Residential Life Student Services and Reception Assistant

Fessenden School; West Newton (MA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fessenden School in West Newton, MA is seeking a Residential Life Student Services Reception Assistant. This full‑time role supports the Residential Life program, the Health Center, and front desk operations, coordinating transportation and handling visits and calls.

The successful candidate will have a high school diploma, 1–2 years of office or customer service experience, a valid driver's license, and strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–2 years of office, customer service, educational, healthcare, or related environment experience preferred.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Successful completion of CORI, SORI, and fingerprinting checks.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and general office technology.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and update digital signage and departmental communications for Residential Life.
• Coordinate student transportation plans and communicate with approved drivers regarding travel arrangements, schedules, and updates.
• Safely transport students in school-owned vehicles to medical appointments and pick up prescriptions when needed.
• Answer the School's main telephone line and direct calls as the backup receptionist.
• Welcome visitors, students, families, vendors, and guests and manage sign-in procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with School policies.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Written communication

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Google Workspace

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: The Fessenden School - West Newton, MA 02465, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $30.00 - $32.00 Hourly, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Non-exempt / Hourly

About Us

The Fessenden School is an all-boys independent day and boarding school serving 540 students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 9 in West Newton, MA. Our mission is to cultivate each boy’s talents and develop in balance his character, mind, and body in an inclusive and joyful community. For over 100 years, The Fessenden School has offered state-of-the-art facilities, a dynamic curriculum, and programs specifically designed to meet the educational and developmental needs of boys.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, the Residential Life Student Services Reception Assistant is a key member of the Residential Life Department and the Health Center supporting students in the Residential Life program, and providing school-wide support in Reception. This position provides transportation for students to and from medical appointments using a school-owned vehicle, retrieves prescriptions when needed, and supports communication between the Health Center, Residential Life, families, and healthcare providers. In addition, this position is responsible for tasks related to the School's front reception area, including answering and directing incoming calls, coordinating visitor check-in procedures, and providing general office support. The successful candidate is professional, organized, compassionate, and able to balance multiple priorities in different departments while maintaining confidentiality and providing exceptional customer service.

The position is Monday-Friday during the School year from late August to mid-June starting at 7:30 am and includes 30-35 hours per week. There will be opportunities for additional hours in the late afternoon as needed. Some hours may be available during the winter, March, and summer breaks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Residential Life Support

• Maintain and update digital signage and departmental communications for Residential Life
• Order and maintain appropriate supplies
• Prepare, distribute, track, and maintain records related to residential faculty communications, training requirements, letters, and other compliance-related items
• Receive, scan, log, retrieve, and organize packages for residential students daily
• Coordinate student transportation plans and communicate with approved drivers regarding travel arrangements, schedules, and updates
• Review and approve student pass requests related to authorized travel

Student Transportation and Health Center Support

• Safely transport students in school-owned vehicles to medical, dental, counseling, therapy, and other healthcare appointments
• Pick up prescriptions and medical supplies from local pharmacies when requested
• Communicate effectively with Health Center staff, Residential Life staff, faculty, and healthcare providers regarding student appointments and transportation schedules
• Accompany students, when appropriate, into medical appointments and serve as a supportive advocate while following Health Center guidance
• Maintain confidentiality of student medical information in accordance with School policies and applicable privacy regulations
• Notify the Health Center promptly of any scheduling changes, delays, or concerns that arise during transportation

Reception and Administrative Support

• Answer the School's main telephone line and direct calls appropriately as the backup receptionist
• Welcome visitors, students, families, vendors, and guests in a courteous and professional manner
• Manage visitor sign-in and sign-out procedures and issue visitor identification badges
• Assist students and visitors by answering questions and directing them to appropriate offices
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming reception area
• Sort and distribute incoming and outgoing mail and packages

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• One to two years of experience in an office, customer service, educational, healthcare, or related environment
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
• Successful completion of criminal background (CORI), sex offender registry (SORI), and fingerprinting checks
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while remaining calm and professional
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, including Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Calendar, as well as general office technology

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in an independent school, healthcare, or educational environment
• Experience transporting students or clients
• CPR and First Aid certification

Compensation

The pay range for this position is $30 - $32 per hour depending on qualifications and experience.