Attendance Specialist

The Attendance Specialist is to support the Springfield Public Schools in addressing attendance at all levels and in the prevention and intervention for chronic students. The Specialist will communicate with the parent/guardian by telephone, mail or in person to address the attendance of students. The Specialist will also respond to telephone calls or other referrals or may go on location to intervene to support the student’s return to school.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

Conducts daily follow-up on student attendance

• Absenteeism & Tardiness

• Attendance reports to staff

• Ensure accuracy of daily attendance & attendance reports including suspensions and outside placements

Compiles aggregate attendance data to identify chronically absent students and assists with attendance processes and prioritizing cases

• Utilizes Data Warehouse and Power School reports

• Identifies and prioritizes cases

• Works with schools on attendance buy-backs

• Works with the schools on all aspects of attendance including Attendance Improvement Plans

Participates in Home Visits as assigned

• Assists with any attendance matters

• Assists with the Home Visit Project Initiative as assigned

Identifies students’ needs and assists school personnel in making the connections with the services needed

• Contacts social service providers when necessary including City Connects and the Department of Child and Family Services

• Assists Attendance Coordinators with petitions to Springfield Juvenile Court when assigned • Follows up where appropriate

Serves as the attendance liaison between school and home

• Works directly with parents to identify and assist with student needs

• Participates in school-based Attendance Team meetings

• Is available as a Level 3 partner with STAT (Student Teacher Assistance Team) teams and supports the engagement of families

Maintains accurate logs

• Logs phone calls, letters home, home visits

• Documents all efforts in Power School/Student Success Plan

• Completes Monthly Attendance Report for assigned school(s) Attends monthly District

Attendance Team meetings

• Adheres to all Attendance Team protocols  Performs other duties as assigned including school reassignment if necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Associate’s Degree from and accredited college or university, preferred. 

2. Three (3) years of successful employment experience working with school age students.

3. Ability to facilitate communication between teachers, students and parents.

4. Ability to collect and enter student attendance data and related information, including contributions to the Students Success Plans of attendance related issues.

5. Computer skills: Data analysis, email, report preparation, knowledge of Microsoft Office Systems.

6. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including attendance at evening meetings.

7. Ability to speak and write in Spanish is preferred.

8. 95 percent attendance as referenced from previous employment position.

9. Own reliable transportation and cell phone (reimbursable).

"If you BELIEVE, we have a place for YOU on our team!  Come work for us!" 

About our District 

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff.  We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence.  

Join a team that Empowers Educators 

In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff.  We let our data shape the professional development of the district, therefore, it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staff with mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches to work with them throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis and management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in “Grow our Own” and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staff achieve a college degree or lead to certification pathways.  

If there is something that you would like to know specifically about the position that you are applying for or assistance with matching your skills to a position, Carmen Molina-Figueroa will be happy to assist you at molina-figueroac@springfieldpublicschools.com. 

The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, or military service, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness. 

NONDISCRIMINATION EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT 

The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status. 

NOTICE OF SEX NONDISCRIMINATION 

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment. 

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools’ Title IX Coordinator, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr, or both. 

The Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Jeremy Saint Laurent, Chief Legal Counsel in Legal Services, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-787-7100 ext. 55325, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com.   

Springfield Public School’s sex nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located on the Springfield Public Schools website, www.springfieldpublicschools.com/non-discrimination 

To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com