GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Student Support Specialist has responsibilities for the reduction of excessive student absenteeism in their assigned school(s). The Student Support Specialist also provides interventions and support services for identified at-risk students, in accordance with applicable school policies and procedures. The Specialist serves as the designated attendance officer in their assigned school and provides assistance to school personnel in interpreting and enforcing compulsory school attendance laws, in accordance to the Code of Virginia, as amended.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude other duties if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job description. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Coordinates and monitors program activities pertaining to the implementation of school attendance policies and procedures and the Code of Virginia.
• Provides intervention and support services for identified students in assigned schools.
• Conducts home visits to assess risk factors and implement interventions.
• Builds and strengthens positive communication and support among home, school and, community.
• Assists with the identification of students displaying risk factors associated with excessive absenteeism.
• Consults with school personnel to reduce student risk factors.
• Collects and analyzes attendance data to monitor student attendance.
• Initiates incentive programs and support strategies to improve student attendance.
• Implements intervention strategies to reduce student risk factors, including case management services and individual and group counseling.
• Provides referrals to community resources to assist identified students and their families.
• Participates in student, interagency, child study, eligibility, FAPT, manifest determination, and other team meetings as appropriate.
• Coordinates and facilitates the Interdisciplinary Student Support Team process in truancy and failure to comply with compulsory school attendance cases.
• Implements intervention strategies and case management services for identified students in coordination with other school resources as determined by the student team process.
• Maintains appropriate documentation as established by the Department of Student Support Services.
• Prepares truancy affidavits working hours based upon student and family needs.
• Transports by personal car students (with parental permission), parents, and others as appropriate to position duties required by supervising administrators.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have excellent oral, written communication and computer skills in the use of Microsoft Office and other school-related software.
• Bilingual skills to include Spanish are preferred.
• Must be able to work with parents and students on various socio-economic levels.
• Must possess a valid Virginia driver’s license and have use of personal car.
• Excellent communications, interpersonal, organizational, public relations, and planning skills are essential.
• Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, employees, school, school administration, parents and community

Valid Virginia Driver’s License required with a positive driving record. Meets insurance requirements as outlined in School Board Policy.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s required. Master’s preferred in Social Work or Guidance Counseling.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sitting at a desk for extended periods of time. Occasional bending, stooping, twisting, reaching and grasping. Light lifting of up to 15 pounds. Repetitive movement of fingers and hands for keyboarding. This position requires the ability to communicate (oral and written), coordinate, instruct, compute, and to evaluate on a consistent and on-going basis. Travel to school and non-school locations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Inside office environmental conditions exist (temperature controlled, low hazard, low noise level). Travel to multiple locations to visit resource agencies, families, and transport students/parents

RCPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities. The following person(s) has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Hayley Poland – Title IX Coordinator (540) 853-1393.