Truancy Specialist

Communities In Schools of Washington•Walla Walla, WA

17d•$26 - $30

About The Position

The Truancy Specialist supports Communities In Schools of the Blue Mountain Region in Walla Walla Public Schools by working directly with students, families, schools, and community partners to improve student attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism by identifying and removing barriers that prevent students from engaging in school. This role requires a dedicated, relationship-centered individual who can quickly build trust with students and families referred to truancy court. The Truancy Specialist facilitates Community Engagement Boards, participates in school and court-based attendance processes, and completes all required truancy documentation and follow-up. The Truancy Specialist also monitors attendance data, evaluates the impact of interventions, and collaborates closely with CIS staff, school teams, and the Juvenile Justice Center to improve student attendance.

Requirements

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree and 2 years of relevant work experience; AA degree with 3 years of relevant work experience; or 4 years of relevant work experience.
Knowledge of and experience living and working within similar communities.
Strong relationship-building skills, particularly with disengaged youth and their families. This can be demonstrated through work experience, volunteer experience and/or formalized education.
Demonstrated experience working with youth, knowledge of and passion for youth development.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school staff, students, parents, community partners, and the public.
Ability to work with people of diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
Resourceful – able to identify multiple solutions to presenting issues.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Valid Washington state driver’s license, access to reliable transportation and proof of adequate vehicle insurance coverage.
Ability to move 25lbs on an occasional basis.
Must pass a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual and/or bi-cultural connection to Spanish-speaking community.
Familiarity and existing relationships within the local community.
Experience in education, social services, mental health, juvenile justice, or related field.

Responsibilities

Facilitate Community Engagement Boards (CEBs) for Walla Walla Public Schools and document outcomes.
Communicate CEB results and recommendations to school leadership and court services.
Manage a caseload of individual students and develop individualized attendance intervention plans for students with chronic absences.
Participate in court hearings and school-based attendance meetings; relay court findings and judge directives to appropriate school staff.
Complete all required truancy documentation before and after court hearings.
Conduct home visits and maintain consistent communication with families and students experiencing chronic absenteeism.
Connect students and families with community resources to address attendance barriers.
Provide follow-up support to students and families after the truancy court process.
Monitor student and schoolwide attendance trends to assess progress and service impact.
Collect, analyze, and report on attendance data and provide recommendations to improve truancy interventions.
Maintain a positive reputation by understanding and demonstrating the CIS mission, goals and initiatives within the school and community.
Support local and regional partnership and resource development, by providing content for grant proposals, marketing opportunities and hosting site visits as requested.
Collaborate with CIS advocates, school support teams, Juvenile Justice Center, students, and families to develop and implement plans that improve student attendance.