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Form of workStudent Support Specialist - Part -TimeGENERAL INFORMATIONTitle: Student Support Specialist - Part-Time (30 hours per week)Department: Student ServicesSalary Grade: Classified Pay Schedule G
FLSA Status: Non-ExemptSite/Location: Administration BuildingReports to: Student Services SupervisorDate: 1/02/2024POSITION SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Director of Student Services, the Student Support Specialist serves in a team member and liaison capacity with school administrators, families, social service agencies, and court service officials to investigate, review, and resolve attendance issues in order to ensure that school-aged children and their parent/guardian comply with compulsory school attendance. The Student Support Specialist enforces the provisions of the Code of Virginia Compulsory School Attendance Law; initiates legal proceedings, presents case information to court services, and testifies in court proceedings. The Student Support Specialist will investigate, review, and manage truancy referrals from assigned schools; assess the needs of the students and families; develop an appropriate plan of action; make referrals to community agencies as needed; interpret school attendance policies; work as a team member to develop prevention/intervention strategies for improving attendance; provides case management; monitors student progress; and communicates effectively through both written and verbal means.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Maintains working knowledge of the Code of Virginia, school board policy, Virginia Department of Education Policy, and administrative regulations regarding school attendance matters;
- Collaborate with attendance clerks in assigned schools to gather and review attendance data to identify students who are excessively truant;
- Assess the needs of truant students and/or families by establishing contact in school, via home visits, and/or community visits;
- Collaborates with school staff to develop interventions for truant students and create/implement individualized service plans to improve attendance;
- Link students and families to community and school-based services/supports as needed;
- Serves as a liaison between assigned schools, students, families, courts, social services, and other community agencies/stakeholders;
- Initiates referral to and presents cases to the Inter-Agency Truancy Review Team and/or Family Assessment and Planning Team;
- Participates in school and community-based meetings regarding student attendance;
- Initiates legal proceedings according to the Code of Virginia regarding Compulsory Attendance Laws; prepares information for formal court hearings; and represents the school division with accurate testimony;
- Acts as a resource for school administrators, school counselors, teachers, nurses, and staff at assigned schools regarding school attendance:
- Assists with developing, implementing, and monitoring truancy prevention programs for assigned schools;
- Maintains accurate records, including a working knowledge of the student database system;
- Ensures confidentiality with regard to records, student and family needs, and reports;
- Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities and communications;
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services or Student Services Supervisor.
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Ethical
- Equity Minded
- Emotional Intelligence
- Cultural Competence
- Safety
- Quality
- Models Excellent Customer Service
- Thinks Strategically
- Shows Initiative
- Acts Decisively
- Communicates Effectively
- Works Collaboratively
- Resolves Conflict Proactively
- Technical Capabilities
- Computer Literacy
- Data Analysis and Management
- Fiscal Planning and Management
- Project Management
- Strategic Planning
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, education, or a related field from an accredited college or university with some related experience providing services for school-aged children, preferred, OR
- Combination of education and experience that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of attendance laws/regulations/policies, intervention/prevention strategies, and referral sources.
- Ability to conduct telephone-based or in-person interviews, data collection, and data entry.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and relationship building.
- Ability to interact in a non-judgmental manner with culturally diverse populations and persons experiencing a wide range of social conditions.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and the ability to use sound judgment in responding to client issues and concerns.
- Ability to adapt to changing environments and receive constructive feedback.
- Knowledge of and experience with the Lynchburg City Schools organization, policies, and practices (preferred).
- Ability to use discretion, maintain confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
- Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff, establishing and maintaining collaborative professional relationships.
- Strong time management skills (organization, prioritization, multitasking).
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Proficiency with the use of computers (desktop, laptop, tablet).
- Proficiency with the use of mobile devices (smartphones, mobile apps).
- Solid knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office and Google Drive, and ability to learn new technical programs/practices as needed.
- Solid knowledge and understanding of equitable practices that create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for LCS staff, students, and community members.
- None
- Reliable transportation is necessary.
- Travel within the City of Lynchburg as needed.
- Minimal travel outside of the City of Lynchburg as needed.
