Senior Secretary

Senior Secretary

This position is with the Downey Unified School District and offers a monthly salary range of $5,251.00 to $6,378.00. The job is located in Downey, CA, and is full-time.

Selection Procedures

Applications will be accepted on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 7:30 AM through 4:30 PM. Only online applications, transcripts, training and/or workshops certificates will be accepted. This is a Promotional and Open recruitment to establish an eligibility list and fill vacancies. Positions in this classification are full-time, 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. The recruitment process will consist of a written, performance and oral technical interview, which is tentatively scheduled during the weeks of July 13 - August 7, 2026. Qualified applicants will be notified by email.

The Downey Unified School District is an Equal Opportunity, Title IX, Affirmative Action Employer. The District does not engage in any employment practice that discriminates against an employee or applicant for employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, political affiliation, military and veteran status, or retaliation.

Function & Duties

Serve as secretary to a classified or certificated director; plan, organize and coordinate activities to relieve the administrator of routine clerical details. Interview callers by telephone and in person, including students, teachers, administrators, parents and the public and provide information or direct to appropriate personnel; provide detailed and technical information concerning District policies, procedures and established regulations. Assure timely communications between office and District employees; make phone calls to receive and transmit information; type memos, bulletins, letters and notices; prepare Board agenda items and related materials. Research and compile information and compute statistical data for federal, State and District reports and special projects as assigned. Type a variety of items including inter-office communications, requisitions, forms, letters, special projects, legal documents and other materials; establish and maintain project and confidential files. Attend a variety of meetings; prepare and send out notices of meetings; collect and compile information for meetings, projects and workshops; prepare and distribute minutes. Transcribe materials from dictation equipment as required by the position. Maintain a variety of complex personnel records, time sheets, lists, files and records including confidential materials. Compile data for budget; post and maintain budget and financial records of a variety of programs; monitor account balances and record expenditures; assure timely payment of bills for services rendered from outside agencies. Provide secretarial and clerical assistance to other staff as necessary; order supplies and materials and prepare purchase orders; assure adequate forms and supplies to support office operations. Receive, open and screen incoming mail and independently compose replies according to established procedures. Operate a variety of office equipment such as typewriter, personal computer, copiers and calculator. Coordinate communications between supervisor and other District staff and the public. Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of: District organization, operations, policies and objectives. Applicable sections of State Education Code and other applicable laws. Organization, rules and programs related to an assigned office or function. Personal computer software applications, i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, internet, etc. Modern office practices, procedures and equipment. Telephone techniques and etiquette. Financial and statistical record keeping techniques. Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary. Ability to: Perform advanced-level secretarial duties requiring independent judgment and analysis. Plan, organize and coordinate office activities and communications to relieve the administrator of routine clerical details. Work independently with little direction. Transcribe materials accurately as required by the position. Type at 45 words net per minute from clear copy. Operate computer software applications, i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, internet, etc. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. Compose independently or from oral instructions letters, memos, bulletins or other material. Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Maintain records and prepare reports. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Meet schedules and time lines. Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately. Maintain behavior that is professional and responsible. Demonstrate attendance sufficient to complete the duties of the position as required. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Demonstrate mental acuity sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position. Demonstrate empathy, friendliness, patience and responsibility. Be motivated to produce high quality work product. Comprehend and follow directions. Maintain a work pace appropriate to the position.

Education and Experience, Licenses and Other Requirements

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school supplemented by courses in business or secretarial science and three years of increasingly responsible secretarial and clerical experience. Licenses and other requirements: Some positions in this class may be required to utilize a second designated language. Some positions in this class may be required to possess a valid California driver's license. Must be, and remain, insurable under the District's vehicle driver's insurance policy at the standard rate. Working conditions: Office environment; subject to constant interruptions and noise. Physical abilities: Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer and office equipment; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; kneeling and bending; reaching horizontally and overhead to retrieve and maintain files and to store supplies and records; lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds; and hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and on the phone. Hazards: Incumbents may be exposed to contact with angry or dissatisfied individuals and sick or bleeding students.

Benefits

Full-time employees earn up to 12 paid vacation days per year, 12 paid sick days per year with unlimited accumulation, and 13 paid holidays. The District offers two excellent medical plans, Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente; two dental plans, Delta Dental and MetLife SafeGuard; and vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP). Currently full-time employees (employees working 6 hours or more per day) pay 20% of the premium cost for these plans. All plans are available to the employee and their dependents. This coverage is available to employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week. Retirement benefits include membership in CalPERS (California Public Employee's Retirement System) and Social Security (OASDI). This is a joint contribution plan. To qualify for CalPERS an employee must work a minimum of 20 hours per week or already be a member, if not the employee is eligible for an alternative retirement plan. Additionally, the District encourages employees to pursue professional growth, and provides financial incentive for classified employees completing professional growth programs. Additional benefits available to employees to which the District does not contribute include life insurance, a Section 125 Flexible Benefit Plan, an income protection plan, and a credit union. Substitute employees are not eligible for vacation or holiday pay but are eligible to earn sick leave at the rate of one hour per 30 hours worked, not to exceed 48 hours. Further, substitute employees are not automatically eligible for CalPERS or District health benefits.