Position Summary

Position is responsible for providing services to truant youth in the Bedford Court Service unit of the 24^th District, in the investigation, counseling, and case management of students with excessive attendance problems. Position enforces the provisions of the Code of Virginia attendance Law; participates in legal proceedings; and presents case information to court services. Position assesses students and families; interprets attendance policies; works as a team member to develop prevention/intervention strategies; provides case management; monitors student progress; and makes referrals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Interprets the Virginia State Code, court rulings, relating to student attendance issues.

• Gathers and reviews attendance data to identify students who are excessively absent (excused and unexcused absences).

• Assesses students with attendance problems and makes home visits to assess the family environment.

• Collaborates with school staff to develop interventions for students who are truant and develops individualized service plans to improve attendance.

• Implements case management services (including individual counseling); monitors student/family progress; and makes referrals to other professional staff members or community agencies as needed.

• Serves as a liaison between assigned schools and such agencies as social services, court services, and the police department regarding student truancy and excessive absenteeism.

• Initiates legal proceedings to enforce compulsory attendance laws; prepares information for formal hearings/court cases; and represents the Bedford Court Service Unit at court interagency staffing and in the courtroom.

• Provides families with information related to the needs of their child and acts as a resource to parents/guardians by providing family support activities and communicating the importance of school attendance.

• Assists with implementing truancy prevention programs for assigned schools and recommends strategies to support and improve regular school attendance (i.e.: incentives, peer groups, recognitions).

• Maintains necessary records ensuring confidentiality of students and their families and prepares related reports.

• Travels throughout the community and school sites in the performance of duties.

• Displays nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Any combination of education equivalent to a high school diploma or general education degree (GED). Prior experience in law enforcement, courts, social services or a school setting preferred.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Related experience providing services for school aged children; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the noted knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must possess a demonstrated knowledge and understanding of attendance laws/regulations, intervention/prevention strategies, and referral sources. Must possess excellent assessment, case management, interpersonal, and communication skills. Must possess the ability to interpret/communicate school attendance law and provide support activities for students and their families. Must be able to work with minimal daily supervision. Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, and outside agencies.

Certifications / Licenses

Possession of a valid appropriate driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements 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 for individuals with disabilities. 

Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; ability to enter data into a computer terminal; hear and understand speech at normal levels; physical agility to lift up to 25 pounds; to bend, to stoop, to sit on the floor, to climb stairs, to walk and to reach overhead. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to angry students/parents and neighborhoods considered to have high crime rates.

Environmental Factors

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Duties are normally performed in a school environment. Duties may be occasionally performed away from school. Travel may be required to the schools or home visits. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

Special / Additional Requirements

Subject to a complete criminal history background search and drug screening with acceptable results.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee.  This is not an employment contract and does not alter any employee at-will status.

Bedford County maintains a safe, drug-free workplace for its employees. Drug screening, driving record check, a criminal background check, and previous employer references are required for all positions as conditions of pre-employment. 

Bedford County, VA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.