Student Attendance Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Attendance Specialist

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Supervised By: Principal

Classification: Full-Time, 12-month contract

Directly Supervises: None

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education – High school diploma or equivalent required, and one year of office/clerical support experience. (Associates degree preferred).
• Demonstrate working knowledge of basic office procedures, data entry, and a variety of computer applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Infinite Campus, etc.).
• First Aid/CPR Certified.
• Valid Arizona Driver’s License.
• Ability to successfully pass a pre-employment drug test and extensive background check.

JOB SUMMARY: The Attendance Specialist focuses on enforcing the Gila River Indian Community Council approved truancy codes and other truancy related ordinances pertaining to school age children attending Gila Crossing Community School. The goals include reducing chronic absenteeism, fostering strong family partnerships, and ensuring accurate data reporting, in order to support student success by keeping them engaged, on track for promotion, and connected to vital community resources

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; operating standard office equipment including utilizing pertinent software applications; performing standard clerical procedures; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
• KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: common office machines, software, office methods and practices, truancy policies and regulations.
• ABILITY is required to schedule activities and/or meetings; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with similar types of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Some problem solving may be required to identify issues and select action plans.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitor and evaluate daily attendance data to identify students at risk of truancy.
• Track and monitor student attendance data dashboards to identify truancy trends.
• Educate parents and students regarding State, Gila River Indian Community Truancy laws and school policies regarding school attendance.
• Prepare, file and document students’ attendance related complaints with the appropriate Tribal authorities and departments.
• Communicate with school staff and officials regarding school attendance.
• Partner with school staff to implement holistic, team-based support strategies.
• Conduct one-on-one meetings with frequently absent or tardy students to understand challenges, rebuild engagement, and offer positive, non-punitive support.
• Prepare correspondence to parents/guardians to be sent home on a student’s 3rd, 5th, and 9th absence and for any other attendance related issues.
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings with students, their families and appropriate staff.
• Develop and implement individualized attendance improvement plans and contracts with students and their families.
• Conduct in-home visits with Probation Officer and/or School Resource Officer to identify underlying causes of absenteeism.
• Refer families to community and school resources to improve student’s attendance.
• Assist the Probation Officer with preparing court documentation to commence proceedings in Gila River Indian Community Juvenile Court.
• Testify in Court regarding circumstances regarding the student's school attendance problem.
• Maintain detailed, confidential records of all outreach efforts, interventions, and family contacts.
• Design and implement attendance engagement strategies such as challenges and incentives to improve and reward attendance.
• Collaborate with front office staff to review attendance tracking procedures and reporting in the Student Information System.
• This job is distinguished from similar jobs by the following characteristics: required accuracy and attention to detail. Incumbents work within a framework of policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Newly appointed employees will be subject to an initial ninety (90) calendar day probation period.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, operate a computer, sit, and occasionally to reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet/moderate noise.