Student Support & Engagement Specialist(Attendance/Truancy)

Student Support & Engagement Specialist

Job title: Student Support & Engagement Specialist

Wage/Hour status: Exempt

Reports to: Social Work Services Project Manager

Dept/School: Assigned Campus

*Grant funded position

Primary Purpose:

A Student Support & Engagement Specialist role involves bridging the gap between law enforcement and social services within the schools, focusing on student well-being and addressing social issues that may impact students’ learning and safety. Student Support & Engagement Specialists will Identify and address the underlying causes of student absenteeism, connecting students and families with resources, and collaborating with other professionals to create a supportive school environment. Act as a liaison between the school district and law enforcement, public health, mental health agencies, and juvenile justice programs.Reduce violence and criminal justice involvement and increase education engagement. Create and support programs that take a proactive approach to school staff safety, empowering students, as active engaged members of their communities.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Master’s or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

Valid Texas Licensed Master Social Worker or Licensed Bachelor Social Worker

Special knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of evidence-based school safety measures and campus safety assessment process.

Knowledge of initial risk and threat assessment process.

Knowledge of social and emotional learning and trauma-responsive practices.

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Ability to instruct students and manage behavior.

Knowledge of Texas Education Code 25.095 and laws surrounding attendance

Ability to present information in one-on-one, small group, and large group situations to students, parents, and district staff.

Knowledge of the juvenile justice system

Knowledge of the alternative education setting

Experience (preferred):

Two years social work experience, or relevant experience in the k-12 education system, laws surrounding truancy and attendance, knowledge of the juvenile justice system

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Counseling 

• Plan and conduct structured group lessons, based on specific individual and campus needs and in accordance with students’ developmental and social emotional needs. Collaborate with teachers who teach guidance-related curriculum.

Consultation

• Coordinate school, home, and community resources and refer students, parents, and others to special programs and services as needed.

• Confer regularly with teachers, counselors, principals, and other staff as well as parents to identify problems of tardiness, attendance, and student truancy. Counsel students at risk of dropping out and make a reasonable effort to gain their cooperation to improve attendance.
• Conduct home visits and parent conferences on student truancy and attendance problems. Make parents aware of compulsory attendance laws and school policy for parents and students.
• Represent the school district in court hearings resulting from attendance problems. Maintain contact and act as liaison to local law enforcement agencies and courts in the area of student truancy.
• Investigate cases of unexcused and excessive absences and tardiness and enforce provisions of compulsory attendance laws. 
• Issue warnings; file complaints against students, parents, or individuals with parental control in accordance with compulsory attendance laws, Texas Education Code, and board policy; and refer to appropriate court.
• Implement truancy prevention measures in accordance with state regulations.
• Impose individual student behavior improvement plans, and school-based community service or refer to counseling, community-based services, or other services aimed at addressing a student’s truancy.
• Work collaboratively to advocate for individual students and specific groups of students.

Program Management and Administration

• Plan, implement, evaluate, and promote continuous improvement of a balanced comprehensive intervention and counseling program that include emotional learning curriculum, responsive services, individual planning, and system support components.
• Pre-Court intervention
• Actively Participate in the Multi-Tiered System of Supports
• Advocate for a school environment that acknowledges and respects belonging.
• Case management through campus counselors.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, the STOP grant project, and local board policy. 
• Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
• Adhere to legal, ethical, and professional standards for licensure, including current professional standards of competence and practices.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment.

Posture: Prolonged sitting; frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.

Motion: Frequent walking.

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional physical restraint of students to control behavior

Environment: Work inside, may work outside

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; may work prolonged or irregular hours.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.