Attendance Specialist

Springfield Public Schools•Springfield, MA

About The Position

The Attendance Specialist reports directly to the Attendance Manager, the Assistant Superintendent.The Attendance Specialist is to support the Springfield Public Schools in addressing attendance at all levels and in the prevention and intervention for chronic students. The Specialist will communicate with the parent/guardian by telephone, mail or in person to address the attendance of students. The Specialist will also respond to telephone calls or other referrals or may go on location to intervene to support the student’s return to school. Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3 rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence. Join a team that Empowers Educators In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff. We let our data shape the professional development of the district, therefore, it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staff with mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches to work with them throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis and management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in “Grow our Own” and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staff achieve a college degree or lead to certification pathways.

Requirements

High school diploma, college degree prefered.
Three (3) years of successful employment experience working with school age students.
Ability to facilitate communication between teachers, students and parents.
Ability to collect and enter student attendance data and related information, including contributions to the Students Success Plans of attendance related issues.
Computer skills: Data analysis, email, report preparation, knowledge of Microsoft Office Systems.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including attendance at evening meetings.
95 percent attendance as referenced from previous employment position.
Own reliable transportation and cell phone (reimbursable).

Nice To Haves

Ability to speak and write in Spanish is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts daily follow-up on student attendance
Absenteeism & Tardiness
Attendance reports to staff
Ensure accuracy of daily attendance & attendance reports including suspensions and outside placements
Compiles aggregate attendance data to identify chronically absent students and assists with attendance processes and prioritizing cases
Utilizes Data Warehouse and Power School reports
Identifies and prioritizes cases
Works with schools on attendance buy-backs
Works with the schools on all aspects of attendance including Attendance Improvement Plans
Participates in Home Visits as assigned
Assists with any attendance matters
Assists with the Home Visit Project Initiative as assigned
Identifies students’ needs and assists school personnel in making the connections with the services needed
Contacts social service providers when necessary including City Connects and the Department of Child and Family Services
Assists Senior Attendance Manager with petitions to Springfield Juvenile Court when assigned
Follows up where appropriate
Serves as the attendance liaison between school and home
Works directly with parents to identify and assist with student needs
Participates in school-based Attendance Team meetings
Is available as a Level 3 partner with STAT (Student Teacher Assistance Team) teams and supports the engagement of families
Maintains accurate logs
Logs phone calls, letters home, home visits
Documents all efforts in Power School/Student Success Plan
Completes Monthly Attendance Report for assigned school(s)
Attends monthly District Attendance Team meetings
Adheres to all Attendance Team protocols set by the Attendance Manager and Assistant Superintendent
Performs other duties as assigned by the Attendance Manager or Assistant Superintendent including school reassignment if necessary