Description: The Student Attendance Specialist works closely with school administration, families, and students to address and resolve student attendance issues so that they are able to access their education. NOTE: The position requires driving a PACE van. Paid training is available but candidates must be able to meet driving requirements. See attached
Supervisor: Student Attendance Manager
Work Schedule: 260 days
FLSA status: Non-Exempt
Retirement: IMRF
Essential Duties
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Track and monitor student attendance, identifying patterns of truancy or chronic absenteeism.
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Develop and implement strategies to address truancy issues. This might involve creating individualized attendance success plans for students and families, assessments, and conducting home visits as needed.
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Serve as the primary point of contact for parents, guardians, and students regarding attendance issues. Communicate clear expectations and consequences related to truancy and work to resolve attendance problems.
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Collaborate with teachers, school counselors, social workers, and other professionals to develop and implement interventions for students with high rates of absenteeism.
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Document and report accurate records of truancy cases, including communications with families, assessments, interventions attempted, and outcomes.
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Connect students and families with appropriate support services, such as counseling, tutoring, or community resources, to address underlying issues contributing to truancy.
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Address and mediate conflicts between students, parents, and the school related to attendance issues, working to find mutually agreeable solutions.
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Engage with families to understand the root causes of absenteeism and collaborate on solutions to improve student attendance.
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Handle urgent or high-risk cases of truancy that may require immediate intervention or coordination with external agencies.
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Monitor the progress of students who have been the focus of truancy interventions and adjust strategies as needed to ensure continued improvement.
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Support with the planning, promoting, and delivery of PD sessions for districts.
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Attend outreach events at schools regarding our attendance program.
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Participate in webinars and PD’s directly related to our work.
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Maintain a caseload of up to 70 students and families with poor attendance.
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Obtain and maintain certification to drive the program van.
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Safely and responsibly operate the program van for school visits, community visits, home visits, and other program-related travel.
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Adhere to all vehicle safety procedures, traffic laws, and organizational transportation policies.
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Demonstrate flexibility in meeting the changing needs of the program and supporting team initiatives.
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Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and student success.
Minimum Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree and/or office experience preferred, but not required.
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Approved PACE van driver, or able to meet PACE driving eligibility requirements within three (3) months of hire. Please note that driving approval requirements are established by PACE and may change from time to time.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
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Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills; additional languages other than English preferred.
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
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Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
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Friendly and patient demeanor including conflict resolution skills
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Sedentary Work: The role primarily involves sitting at a desk, workstation, or in a vehicle for extended periods while using a computer, telephone, and other office equipment. However some work will require travel to a home or other location within the North Cook ISC region.
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Mobility: Occasional walking and standing may be required for tasks such as filing documents, attending meetings, or moving between office areas. Some work may require climbing stairs or navigating to homes or other locations within the North Cook ISC region
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Lifting: Ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds of office supplies or materials, such as boxes of paper or equipment
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Reaching and Grasping: Regular use of hands and arms to handle office supplies, operate a keyboard, and perform various administrative tasks as well as operating a motor vehicle
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Visual Acuity: Requires close vision to review documents, prepare reports, and use computer screens and ability to pass driver eye exams in order to operate a motor vehicle
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Communication: Frequent use of verbal communication skills to interact with colleagues, clients, and vendors, as well as the ability to hear and understand conversations in a busy office environment
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Work environment: Work is completed in an indoor office environment and also outdoor when driving the vehicle
Accommodation Statement: North Cook ISC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Director of Human Resources to discuss your needs.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: NCISC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with respect and fairness. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
