Juvenile Probation-Truancy Officer

Description of essential duties and responsibilities:

• Implements the State’s and District’s policy on truancy.
• Provide a critical role in educational system and protect child welfare
• Maintains knowledge of state, local and school system guidelines on attendance.
• Interprets pertinent laws, court verdicts, and school handbook policies on attendance.
• Gathers and assesses attendance data at a school, groups of schools, or a district.
• Monitors occurrences of extreme absenteeism, unexcused absences, and excessive tardiness.
• Checks for and investigates any patterns that indicate a student may be at risk.
• Locates students who are habitually absent from school.
• Investigates to determine the underlying cause of continued absences, such as domestic violence, neglect, homelessness, substance use, gang involvement, etc.
• Confers with parents, students to discuss attendance issues.
• Meets regularly with teachers, counselors, principals, and other staff to identify and discuss problems of tardiness, attendance, and student truancy.
• Works closely with counselors, teachers, and other staff to identify and address at-risk students and their parents.
• Collaborates with teachers to implement absence-mitigation strategies.
• Ensures students and their parents comply with compulsory attendance laws.
• Writes and submits case reports on investigative findings and resolutions.
• Reports issues of concern to Juvenile Bureau Director, child services or law enforcement.
• Conducts routine complaint investigations and is responsible for the case through resolution. If enforcement is necessary, the Truancy Officer provides testimony in administrative hearings or subsequent court actions.
• Conducts on-site investigations. Collects data, materials, and records; interviews identified witnesses and other persons who may have a bearing on the case.
• Conducts home visits and convenes parent conferences on student truancy and attendance problems.
• Compiles, maintains, and files all physical and computerized reports, records and other documents required, including records of all cases investigated and reports required by state agencies.
• Implements and complies with policies established by federal and state laws, the Superintendent’s Office, and local board policy in student attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications for position:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field.
• Must pass background, drug and alcohol screening

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and provide driving record and proof of automobile liability insurance.
• Must provide three letters of reference.

Supervisory relationships:

This position reports directly to the Director of Juvenile Probation

Skills and knowledge required:

Knowledge of federal and local laws pertaining to school attendance. Knowledge of departmental policies, regulations, and procedures. Knowledge of court procedures. Skill in organizational development and computer software. Skill in interpersonal communication using tact, patience, and courtesy. Skill in customer service and recordkeeping. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. Ability to interpret laws, policies, and procedures. Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, educators, and the public. Ability to write reports, carry out instructions and develop comprehensive plans with minimum supervision. Ability to make decisions in accordance with established polices and regulations. Ability to clearly communicate information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing. Ability to function as a positive, contributing member of an educational team. Ability to meet established deadlines. Ability to travel district-wide to conduct home visits and visit sites where truant students are reported to be present. Ability to apply problem-solving techniques to cases.

Prior experience required: Related work experience is a plus but not a requirement.

Personal qualities: Individual should possess knowledge of adolescent development and be able to relate well to youth and their families. Individuals should have good time management and organizational skills. Individual should be aware of delinquent behavior and the impact of trauma.

Amount of travel and other special conditions or requirements: The position provides services in a variety of settings in the County, including clients’ homes, at the Center and within the community as needed. Position requires some travel to perform their normal duties and to attend required trainings.

Work Schedule: Required 40 hour work week