Truancy Intervention Specialist

* The Truancy Intervention Specialist is a grant funded position; therefore, the duration of this position is subject to the guidelines outlined in the grant.

The Truancy Intervention Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing a process for truancy and deferment within the Education Department. The specialist will lead a task force to develop these processes, enforce the GTB Juvenile and Children’s Code, and monitor truancy across a six‑county service area.

• Must possess a bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Education, or a related field.
• Must have 3–5 years of experience working with youth.
• Must have a valid Michigan Driver’s License and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

• Develop a truancy and deferment process with a task force.
• Develop plans and strategies for intervention and prevention of attendance problems:
  • Inform custodial parent(s) by notice in writing and other reasonable means of a child’s repeated or extended absences.
  • Schedule conferences with custodial parent(s) and the child at a convenient time and place to discuss causes of absences.
  • Take steps to eliminate or reduce absences, including adjusting school program or course assignments, providing remedial instruction, coordinating tutoring, preparing the child for employment, or assisting access to supplementary services.
  • Coordinate additional or continuing counseling for parent(s) and/or the child and provide assistance with testing, assessments, or other programs designed to correct attendance problems, ensuring the school meets legal requirements for the child’s learning needs.
  • When a school refers a child for disciplinary problems, work with qualified persons to determine the cause and develop a culturally sensitive program providing a positive learning environment for the child and parent(s).
  • If the above actions do not substantially reduce absences or if the parent or child refuses to comply, refer to Tribal Prosecutor or Child Welfare Department.
• Comply with all GTB policies and procedures, including the GTB Children’s Code.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality in compliance with the Privacy Act.
• Collaborate with tribal programs, local, state, and federal agencies.
• Coordinate with the Youth Services Intervention and related agencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact, and respect.
• Exceptional detail and follow‑up skills.
• General proficiency in computer literacy, preferably Windows, Word, Excel, and related Microsoft Office products.
• Basic proficiency in 10‑key and other office equipment.
• Basic math skills.
• Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action quickly.
• Effective communication with Native Americans and their families.
• Accurate communication regarding required narrative and grant reports.
• Ability to collect and present data.
• Capability to work with minimal daily supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff, and outside agencies.
• Excellent assessment, case management, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in interpreting and communicating school attendance law and providing support activities for students and their families.

• Must possess a bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, education, or a related field.
• Must have related experience providing services for school‑aged children.
• 3–5 years’ experience working with youths.

• Monitor truancy and document progress.
• Work with at‑risk youths.

• Must have a valid Michigan Driver’s License and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Local travel is frequently required.
• Out‑of‑town travel is occasionally required.

• Frequently involves sedentary work, exerts up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
• Occasionally…