School Secretary - Joseph F. Cappello School

Mercer County Special Services School District

Joseph F. Cappello School 2026-2027

Job Description

Job Title: Principal Secretary

Reports To: Principal

Salary Guide:Mercer County Special Services Support Staff Association Step 1 $59,350.00

Benefits: Full Medical/Dental benefits with waiting period

Position Summary: 

To support the principal by performing all secretarial and confidential work as assigned necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the office.

Qualifications:

High School Diploma or above.  Two years’ related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Knowledge and ability to use technology and related software.  Ability to operate commonly used office machines and technology.  Demonstrated proficiency in typing/keyboard.  Good interpersonal skills.  Ability to manage telephone calls in a courteous and effective manner.  Ability to greet the public and staff with a professional demeanor. This position requires medical and physical capacity to perform the major responsibilities.

Essential Duties:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, have the ability to prioritize work with minimal supervisor, and demonstrate experience with independent projects and tasks. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Responsibilities:

• Coordinates the efficient workflow of the office
• Prepares or assists in the preparation of correspondence, reports and documents
• Coordinates the calendar of the principal and schedules appointments. Arranges meetings, and interviews
• Screens telephone calls and correspondence and acts as liaison between the office and staff in screening and routing inquiries and requests
• Assists in composing and prepares correspondence, reports, spreadsheets, and other complex documents
• Perform usual office routines, such as photocopying, general typing, filing etc.
• Assist in the greeting, properly signing-in, obtaining visitors’ passes and directs visitors as requested
• Prepare and type purchase orders and maintain records of purchases
• Assist principal in the maintenance of student records including attendance, therapy units and similar items
• Assist principal in the maintenance of staff records and tracking of attendance
• Design and produce reports utilizing computer data
• Maintain a well-organized up to date filing system
• Operate all business machines and technology necessary to complete reports and work required in the operation of the office
• Arrange meetings, prepare meeting agendas, and handles follow-up activities as necessary
• Maintain records and handling of petty cash, student activity funds etc.
• Produce reports utilizing data
• Maintain Realtime data with updated students and other information needed
• Assist in the dissemination of student progress reports, and report cards
• Maintain credits and transcripts for graduation requirements
• Maintain and scheduling fieldtrips, bus scheduling and purchase orders
• Monitor building use
• Assist in the daily substitutes, as needed
• Maintain standards of ethics and confidentiality as required by law and the policies of the Board of Education
• Exhibit respect and support for and adherence to policies and procedures approved by the Board of Education
• Perform other tasks related to the efficient operation of the office as assigned
• Perform additional duties to those specified at the request of the Superintendent and/or their designee

Technology Skills

Ability to be proficient in computer applications pertinent to support the position, including but limited to Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Google Suite, Realtime Student Information System, AESOP Employee Portal.

Evaluation of Performance

Performance of this position will be evaluated annually in accordance with the NJ Administrative code and Board of Education policy and procedures as described in policy 4215.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Terms of Employment

12 Month Contract. Salary and benefits as determined by the Board of Education upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and collective negotiations agreement.  Tenure shall be granted in accordance with state mandates.

The information contained in this job description is approved by the Board of Education and may be modified as district and state requirements evolve.  This job description does not constitute a written employment contract.

New Jersey First Act

New Jersey First Act, N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70), requires employees of all school boards to reside in the State of New Jersey unless otherwise exempted under the law.

Required criminal history background check and proof of US citizenship or legal resident alien status

EEO/AA/ADA Employer

Guaranteeing equal access to all categories of employment without discriminating on the basis of any of the protected categories listed at N.J.A.C. 6A:7-1.1(a).