Location: Highlands School
Reports To: Principal / Designee
Employment Term: 10 Months

Position Summary

The School Receptionist serves as the first point of contact for students, parents, staff, and visitors at Highlands School. This position provides professional front-office support, assists with daily school operations, and helps maintain a welcoming, organized, and secure school environment. The receptionist must demonstrate excellent customer service, communication, organization, confidentiality, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a busy school setting.

Key Responsibilities

Front Office & Customer Service

• Greet and assist students, parents, staff, visitors, and community members in a professional and courteous manner.
• Answer, screen, and direct incoming telephone calls and messages.
• Respond to general questions and provide accurate information regarding school procedures and activities.
• Maintain a welcoming, professional, and organized front-office environment.
• Direct visitors and families to the appropriate staff member or location.

Student & Visitor Support

• Assist with student check-in and check-out procedures in accordance with school and district policies.
• Follow established visitor management and school safety procedures.
• Maintain appropriate visitor records and assist with issuing visitor identification or passes.
• Assist students who report to the front office and contact parents/guardians or appropriate staff as needed.
• Support student attendance and other front-office processes as assigned.

Clerical & Administrative Support

• Perform general clerical duties, including data entry, filing, copying, scanning, preparing correspondence, and maintaining records.
• Receive, sort, and distribute mail, packages, and school communications.
• Assist administrators and office staff with scheduling, documents, reports, and other administrative tasks.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student and employee information.
• Assist with school events, meetings, and other activities as requested.
• Operate standard office equipment and district software systems as required.

Communication & Confidentiality

• Communicate effectively and professionally with students, families, employees, and members of the public.
• Maintain confidentiality of student, personnel, and school information in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
• Relay messages and information accurately and promptly.
• Exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive or confidential situations.

School Operations & Safety

• Follow all district and school safety, security, and emergency procedures.
• Assist administrators during emergency situations as directed.
• Help monitor access to the school through the main office.
• Report safety concerns or unusual situations promptly to school administration.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or designee.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous receptionist, clerical, administrative, customer service, or school-office experience preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to provide professional and courteous customer service.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and interruptions in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic proficiency with computers, email, office software, and standard office equipment.
• Ability to learn and utilize district information systems and software.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when working with sensitive information.
• Ability to work effectively with students, families, staff, and community members.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, including sitting or standing for extended periods, operating office equipment, communicating effectively in person and by telephone, and occasionally lifting or moving office materials and supplies.

Professional Expectations

The School Receptionist is expected to demonstrate professionalism, dependability, confidentiality, flexibility, and a positive attitude while supporting the mission of Highlands School and Macon County Schools. The employee must comply with all applicable Board of Education policies, district procedures, and state and federal requirements.