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The 43-year-old is being brought in to coach the Reading first team and also scout out potential signings.
Downes had helped out with Coppell's training sessions late last season on an informal basis after being dismissed by struggling Brentford.
Royals Director of Football Nicky Hammond reckons that Downes has a lot to offer to Reading.
"He's got a lot of experience and good qualities we can take advantage of. We hope he will have a positive influence on the group. He's going to come in and work on the coaching side on a monthly basis," explained Hammond, speaking to the official site.
He went onto reveal that Downes has only been offered a short-term post at Reading so that he is free to take up a manager's role at another club should it become available.
However, Director of Football Hammond is just happy that Wally Downes can help out with training sessions at present.
"Wally's keen to get into management again but he's available to us at the moment so the month-to-month contract suits both parties," he added.
It has been rumoured that Downes, who was Steve Coppell's assistant manager at Brentford, would take up a similar position at Reading. The speculation was heightened by reports that suggested Coppell's current number two Kevin Dillon wanted to leave the club.
As Downes has been handed a relatively informal role it is apparent that his post will not affect Dillon's long-term position at the club.
Downes is just one of six ex-Brentford men on the club's wage bill. Manager Steve Coppell and players Steve Sidwell, Ivar Ingimarsson, Lloyd Owusu and Nicky Forster have all also previously enjoyed spells at Griffin Park.