Truancy Specialist

Hamilton County Schools•Signal Mountain, TN

13d•Onsite

About The Position

This position posting is for a part-time Truancy Specialist for the 2026-2027 school year. The position will cover approximately 5 hours per week. Duties include reviewing truancy data, coordinating meetings with families to walk through the truancy process, and connecting with school resources to provide supports for families. Applicants must be eager to work cooperatively within department and school team settings. Applicants must be organized and possess outstanding communication skills in working collaboratively and effectively with students, teachers, parents, and administrators. Teachers who are also interested in serving in HS or MS coaching positions are encouraged to apply. Signal Mountain Middle/High is a 6-12 school located on Signal Mountain, TN, just outside of Chattanooga. We are the only International Baccalaureate school in Hamilton County, offering both the prestigious IB Middle Years Program (MYP) and Diploma Program (DP). Although known for our academic accomplishments, SMMHS also provides students with many other experiences, including State-Championship athletics programs, award-winning performing and visual arts programs, and opportunities for students to learn and grow through a variety of extracurricular activities. While knowledge of IB requirements is preferred, training is also available for teachers who are new to IB. Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County. Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030. The purpose of this job is to enforce all laws and board policies relating to compulsory school attendance.

Requirements

Four-year college degree in a relevant area such as education, guidance, student services or criminal justice preferred.
Three (3) years of successful experience with prevention or intervention programs related to education support or truancy prevention/reduction; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrates excellent planning, organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, and time management skills.
Demonstrates good judgment when confronted with angry, emotional students, parents, or custodial parents.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of IB requirements is preferred, training is also available for teachers who are new to IB.

Responsibilities

Identifies students at risk for truancy and aids in the enforcement of laws and board policies relating to student attendance.
Investigates all suspected cases of truancy as referred by administrators and reports back on the results of investigations. Such investigations shall be conducted as necessary, day or evening, and shall include personal contact with the guardian. The truant officer shall attempt to discover the reason for the absence and advise both the student and parent concerning attendance laws.
Implements and complies with federal and state laws, state and local school board policy in the area of student attendance. Initiates the petition proceedings when necessary to adhere to Tennessee statutes concerning school enrollment and attendance.
Interacts with all stakeholders in a professional and respectful manner.
Attends court hearings. Provides monitoring of all petitions until resolved. Processes truancy petitions through the court for habitual offenders and represents the district at such proceedings.
Confers regularly with teachers, counselors, principals, and other staff to identify problems of tardiness, attendance, and student truancy. Works closely with school personnel concerning students who are frequently tardy and who have not responded to normal efforts. Confers with students in matters of attendance and tardiness and make a reasonable effort to gain their cooperation to improve attendance.
Maintains confidentiality.
Acts as a liaison with various social agencies to which students may be referred.
Provides residency checks of students as requested by the administrators or school principals.
Moves about area, when necessary, during school hours and provides immediate service to pupils. Returns those found truant. Makes home visits or community contacts when necessary to provide appropriate intervention in truancy matters. Maintains good public relations and diplomacy whenever entering the home of a student.
Submits a written report to the supervisor on a monthly basis, or as requested by the supervisor, concerning student referrals, investigations, court proceedings, and outcome of each. Submits mileage documentation to the supervisor.
Follows established procedures to ensure assigned areas are safe.
Works collaboratively with administration and stakeholders.
Attends work and arrives to work on time.
Maintains confidentiality.
Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law.
Uses computers and other technology to enter and access information related to essential job functions.
May operate a motor vehicle to conduct various work activities.
Performs other duties as assigned.