Truancy Advocate Specialist

The Truancy Advocate plays a crucial role in addressing student absenteeism and promoting engagement in the educational process. This position involves working closely with students, families, and school staff to identify barriers to attendance and devise effective strategies for improvement. The Truancy Advocate will represent the school or organization in navigating local laws regarding truancy, providing guidance to families on the importance of consistent school attendance and the impact of chronic absenteeism on academic success. By fostering strong relationships with students and their families, the advocate aims to create a supportive environment that encourages attendance and participation. In addition, the Truancy Advocate will collaborate with community resources to provide additional support services, engage in outreach efforts to raise awareness about truancy issues and develop educational materials that highlight the importance of regular school attendance. The ultimate goal is to reduce truancy rates and ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially. This is a rewarding opportunity for individuals who are passionate about education and community support, and who possess strong communication and problem-solving skills that can make a meaningful impact on students' lives.

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, especially:
• 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 to permanently reduce 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

Hourly Rate: $20.00 per hour

Males are highly encouraged to apply

Bi-Lingual/Spanish Speaking is a plus.

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 Supplemental Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan.
• Direct Deposit
• Pittsburgh Sick Leave

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.

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Salary : $20