Attendance Specialist

The Attendance Specialist reports directly to the Attendance Manager, the Assistant Superintendent. The Attendance Specialist is to support the Springfield Public Schools in addressing attendance at all levels and in the prevention and intervention for chronic students. The Specialist will communicate with the parent/guardian by telephone, mail or in person to address the attendance of students. The Specialist will also respond to telephone calls or other referrals or may go on location to intervene to support the student’s return to school.

Conducts daily follow-up on student attendance.

• Absenteeism & Tardiness
• Attendance reports to staff
• Ensure accuracy of daily attendance & attendance reports including suspensions and outside placements

Compiles aggregate attendance data to identify chronically absent students and assists with attendance processes and prioritizing cases.

• Utilizes Data Warehouse and Power School reports
• Identifies and prioritizes cases
• Works with schools on attendance buy-backs
• Works with the schools on all aspects of attendance including Attendance Improvement Plans

Participates in Home Visits as assigned.

• Assists with any attendance matters
• Assists with the Home Visit Project Initiative as assigned

Identifies students’ needs and assists school personnel in making the connections with the services needed.

• Contacts social service providers when necessary including City Connects and the Department of Child and Family Services
• Assists Senior Attendance Manager with petitions to Springfield Juvenile Court when assigned
• Follows up where appropriate

Serves as the attendance liaison between school and home.

• Works directly with parents to identify and assist with student needs
• Participates in school-based Attendance Team meetings
• Is available as a Level 3 partner with STAT (Student Teacher Assistance Team) teams and supports the engagement of families

Maintains accurate logs.

• Logs phone calls, letters home, home visits
• Documents all efforts in Power School/Student Success Plan
• Completes Monthly Attendance Report for assigned school(s)

Attends monthly District Attendance Team meetings.

• Adheres to all Attendance Team protocols set by the Attendance Manager and Assistant Superintendent

Performs other duties as assigned by the Attendance Manager or Assistant Superintendent including school reassignment if necessary.

• High school diploma, college degree preferred.
• Three (3) years of successful employment experience working with school age students.
• Ability to facilitate communication between teachers, students and parents.
• Ability to collect and enter student attendance data and related information, including contributions to the Students Success Plans of attendance related issues.
• Computer skills:
  Data analysis, email, report preparation, knowledge of Microsoft Office Systems.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including attendance at evening meetings.
• Ability to speak and write in Spanish is preferred.
• 95 percent attendance as referenced from previous employment position.
• Own reliable transportation and cell phone (reimbursable).

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff.

We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence.

In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff. We let our data shape the professional development of the district, therefore, it is relevant and…