Truancy Officer

Job Summary: Provide assistance to school administration in interpreting and enforcing attendance regulations and resolving truancy, excessive absences and tardiness problems. Serve as district liaison to parents, law enforcement agencies and court personnel.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with building principals and school based mental health providers to support families with student attendance.
• Work with the Director of PPS for students in out of district placements with attendance concerns.
• Work with the family court and district legal representative to support families with active truancy cases.
• Work with community based programs and Homeless Liaison to support families of students with securing living assistance (ie, heat, rent, food, electricity, etc…)
• Conduct home visits to students with truancy concerns. May include mental health staff or district interpreters/translators.
• Investigate concerns related to residency checks for families living in the school district.
• Oversee, maintain and coordinate the local Truancy Court.
• Represent Westerly Public Schools in all truancy matters and court appearances.
• Fill out and submit Family Court Petition and Service
• Oversee the Truancy to Work program for students who have been assigned a work placement opportunity.
• Transportation of students to and from school who are unable to secure transportation as an only remaining option.
• Document and provide clear objective information as needed
• Work with the Pupil Personnel Services Department to deliver sensitive materials.
• Ability to engage with families in a calm, non threatening manner using an appropriate de-escalation when necessary.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to cultural differences
• Adherence to confidentiality and maintaining dignity of students and families.
• Engage families with respect and understanding of their cultural and personal values.

Qualifications:

• Experience:
• • Experience with Family Court, juvenile programs and a working knowledge of social work practices.
  • Networking in the community with local providers.
  • Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.
• Education:
• • Bachelor's degree in Administration of Justice or related field
• Certification & Licensing:
• • Active license and transportation
• Physical Requirements:
• • Walk, climb stairs, bend and lift up to 45lbs.