Attendance Intervention Specialist

The Attendance Intervention Specialist works collaboratively with schools and students to provide a full range of Attendance Intervention services to minimize the barriers contributing to chronic absenteeism. Responsibilities include systematically collecting, analyzing, synthesizing, and interpreting information needed to identify underlying factors and create appropriate service plans for students in need of attendance support with the purpose of re-engaging students back into the learning environment. The Attendance Intervention Specialist is committed to meeting the mental health needs of students and promoting family engagement as a comprehensive response to chronic absenteeism. Specialists support evidence-based practices to improve daily student attendance, promote equity, and ensure student success. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Provides comprehensive Attendance Intervention services to schools in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and policies. 

• Utilizes knowledge of mental health strategies in the school setting, such as social-emotional learning programs, individual and group counseling, and crisis intervention services, to implement a continuum of resources and interventions to support student success.

• Disseminates pertinent information to identify and refer students for attendance support services, and utilizes processes outlined in Virginia State Code 22.1-258.

• Counsels parents/guardians and students on their legal obligations under Virginia State Code 22.1-254, and consults with school social workers, psychologists, counselors, families, and students regularly.

• Works collaboratively with members of school-based and division-level attendance and improvement teams, multidisciplinary teams (FAPT, CAT, Community Staffing), Court Services Unit Diversion teams, and other student support teams to create a strategic plan for developing and supporting the implementation of mental health and attendance supports.

• Presents status/progress of improved attendance to division leadership, and school administrators regularly.

• Follows up on each case to monitor plan implementation, which may include tiered interventions, home visits, counseling, and consistent communication with students and families.

• Provides professional development to school personnel, families, and the community on chronic absenteeism and intervention planning.

• Serves as an attendance case manager, maintains all records on cases, and prepares monthly reports to the supervisor. 

• Serves as a mentor/advisor to attendance officers. 

• Keeps current on research and best practices regarding chronic absenteeism and mental health strategies for students.

• Demonstrates cultural proficiency, sensitivity, and equity to address student needs and increase attendance, engagement, and overall academic performance.

• Performs other duties as required.

N/A

Prepares attendance reports for meetings and service logs. 

Equipment Operation: 

Utilize a personal computer and general office equipment and equipment and educational related equipment.

CCPS instructional and administrative personnel; students and families

N/A

Makes independent decisions related to attendance procedures, residency, homeless and social work services, with the Supervisor of School Social Work Services.

N/A

Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone, to enter data into a computer terminal; to see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; hear and understand speech at normal indoor levels, outdoors and on the telephone; speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly; physical agility to bend, stoop, sit on the floor, climb stairs, walk and reach overhead.  Frequent home visits are required.

The employee regularly works in an office or school environment.  The noise level is quiet to moderate.

Working knowledge of evidence-based mental health interventions for students. Considerable knowledge of VDOE attendance regulations and how they correlate to school accreditation. Ability to partner with community agencies, schools, students, and families to improve student attendance outcomes. Expertise in crisis intervention, decision-making, problem analysis, conflict resolution, interpersonal relationships, and planning. Proficiency in analyzing data to make program decisions and improvements. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, orally, and in writing. Proficiency in developing and completing required court reports and attendance plans using word processing and spreadsheet programs. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Demonstrated enthusiasm and passion for working with youth facing adversity, including students experiencing homelessness, poverty, and trauma.

Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, education, or a related field and some experience in providing services to school-aged children and/or families, or any combination of education and experience that would provide requisite knowledge, skills and ability.  Valid VA Driver’s License. This position requires the incumbent to drive. 

Applicants considered for employment must successfully complete the following background investigations/tests: 

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal History Investigation

• State Police Criminal History Investigation

• Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigation

• Tuberculosis Screening/Test

Chesterfield County Public Schools assures Equal Employment Opportunities for employees as required by Federal and State Orders and Laws.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements.  However, the administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position and does not imply an employment contract.