Truancy Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
August 3, 2026

POSITION: Truancy Officer
LOCATION: Albany High Complex
JOB SUMMARY: The Dougherty County School System is seeking a Truancy Officer to join our roster of experienced, motivated, and effective professionals. The Truancy Officer serves as the district's primary liaison for attendance intervention and enforcement of compulsory school attendance. The officer collaborates with students, families, school administrators, counselors, social workers, community agencies, and the judicial system to improve student attendance, remove barriers to school participation, and ensure compliance with Georgia's compulsory attendance laws. Through data analysis, early intervention, case management, and community partnerships, the Truancy Officer promotes regular school attendance as a critical component of student achievement and graduation success.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Education, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, Public Administration, or a closely related field preferred;
2. Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification preferred but not required;
3. Experience in attendance intervention, student services, case management, juvenile justice, education, counseling, or related field preferred;
4. Certification or training in attendance intervention, restorative practices, mediation, or case management preferred;
5. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent and the Board may find appropriate.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  

1. Thoroughly understand Georgia compulsory attendance laws and district attendance policies;
2. Analyze attendance data to identify trends and develop intervention strategies;
3. Build positive relationships with students, families, and community partners;
4. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
5. Exercise sound judgment when handling confidential and sensitive matters;
6. De-escalate conflict and utilize effective problem-solving techniques;
7. Maintain accurate documentation and legal records;
8. Utilize student information systems and Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Google Workspace;
9. Work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines;
10. Demonstrate professionalism when working with diverse populations.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Attendance Intervention

• Monitors district attendance data to identify students with excessive absences and patterns of chronic absenteeism;
• Investigates attendance concerns and determines contributing factors affecting student attendance;
• Develops individualized attendance intervention plans in collaboration with school staff and families;
• Conducts home visits when appropriate to address attendance concerns and provide support;
• Maintains regular communication with parents and guardians regarding attendance expectations and legal requirements;
• Facilitates attendance conferences with students, parents, school personnel, and community partners;
• Documents all interventions, contacts, referrals, and outcomes in district-approved data management systems.

Compliance and Legal Responsibilities

• Enforces Georgia's compulsory school attendance laws and State Board of Education regulations;
• Ensures compliance with Georgia Code (O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.1 and related statutes);
• Prepares legal documentation and court referrals for habitual truancy cases when required;
• Serves as the district representative in Juvenile Court, Family Court, or other legal proceedings related to truancy;
• Maintains accurate records that meet legal standards for documentation and evidence;
• Provides testimony during court proceedings when necessary.

Collaboration and Student Support

• Partners with principals, assistant principals, school counselors, social workers, school psychologists, graduation coaches, and student support teams to improve attendance;
• Coordinates with community agencies, DFCS, law enforcement, mental health providers, healthcare providers, and nonprofit organizations to address barriers impacting attendance;
• Participates in Student Support Team (SST), MTSS, Section 504, and other multidisciplinary meetings as appropriate;
• Connects families with community resources addressing transportation, housing instability, healthcare, food insecurity, and other barriers to school attendance.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Reviews attendance trends and develops reports for district leadership;
• Identifies schools, grade levels, and student populations requiring targeted attendance interventions;
• Assists schools in developing attendance improvement strategies aligned with district goals;
• Maintains confidential student records in accordance with FERPA and district policies;
• Provides regular attendance reports to district administrators and state agencies as required.

Training and Communication

• Provides professional learning for school administrators and staff regarding attendance laws, intervention strategies, and best practices;
• Educates students and families regarding compulsory attendance requirements and available support services;
• Assists schools in implementing attendance awareness campaigns and prevention initiatives;
• Serves as a resource to school personnel regarding attendance policies and procedures.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintains professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct in all interactions;
• Participates in district meetings, professional development, and required state trainings;
• Maintains effective working relationships with district personnel, students, families, and community stakeholders;
• Performs other such duties needed or assigned by the Supervisor.

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, and reaching;
• Ability to travel throughout the district and community;
• Ability to enter homes and community settings as part of attendance investigations;
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally;
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely;
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
   
  

REPORTS TO:   Executive Director of Student Support and Empowerment
 

SALARY RANGE:  Competitive salary and excellent benefits package, in accordance with the DCSS Compensation Guide
APPLICATION DEADLINE:   Review of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. To ensure consideration, please apply no later than August 10, 2026.
INTERESTED APPLICANTS SHOULD APPLY ONLINE.

  THE DOUGHERTY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR DISABILITY.

The System reserves the right to waive any qualifications or other provisions of this advertisement by statute or regulations.

  Dougherty County School System uses Frontline Education to manage employment applications online.

About Us:
The Dougherty County School System is a leading catalyst and advocate for public education in Southwest Georgia. It's the largest school system in the second congressional district. The school district has 21 schools (13 elementary, 4 middle, 3 high, and 3 learning centers) and the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy. All schools are accredited by Cognia. The DCSS offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Dougherty County is recognized for its quail and duck hunting, fishing, the Flint River, and many cypress swamps. The County has a population of approximately 90,000. Our County has two institutions of higher education, Albany State University and Albany Technical College. Notable points of interest include the Albany Museum of Art, the Flint RiverQuarium, the Albany Civil Rights Institute, the Parks at Chehaw, Radium Springs Gardens, and Thronateeska Heritage Center, which includes the Museum of History, Wetherbee Planetarium, and the Science Discovery Center. Dougherty County is a short drive from Atlanta, the Georgia coast, and the Florida Gulf Coast beaches.
Important Note:

This document provides descriptive information about the Dougherty County School System position described above. Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary. Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content of and qualifications for this position. The Dougherty County School System reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice.