Attendance Specialist

POSITION:                             Attendance Specialist

POSITION GUIDE:                  Non – Certified Personnel

                                                Full Time - 10 Months

                                                Non – Bargaining Unit Position

                                                Non – Exempt

FUNCTION:                        

Under delegated authority, from the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and the Director of Student Services, implement all activities related to pupil attendance in school, in conformity with District Policy and as required by the School Code of Illinois.

REPORTS TO:                           Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Student Services 

                                                Director of Equity and Student Services

RELATES TO:                           Administration Staff

                                                Coordinators

                                                Principals

                                                Assistant Principals

                                                Classroom Teachers

                                                Nurses

                                                Parents and Community Groups               

QUALIFICATIONS:           

1. Bachelor Degree Preferred / Equivalent with three (3) years related experience.
2. Minimum two years teaching experience or work in related field\Legally bondable.
3. Familiarity with the attendance requirements of the Illinois School Code.
4. Knowledgeable in the legal procedures to be followed in cases of parent non-compliance with the attendance law.
5. Demonstrated leadership and good human relations skills.
6. Familiarity with the various communities within District 86.
7. Knowledgeable of community needs.
8. Demonstrated capabilities in community problem solving in relation to parents, teachers, and pupils.

The information contained in this job description is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties performed by the individual holding this position may be assigned.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:         

Must have the ability to comprehend simple instructions, read correspondence and memoranda and communicate effectively with all stakeholders. 

AUTHORITIES:

1. Conduct all activities in conformity with District Policy as prescribed by the School Code and Illinois State Attendance Laws.
2. Act as a liaison between District 86 and local Social Welfare Agencies and the Joliet Police Department in regards to child welfare.
3. Enforce the laws relating to child attendance in school and the prevention of truancy.
4. Prepare and recommend (to the proper authorities) improvement and changes in present methods that will increase service and efficiency.

RESPONSIBILITIES:          

1. Investigate truancy cases as referred by assigned schools.
2. Report truancy causes to building principal and provide any other pertinent information that may contribute to the welfare of the child.
3. Fully document and follow-up on chronic truancy cares, including (but not limited to) conducting student and/or parent conferences, sending parent letters, supplying follow-up reports to the school, filing non-compliance petitions as necessary, and attending all court hearings related to assigned cases.
4. Promptly report all unusual incidents to the proper authorities.
5. Maintain records of school and home visits; submit documentation to Student Services Coordinator.
6. Explain school attendance laws and develop preventative techniques to share with parents and community members when necessary.
7. Cooperate with all school divisions and departments when coordinating the efforts of welfare agencies, Joliet Police Department and Will County Sheriff's Department.
8. Assist with hearing and vision screenings in the buildings.
9. Assist in assuring that students are attending appropriate attendance centers.
10. Articulate with Joliet Township High School District 204 regarding chronically truant students graduating from District 86..
11. Attend staff meetings and approved staff development activities.
12. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services or his / her designee

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:     The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.        While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk; or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:     The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Usually, normal office working conditions. The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate.

Employee experiences constant interruptions and inflexible deadlines.   The noise level in this environment is quiet to moderate.  Duties are performed primarily indoors and occasionally outdoors.  In-district and out-of-town travel required as necessary for training and/or to carry out duties and responsibilities.