Job Summary

Under general supervision, conducts investigations and provides assistance in resolving student truancy problems.  An employee in this class receives and researches attendance referrals to determine appropriate course of action.  Work requires the exercise of independent judgment and initiative in investigating, analyzing, and helping to resolve truancy problems.  Work requires contact with parents, students, school officials citizens, and various governmental agencies as appropriate.  Reports to an administrator who reviews work for compliance with applicable policies and procedures.

Essential Functions

1. Receives attendance referrals from individual schools or others and reviews to determine appropriate course of action to solve attendance problems.

2. Researches truancy issues by making home visits to interview parents, community members, and others to secure applicable information to assist in resolving truancy issues.

3. Interprets compulsory school attendance laws to parents/students and informs them of consequences for violations.

4. Provides follow-up through home visits, letters, and phone contact with students, parents, and others to assist in solving truancy problems.

5. Coordinates action to resolve problems with students, parents, and other agency personnel.

6. Monitors student attendance to document progress.

7. Makes referrals to community agencies in accordance with policies.

8. Provides follow-up information to school personnel and other staff regarding attendance.

9. Compiles information, maintains records, and prepares correspondence, detailed reports and other job-related information and materials.

10. Reviews investigations, reports, and other data to analyze and make recommendations regarding truancy problems.

11. Works with attendance social workers in planning school assemblies for students and school personnel.

12. Responds to inquiries and provides information regarding truancy matters, issues, policies, and procedures.

13. Acts as a representative of the school district on truancy matters with local, state, and federal agencies.

14. Checks school-age children who may be observed to be out of school during school hours.

15. Operates an automobile in performance of duties.

16. Performs related work as required. 

Probation: Six (6) months 

Qualifications

Open Requirements: High school diploma. Must have two years experience working with secondary students in a social services/juvenile justice system, law enforcement, or in a position requiring investigative and/or interviewing skills; OR, an Associate or higher degree in Psychology, Social Work, Social or Behavioral Sciences, or a related field.    

Promotional Requirements: NA

Licensing: A valid Florida driver's license is required prior to appointment and must be maintained during employment in this class.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Duval County School System student attendance rules and regulations and provisions of state and federal law regarding attendance and truancy.
• Ability to read, understand and apply State of Florida Board of Education Administrative Rules as they apply to student attendance and truancy.
• Knowledge of student attendance policies and records management.
• General knowledge of community agencies such as Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Department of Children and Families, Juvenile Justice, and related city, state and private agencies.
• Ability to conduct personal interviews and investigations with mature judgment and diplomacy.
• Ability to firmly, courteously, and tactfully handle situations with respect for the rights of others.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and use good judgment in making decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with individuals and groups and promote good public relations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Good powers of observation and memory.
• Ability to keep records and prepare reports.
• Ability to operate personal computer, copier, facsimile and other office equipment.
• Geographical knowledge of Duval County.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle in the performance of duties.