School Secretary

Philadelphia, PA

Full Time

Instruction

Entry Level

The School Secretary of Overbrook School for the Blind exudes a passion for the school, its students, and its employees. This position will report directly to the head of their respective department.

The Mission of Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) is to develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives.

Organizational Description: Overbrook School for the Blind serves students who are blind or visually impaired with or without additional disabilities (such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, sensory issues, and including those who require specialized medical care) receive a customized, individualized education based on state educational standards. OSB is more than a school, it is a community where students, families, and staff support one another and come together to build a bright future.

Job Functions: The Administrative Assistant provides comprehensive administrative support to the department, ensuring efficient daily operations and high-quality service delivery. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with professionalism and discretion.

Provide administrative support as directed by the supervisor, including clerical and project-based tasks.
Maintain staff timecards and submit to Human Resources on time and accurately.
Maintain organized and accurate filing systems for documents, forms, and correspondence.
Handle routine office tasks such as photocopying, scanning, and faxing documents.
Monitor and respond to voicemail and email communications daily, following up as needed.
Draft and distribute professional correspondence to parents, staff, school districts, and other stakeholders; maintain copies of all outgoing communications.
Track referrals and admissions in a centralized database; investigate and resolve any discrepancies in records.
Prepare and send acceptance letters in a timely and accurate manner.
Record, format, and distribute meeting minutes for program and admissions meetings.
Coordinate the mailing of new student enrollment packets and required school forms to parents.
Maintain up-to-date student enrollment records and update rosters as needed.
Schedule and reserve meeting spaces using Google Calendar.
Answer incoming phone calls, direct callers appropriately, and provide assistance or follow-up when needed.
Coordinate travel arrangements, including booking transportation, accommodations, and managing petty cash as required.
Enter and retrieve data in PowerSchool; generate student-related reports upon request.
Access student information in eSPED and retrieve therapy and other student reports as necessary.
Utilize and maintain proficiency in software including PowerSchool, eSPED, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Workspace (Docs, Forms, Sheets, etc.).
Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental needs.

Minimum Education and Experience Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework (2–4 years) preferred.
In lieu of post-secondary education, relevant experience as an administrative assistant, executive secretary, or similar role may be considered.
Proficiency in Windows and Microsoft Office Suite, including Word (mail merge), Excel (spreadsheets, charts, graphs), and Outlook
Experience using Google Workspace (Docs, Forms, Sheets, etc.).
Familiarity with student information systems such as PowerSchool and special education software such as eSPED or other IEP management platforms.
Skilled in operating standard office equipment (copiers, scanners, fax machines, multi-line phones, etc.).
Ability to multitask effectively, adapt to new technology, and quickly learn new software and databases.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

Lifting: Must be able to lift 50-lbs minimum, with assistance. Participate in 2-person lifts.
Working Environment: Employees are subject to accidents and/or injuries, which may be incurred during the performance of the essential functions of the position. Work is primarily indoors but some outdoor activities may be required.

Benefits and Pay:

OSB offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience, including liberal financial support for the pursuit of advanced degrees. Applications from members of communities traditionally under-represented in school administrative positions are invited.

Overbrook School for the Blind Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has, and will continue to follow, a policy of recruiting, employing and promoting individuals best qualified for any position by reason of education, training, and experience without regard to race, color, ancestry, genetic information, familial or marital status, domestic or sexual violence victimization, ethnicity, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or non-job-related disability or the use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability. OSB shall not discriminate against an individual who has exercised his/her rights against discrimination in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Overbrook School for the Blind offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience.

Apply for this position

Required*

First Name*

Last Name*

Email Address*

Phone*

Address

Resume*

We've received your resume. Click here to update it.

Attach resume or Paste resume

Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or Paste resume

Paste your resume here or Attach resume file

Cover Letter

Who referred you to this position? Enter their first and last name here.

What's your citizenship / employment eligibility?*

What's your highest level of education completed?*

College or University*

Are you 18 years of age or older?*

What languages do you speak fluently?

Desired salary

Earliest start date?*

Have you ever been convicted of a felony?*

If “Yes”, you have been convicted of a felony, please explain the circumstances around the conviction:*

References: Please enter names and contact information:

Do you currently work for Overbrook School for the Blind?*

Are you an internal referral?*

If you are an internal referral, please enter the name of the staff member who referred you.

If not, please enter "N/A"*

The following questions are entirely optional.

To comply with government Equal Employment Opportunity and/or Affirmative Action reporting regulations, we are requesting (but NOT requiring) that you enter this personal data. This information will not be used in connection with any employment decisions, and will be used solely as permitted by state and federal law. Your voluntary cooperation would be appreciated. Learn more.

Gender

Race/Ethnicity

Human Check*

Submit Application

At Overbrook School for the Blind, we’ve been transforming lives since 1832. Our mission is to empower individuals with visual impairments, and additional challenges, to lead active, fulfilling lives.

Benefits:

OBS is a member of the Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS) and offers a highly competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life, mental health, and other valuable benefits that enhance your Total Rewards Package.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

School Secretary

Apply for this position