Attendance Officer

Department: Office of Family and Community Partnerships

FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt):Exempt 

Reports to: Director of Communications & Family Engagement

In compliance with state and federal laws, newton public schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

SUMMARY: 

The NPS Attendance Engagement Officer oversees daily attendance of students between the ages of 6 and 15, investigates all cases where a child in the district chronically fails to attend school, offers services and recommendations to families of students with chronic attendance issues and/or at risk of dropping out, and ensures compliance with Massachusetts laws relating to education and attendance.

The successful person in this role will work collaboratively with community partners to offer support to families and assist them in getting their children to school every day, on time. This person will do their best to ensure that every student enrolled in Newton Public Schools can fully maximize their educational opportunities and offers support in addressing any attendance-related obstacles.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree with courses in psychology, sociology, guidance and education.
• A minimum of five (5) years of direct experience in education-related roles, social services, and/or psychological services to young people (a master’s degree may be substituted for years of experience)
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and outstanding skills in working with youth with patience and understanding. 
• Candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the laws concerning school attendance and of services available to children with attendance problems, and must satisfy at least one of the following requirements: 
• Bilingual in speaking Spanish-English or Portuguese-English (preferred, not required)

Schedule:

The Attendance Engagement Officer is a 12-month, full-time position.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):

• Informs appropriate school staff of the attendance pattern of chronic absenteeism.
• Reports to district administrators all school-age children who are unable to participate in the regular school program because of mental, physical, or emotional handicaps so that they are properly exempted and participate in educational programs appropriate to their needs.
• Works collaboratively with teachers, school nurses, guidance counselors, school adjustment counselors, special education staff, and principals regarding students who are absent or tardy too frequently, and who have not responded to the corrective efforts made by the building principal, or by the goals and objectives of his individual educational plan if he/she is a special education student.
• Diligence with reviewing student file and background, prior to initiating any investigations or action, and confers with other members of the student services team who may be involved.
• Works closely with guidance counselors and adjustment counselors in the identification and counseling of potential dropouts.
• Regularly participates in work to support family engagement and partnership within the district.
• Offers education to district staff and families about attendance laws and policies and to encourage faithful attendance.
• Looks for new ways to engage families and staff in healthy conversations about the benefits of regular attendance in school, and works to build strong community partnerships in support of this mission.
• Serves as liaison between the schools and the parents, the courts, community agencies, and police authorities as it relates to student attendance matters.
• Initiates petitions to Juvenile Court and prepares cases for formal hearings, if directed to do so by Principals or the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services.
• May attend court, as needed, when cases are presented.
• When possible, keen observer throughout the community during school hours and provides immediate service to students who are on the street or in public places.
• May perform other duties as needed.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Work Environment:

• Applicants for this position must commit to work a flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings and weekends based on school, family and district needs.

Suggested Salary:

$90,000

Salary : $90,000