Attendance Specialist

JOB PURPOSE

The Attendance Specialist position involves multiple responsibilities including overseeing and enforcing the attendance policy, monitoring school wide attendance data, and working with individual students and/or parents with regard to attendance issues.

Under occasional supervision, provides referrals to families and/or students, represents the district as the attendance representative; complies with federal, state, county and district policies, regulations and procedures. Provides administrative staff assistance to site administrators. Reports to the Director of Student Services.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Conducts meetings (e.g. referrals, due process, discipline, school attendance teams, etc.) for the purpose of coordinating activities and ensuring that outcomes achieve school, district and/or state objectives.

Oversees the attendance process in assisting students in resolving unsatisfactory attendance problems for the purpose of ensuring effective student education and compliance with all related regulations.

Researches and develops strategic programs and procedures for the purpose of achieving student attendance improvements and compliance with all relevant policies.

Provides input into the creation and updates of policies and documents regarding student attendance.

Oversees staff education and implementation of attendance policies.

Works closely with the PowerSchool Coordinator to ensure attendance data is accurately documented in PowerSchool.

Responds to all requests from various internal and external sources (e.g. teachers, school administrators, parents, outside agencies, etc.) for the purpose of investigating and assisting in resolving student attendance problems, boundary issues, discipline and expulsion processes.

Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, etc. (e.g. county and state workshops, etc.) for the purpose of understanding the changes for updating and implementing district procedures.

Files a variety of documents (e.g. probation referrals, attendance reports, outside agency requests, etc.) for the purpose of assisting students and complying with mandated requirements.

Serves as district liaison to various people and agencies (e.g. school attendance teams, community support agencies, parents, etc.) for the purpose of representing the district to county/state child welfare and attendance agencies.

Trains school administrative staff for the purpose of ensuring that staff are up-to-date on current local, state and federal legislation and policy interpretation.

Coordinates with outside agencies, school sites, etc. for the purpose of providing referrals to families and/or students.

Initiates calls and home visits for the purpose of ascertaining reason/s for absences and informing students and/or parents of provisions of compulsory attendance laws.

Maintains student records (e.g. attendance reports, parent inquires, complaint reports, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring program effectiveness complying with mandated requirements.

Prepares written materials (e.g. reports, memos, letters, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference and/or conveying information.

Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Requires a Bachelor’s degree supplemented by two to three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, technical certification and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must possess a valid SC driver’s license.