Respond to inquiries and requests in a timely and professional manner.
• General Clerical Duties:
• Perform general secretarial and clerical functions (e.g., scheduling, copying, faxing, data entry, filing, ordering office supplies, etc.) to support site operations.
• Assist in the preparation of regularly scheduled district and state reporting, mailings, and projects.
• Greet students, parents, staff, and the public efficiently and courteously.
• Answer and/or refer telephone and in-person inquiries; take messages; promote positive public relations for the district.
• Maintain a variety of files and records, such as student lists, building usage, orders, extended school year data, record requests, and other files and records as assigned.
• Maintain accurate student data and enrollment records.
• Type/format IEPs into district software.
• Write and distribute correspondence, including emails, memos, letters, faxes, and forms.
• Develop and maintain a filing system related to special education IEPs, referrals, and evaluation assignments.
• Facilitate internal communication (e.g., distribute information and schedule presentations).
• Maintain confidentiality.

Job Requirements:

• High School diploma or equivalent, college preferred.
• Bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
• Minimum of two years of successful experience in a related secretarial or office position.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Proficiency or willingness to be trained on eSped, ASPEN, Google Workspace, and other district software.
• Proficient oral and written skills required.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to initiate and complete tasks independently.
• Ability to remain organized and flexible in a fast-paced office environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive and professional relationship with co-workers, students, parents, staff, and visitors.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to understand how to work collaboratively in a diverse workplace and with a diverse client population.
• Current authorization to work in the United States.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities as Directed by the Executive Director of Special Education.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Salem Public School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.