What are the responsibilities and job description for the Truancy Mediator position at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools?
General Definition of Work
The truancy mediator, under general supervision, performs professional work related to truancy mediation by meeting directly with students and families and consulting with and supporting school social workers and staff. The mediator will seek to identify barriers to attendance resulting in multiple unexcused absences in a fair, balanced, and non-adversarial manner. The Mediator will work with school staff, CMS students and the student's families to help them reach a mutually acceptable agreement, ensuring that all parties' concerns and needs are addressed. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, and the ability to remain neutral while guiding discussions.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Salary/Status
Pay Grade 08/10 months/Paid Bi-Weekly
Reports To
Associate Superintendent, Student Services
Place of Work
The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.
Essential Functions
The truancy mediator, under general supervision, performs professional work related to truancy mediation by meeting directly with students and families and consulting with and supporting school social workers and staff. The mediator will seek to identify barriers to attendance resulting in multiple unexcused absences in a fair, balanced, and non-adversarial manner. The Mediator will work with school staff, CMS students and the student's families to help them reach a mutually acceptable agreement, ensuring that all parties' concerns and needs are addressed. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, and the ability to remain neutral while guiding discussions.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Salary/Status
Pay Grade 08/10 months/Paid Bi-Weekly
Reports To
Associate Superintendent, Student Services
Place of Work
The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.
Essential Functions
- Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
- Conduct mediation sessions with disputing parties, ensuring that each party has an opportunity to express their issues, concerns, and desired outcomes
- Provide neutral and unbiased guidance to all involved parties, helping them understand the challenges to attendance resulting in truancy and explore potential solutions
- Collaborate with students and families to identify and agree on attendance interventions to prevent potential ramifications for breaking compulsory attendance laws
- Prepare a written agreement/summary of the mediation at the conclusion of the session for signature for all parties involved
- Maintain strict confidentiality of all information shared during mediation sessions, in accordance with North Carolina and Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools ethical standards
- Evaluate the needs and concerns of all parties to identify appropriate strategies to utilize during the truancy mediation meeting
- Provide truancy information to students, their families and Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools staff about the mediation process and the benefit of the mediation process
- Maintain required documentation as requested by Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
- Perform related work as assigned or required
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of social work and public school law as applicable to truant minors, high-risk adolescents, and their families
- Knowledge of the principles and techniques of interviewing, diagnostic assessment, and various counseling modalities
- Knowledge of the principles of human development, child development, parenting, and family dynamics
- Knowledge of public assistance and social services systems
- Knowledge of medical, psychological, social, and educational resources, needs, problems, attitudes, and behavior of assigned client population
- Knowledge of report writing practices
- Skill in counseling, motivating students and talking with parents
- Ability to assess social service needs of students and families and motivate them to achieve goals
- Ability to interview a variety of people with diverse socio-economic backgrounds and temperaments
- Ability to plan and implement service plans and to develop partnerships with community resources
- Ability to provide technical guidance to other professionals and determine the appropriate course of action in stressful situations
- Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships
- Ability to problem-solve utilizing sound judgment
- Master's degree in school social work, school administration, school counseling or school psychology from an accredited university; advanced degree preferred.
- Three (3) years experience in school social work, administration or counseling; 5 years preferred
- Equivalent combination of education and experience
- Possess and maintain a valid driver's license or ability to provide own transportation
- Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings
