Attendance and Truancy Court Representative

School District of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

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About The Position

For forward-thinking administrators and educators, opportunities abound in the School District of Philadelphia. The School District of Philadelphia is committed to transforming the education opportunities it offers the city’s more than 203,000 school-aged children. The District seeks leaders who have a passion for working with schools, principals and communities who are committed to ensuring all students achieve. Serving a population as diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will you join us?
Job Summary
The Attendance and Truancy Representative represents the School District of Philadelphia in scheduled truancy court proceedings by providing student-specific attendance information and interpretation of student records. Serves as the point of contact for stakeholders in attendance and truancy related initiatives, providing valuable information on District attendance policies and procedures, including resources and supports offered by the District. This position does not conduct home visits and does not communicate with parents and guardians regarding attendance and truancy.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Two years of full-time, paid professional experience in an education, social work or a juvenile justice setting, which has involved working with a school-age population in an urban setting.
• OR
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Talent.
• Demonstrated knowledge of:
• the Pennsylvania School Code on compulsory attendance (ACT 138), The School District of Philadelphia’s attendance policy (Policy 204), the District’s student attendance and child accounting procedures as well as how Response to Intervention (RTI) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) relates to the student.
• current social, educational and economic issues related to student attendance and truancy.
• the District’s student information systems.
• community-based agencies and resources available to children and families.
• the role and standards for DHS truancy providers.
• the functions of Court of Common Pleas-Family Court Division, the Department of Human Services (DHS) prevention services and The Office of Children and Families (OCF).
• School District policies, procedures, and programs, including but not limited to, special education, student enrollment and transfers, transportation, homebound instruction and homeless services.
• Demonstrated skill in:
• collecting, analyzing and using data.
• Demonstrated ability to:
• work quickly and effectively under time limitations.
• exercise discretion and tact in handling sensitive and/or confidential information.
• understand student accounting procedures and the Pennsylvania Compulsory Attendance Law.
• interpret, prepare, write, and present concise case reports.
• use and operate a personal computer and related technology efficiently.
• use word-processing and spreadsheet software applications for data entry.
• accurately follow court proceedings and administrative directives.
• communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• establish and maintain effective collaborative relationships.

Responsibilities

• Compiles information needed for court proceedings; researches student–specific issues; analyzes for relevancy, accuracy and completion.
• Represents the District in truancy court proceedings; provides data and presents evidence supporting truancy court petitions.
• Prepares detailed, yet concise, reports of truancy court outcomes and relevant information.
• Provides feedback to schools on court-ordered truancy intervention activities (as needed).
• Maintains effective working relationships with Family Court, the Department of Human Services (DHS), community agencies, school personnel and others.
• Collaborates with schools to ensure appropriate resources and supports are in place for students after discharge from truancy court (as needed).
• Provides cross-systems training and guidance to enhance the knowledge, skills and competencies of staff and other stakeholders regarding attendance policies, protocols and truancy referral process.
• Assists in student accounting processes, including but not limited to truancy referrals and special requests received by the Office of Attendance and Truancy as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level