Truancy Specialist

Truancy Specialist

The Truancy Specialist supports student success by promoting regular school attendance and working to prevent, identify, and reduce truancy for school districts within the Regional Office of Education service area. This position serves as a liaison among schools, students, families, community agencies, and the State's Attorney's Office to ensure compliance with Illinois compulsory attendance laws and local board policies. FTE/Work Schedule Part-time Typical work schedule aligned to the school year, with some flexibility for evening meetings or hearings as needed Travel within the region is required

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor student attendance data and referrals from districts to identify patterns of unexcused absences and chronic truancy as defined in Illinois law and ISBE guidance.
• Conduct outreach to families and students, including phone calls, letters, and home visits, to address attendance barriers and reinforce compulsory attendance expectations.
• Facilitate truancy intervention meetings and pre-court hearings with parents/guardians, students, and school personnel to develop attendance improvement plans.
• Collaborate with school administrators, counselors, social workers, and community agencies to coordinate supportive services addressing academic, social-emotional, behavioral, or family needs that impact attendance.
• Prepare and issue formal warning letters and other official notices in accordance with Illinois School Code, Regional Office procedures, and local district policy.
• Document all contacts, interventions, and outcomes in the ROE's student information or case management system, maintaining accurate and timely records for each case.
• Assist schools in understanding and implementing attendance and truancy procedures, including providing resources, trainings, and consultation on best practices for prevention.
• Participate in or coordinate attendance review boards, multidisciplinary team meetings, and other collaborative problem-solving processes related to truancy.
• Prepare reports, data summaries, and case documentation for potential referral to the State's Attorney's Office and provide testimony in court when required.
• Promote attendance awareness through presentations, family engagement events, and outreach materials that emphasize the importance of regular school attendance.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including the Illinois School Code, ISBE rules, FERPA, and ROE policies.
• Attend Truancy Court Bi-Monthly when needed

Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of ROE Services /Director of Special Projects or Regional Superintendent and Truancy Coordinator

Qualifications

• Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in education, social work, criminal justice, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working in a school, social service, youth services, or law enforcement setting preferred.
• Experience working with children, adolescents, and families from diverse backgrounds strongly preferred.
• Licensure and Other Requirements Valid Illinois driver's license and reliable transportation for travel throughout the region.
• Ability to meet all background check requirements in accordance with the Illinois School Code and ROE policies.
• Ability to maintain regular, reliable attendance and work a flexible schedule when needed for hearings or home visits.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Preferred Bilingual (Spanish) Knowledge of Illinois compulsory school attendance laws, definitions of truancy/chronic truancy, and ISBE guidance related to attendance and intervention. Knowledge of community resources and support services available to students and families within the ROE region. Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to build rapport and work effectively with students, families, school personnel, and outside agencies.
  
  Ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion, cultural competence, and professionalism. Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage a caseload, travel between sites, and maintain detailed, accurate…