Bilingual Receptionist/Front Desk Secretary

Bilingual Receptionist/Front Desk Secretary

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) serves more than 1,600 students from PreK–12 and is a free, open-enrollment public charter school system located in Kansas City, Missouri. Over 97% of our students identify as Latinx, and many are bilingual or English learners. Our network includes Guadalupe Centers Elementary School, Guadalupe Centers Middle School, and Guadalupe Centers High School.

GCCS grew out of Guadalupe Centers’ educational programs — part of the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the United States since 1919. Our deep community roots shape our mission: to prepare all students academically, socially, and emotionally for college, career, and life success.

Why Work at GCCS

Students & Families:
Our teachers form strong relationships with students and families through a community-driven approach. The connection between our schools and Guadalupe Centers’ historic mission fosters trust and collaboration that support student success.

Staff Autonomy:
GCCS teachers are empowered to innovate. We value professional judgment and encourage creative, research-based classroom practices that meet the needs of diverse learners.

Coaching & Development:
Each staff member collaborates with their instructional coach and building leadership to set annual professional growth goals aligned to district priorities. Our development model focuses on reflection, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Competitive Benefits:

• Competitive salary aligned to experience and certification level
• Relocation stipend (for qualifying hires)
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education (up to lifetime cap per GCCS policy)
• Mental health and well-being support through expanded employee assistance and wellness programs
• 403(b) retirement match up to 5% (for eligible staff)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

Position Summary

The Elementary School Bilingual Receptionist/Front Desk Secretary serves as the first point of contact for students, families, staff, and visitors and supports the efficient daily operations of the school office. This position provides clerical, communication, and customer service support while promoting positive school-family relationships in both English and Spanish.
The Bilingual Receptionist ensures a welcoming, professional, and culturally responsive environment for all stakeholders and supports compliance with district procedures, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) expectations, student confidentiality requirements, and school safety protocols. The role requires strong organizational skills, professionalism, confidentiality, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.

Reports To: Principal and/or Building Administrator

Essential Functions
Front Office Operations

• Serve as the primary receptionist for the school by greeting students, families, staff, and visitors in a professional and welcoming manner.
• Answer and direct incoming phone calls and emails in English and Spanish.
• Maintain visitor sign-in procedures and follow district safety and security protocols.
• Provide general information regarding school policies, procedures, schedules, and events.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional front office environment.

Bilingual Communication & Family Support

• Translate and interpret routine communication between school staff and Spanish-speaking families.
• Assist families with enrollment, attendance, transportation, registration, and school-related questions.
• Support communication efforts to ensure equitable access for multilingual families in accordance with federal and state requirements.
• Assist with the preparation and distribution of bilingual correspondence, notices, and informational materials.

Clerical & Administrative Support

• Maintain accurate student attendance and office records using district-approved student information systems.
• Prepare, file, copy, scan, and distribute documents and correspondence.
• Support scheduling of meetings, conferences, and school events.
• Receive, sort, and distribute mail and deliveries.
• Assist administrators and office staff with clerical and operational needs.

Student & Staff Support

• Assist students arriving late or leaving early following district procedures.
• Respond appropriately to student health or safety concerns by notifying designated personnel.
• Support substitute teachers, staff, and visitors with check-in procedures and building information.
• Maintain confidentiality of student, staff, and family information in accordance with FERPA and district policy.

School Safety & Compliance

• Follow district emergency procedures, visitor management practices, and building security expectations.
• Support emergency communication procedures during drills or incidents.
• Ensure compliance with district, DESE, and state reporting and documentation requirements applicable to front office operations.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish required.
• Minimum of one (1) year of office, receptionist, clerical, customer service, or school support experience preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency with:
• Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
• Office equipment and multi-line phone systems
• Data entry and recordkeeping
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Ability to work effectively with students, staff, families, and community members from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a school setting.
• Experience using student information systems (e.g., Infinite Campus, PowerSchool, TalkingPoints, or similar).
• Knowledge of school attendance procedures and office operations.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of customer service and office management practices.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced educational environment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally orally and in writing.
• Ability to problem-solve and manage difficult situations calmly and respectfully.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a school team.
• Commitment to culturally responsive and family-centered practices.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and operating office equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to move throughout the school building as needed.
• Frequent use of computers, phones, and standard office equipment.

Work Environment

• School office environment with frequent interruptions and high levels of interaction with students, staff, families, and visitors.
• May require occasional evening events or extended hours for school functions.

Application Process:

Please complete an online application at https://www.gck12.org/o/gc/page/work-for-gccs.
Attach your resume, cover letter, transcripts, and certification (if applicable).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or veteran status. We also prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forward complaints or participate in investigations of discrimination.