Truancy Caseworker

VQ•Plymouth, PA

18h•$20 - $20•Hybrid

About The Position

The Truancy Caseworker provides intervention and prevention services to youth and families struggling with school attendance. This role combines case management, mentoring, and family engagement to address barriers to regular school attendance, support student success, and prevent out-of-home placements related to truancy. The Caseworker works closely with schools, families, and community partners to improve student engagement and outcomes while ensuring compliance with truancy laws and court mandates.

Requirements

Excellent observational and documentation skills.
Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
Ability to remain neutral and objective in emotionally charged situations.
Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and understanding of diverse family systems.
Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress or crisis situations.
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, counseling, education, criminal justice, social work, human services, or related field.
1 year employment experience in the child welfare field working with children and/or adolescents in a social service setting.
Must be 21 years of age or older.
May be required to pass a drug test.
Cleared background checks from appropriate entities, including Child Abuse and Neglect and FBI criminal background.
Must have a valid driver’s license and be eligible to drive to facilitate program services.

Nice To Haves

May be required to obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification.

Responsibilities

Provide direct case management and mentoring to youth and families referred for truancy concerns.
Meet with families in the home, school, and community to assess needs and identify barriers to school attendance.
Support families in developing strategies to address truant behaviors and strengthen natural support systems.
Assist families in ensuring children attend school daily and intervene promptly when absences occur.
Provide crisis intervention and connect families to community resources when needed.
Build strong working relationships with schools across Luzerne County to coordinate truancy intervention services.
Participate in Student Assistance Program (SAP) meetings, Student Attendance Improvement Plan (SAIP) meetings, and other school-based conferences.
Collaborate with caseworkers, probation officers, and Luzerne County Children and Youth Services as appropriate.
Represent the program in community meetings, court proceedings, and with partner agencies.
Complete assessments and monthly service plans for each family on caseload.
Develop individualized Student Attendance Improvement Plans in partnership with schools and families.
Maintain timely and accurate documentation of all contacts, interventions, progress notes, and outcomes.
Provide written reports and testify in court when required.
Collect and track data to monitor program effectiveness, including referrals, attendance outcomes, and successful case completions.
Ensure all services comply with agency, state, and federal requirements.
Uphold confidentiality and adhere to all VisionQuest policies and child welfare regulations.
Participate in training sessions, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities.
Educate families and community members about truancy laws, responsibilities, and available supports.
Work collaboratively with supervisors and colleagues to enhance service delivery and achieve program goals.
Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor(s).