What are the responsibilities and job description for the Truancy Advocate Specialist position at Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.?
Status: Part Time Hourly FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Summary of the Position: Youth Advocate Programs has developed a flexible Truancy Intervention Program model that is adaptable to the specific needs of urban, suburban, and rural schools. The agency has the capability and willingness to work with students at the highest risk of school failure and those with the most complex needs. Court-involved juveniles, special needs youth, and students residing in low-income housing are including the population served. These students may be:
- At high risk of expulsion or suspension
- Failing in school due to the problems at home
- Presenting behavioral problems
- Returning from Juvenile Detention
- Truant
- Experiencing school phobia/bullying issues
- Involved in substance abuse
- Emotionally or developmentally challenged
Job duties include, but are not limited to:
- Implementation of treatment plans
- Developing monthly summaries regarding cases
- Tracking/collecting data with regards to truancy (e.g., attendance, grades, contacts)
- Case coordination, specially:
- Conducting/attending initial intake sessions for new cases
- Daily direct face-to-face interaction with clients and/or caregivers and suggesting, implementing, and transferring behavior therapeutic skills/strategies with the purpose of permanently reducing specific truant issues
- Transporting participants to and from school
- Checking in on participants in school throughout the day, meeting as needed with school staff, conducting community searches for missing participants (and returning them to school)
- Weekly in home visits with caregiver(s) of cases and/or participants to discuss case progression as well as current issues/concerns (this includes a formal case review once per month)
- Attending local magistrate and juvenile court hearings involving current cases; researching and linking appropriate community outlets to caregiver(s) and participants of cases
Qualifications/Requirements: High School Diploma or GED required – Background/experience in Social Work, Psychology, and/or working in human services field a plus
- Must be extremely organized
- Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Must be professional, flexible, and have the ability to work independently
- Experience working with youth in Educational System, Behavioral Health System, and/or Juvenile Justice System a plus
- Morning availability is necessary
Position requires reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and current automobile insurance coverage.
Benefits Available:
- Voluntary Dental
- Voluntary Vision
- UNUM
- 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan.
Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, genetic characteristics, or disability unrelated to job performance or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where YAP operates. YAP will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
