Student Support Specialist

Student Support Specialist
GENERAL INFORMATIONTitleStudent Support SpecialistDepartment: Student ServicesSalary Grade: Classified G Pay Schedule
FLSA Status: NonexemptSite/Location:Student ServicesReports to:Student Services Supervisor Attendance Truancy Homeless & Foster CareDate:2/3/2025POSITION SUMMARY

• Under the direction of the Director of Student Services the Student Support Specialist serves in a team member and liaison capacity with school administrators families social service agencies and court service officials to investigate review and resolve attendance issues in order to ensure that schoolaged children and their parent/guardian comply with compulsory school attendance. The Student Support Specialist enforces the provisions of the Code of Virginia Compulsory School Attendance Law; initiates legal proceedings presents case information to court services and testifies in court proceedings. The Student Support Specialist will investigate review and manage truancy referrals from assigned schools; assess the needs of the students and families; develop an appropriate plan of action; makes referrals to community agencies as needed; interprets school attendance policies; works as a team member to develop prevention/intervention strategies for improving attendance; provides case management; monitors student progress; and communicates effectively through both written and verbal means.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains working knowledge of the Code of Virginia school board policy Virginia Department of Education Policy and administrative regulations regarding school attendance matters;
• Collaborate with attendance clerks in assigned schools to gather and review attendance data to identify students who are excessively truant;
• Assess the needs of truant students and/or families by establishing contact in school via home visits and/or community visits;
• Collaborates with school staff to develop interventions for truant students and create/implement individualized service plans to improve attendance;
• Link students and families to community and school based services/supports as needed;
• Serves as a liaison between assigned schools students families courts social services and other community agencies/stakeholders;
• Initiates referral to and presents cases to the InterAgency Truancy Review Team and/or Family Assessment and Planning Team;
• Participates in school and communitybased meetings regarding student attendance;
• Initiates legal proceedings according to the Code of Virginia regarding Compulsory Attendance Laws; prepares information for formal court hearings; and represents the school division with accurate testimony;
• Acts as a resource for school administrators school counselors teachers nurses and staff at assigned schools regarding school attendance:
• Assists with developing implementing and monitoring truancy prevention programs for assigned schools;
• Maintains accurate records including a working knowledge of the student database system;
• Ensures confidentiality with regards to records student and family needs and reports;
• Models non discriminatory practices in all activities and communications;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services or Student Services Supervisor.

BURG CITY SCHOOLS COMPETENCIESPersonal Competencies

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Ethical
• Equity Minded
• Emotional Intelligence
• Cultural Competence
• Safety
• Quality

Leadership Competencies

• Models Excellent Customer Service
• Thinks Strategically
• Shows Initiative
• Acts Decisively
• Communicates Effectively
• Works Collaboratively
• Resolves Conflict Proactively

Functional Competencies

• Technical Capabilities
• Computer Literacy
• Data Analysis and Management
• Fiscal Planning and Management
• Project Management
• Strategic Planning

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors degree in counseling social work psychology education or a related field from an accredited college or university with some related experience providing services for schoolaged children preferred or combination of education and experience that demonstrate the knowledge skills and abilities required.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of attendance laws/regulations/policies intervention/prevention strategies and referral sources.
• Ability to conduct telephonebased or inperson interviews data collection and data entry.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including active listening empathy and relationship building.
• Ability to interact in a nonjudgmental manner with culturally diverse populations and persons experiencing a wide range of social conditions.
• Critical thinking and problemsolving skills and the ability to use sound judgment in responding to client issues and concerns.
• Ability to adapt to changing environments and receive constructive feedback.
• Knowledge of and experience with the burg City Schools organization policies and practices (preferred).
• Ability to use discretion maintain confidentiality and ethical conduct.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff establishing and maintaining collaborative professional relationships.
• Strong time management skills (organization prioritization multitasking).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with use of computers (desktop laptop tablet).
• Proficiency with use of mobile devices (smartphones mobile apps).
• Solid knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office and Google Drive and ability to learn new technical programs/practices as needed.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of equitable practices that create a safe inclusive and supportive environment for LCS staff students and community members.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• None

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Reliable transportation necessary

• Travel within the City of burg as needed
• Minimal travel outside of the City of burg as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to frequently stand; sit; walk; talk or hear; use hands to finger handle type or feel; and stoop kneel or crouch.OTHER DUTIESPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.AAP/EEO STATEMENTLCS is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age race color religion gender sexual orientation gender identity gender expression national origin protected veteran status disability or any other legally protected status.JOB STATUS:OPENSALARY: DATE:202425

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority