Truancy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Insight PA believes in Education for ANY ONE. We provide families an online option for a high-quality, personalized education experience. Students can thrive, find their passion, and learn in an environment that encourages discovery at their own pace. In support of this, we are committed to creating and maintaining a culture of inclusion and diversity where our employees are passionate about serving students and families, treat one another and customers with respect, challenge each other to innovate and always strive to do better.

The mission of Insight Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School is to provide an exemplary individualized and engaging educational experience for students by incorporating school and community/family partnerships coupled with a rigorous curriculum along with a data-driven and student-centered instructional model. Student success will be measured by valid and reliable assessment data, parent and student satisfaction, and continued institutional growth within the academic community. Join us!

The Attendance Specialist promotes consistent student attendance by identifying patterns of unexcused, excessive, or concerning absences and implementing timely interventions in accordance with school policy and Pennsylvania attendance requirements. This role partners with students, families, school teams, and community resources to identify and address barriers to attendance, facilitate truancy prevention and attendance improvement efforts, and connect families with appropriate supports. The Attendance Specialist maintains accurate and thorough documentation of attendance interventions, communications, meetings, and required follow-up; participates in home visits and other in-person student and family outreach as appropriate; and represents the school in truancy proceedings when necessary. Through proactive intervention, family partnership, and consistent application of attendance requirements, this position helps students remain connected to school and engaged in learning. 

This is a 10 month, full-time position requiring the ability to work independently for approximately 40 hours per week. A professional, distraction-free home office during the workday is required. Core hours are between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, while allowing for some flexibility as determined by school needs. This position will require an additional 10 days of work over the summer based on school and supervisory need. 

This position will support Eastern Pennsylvania / Greater Philadelphia Region. Residence in region is required. 

Salary will commensurate with experience

Essential Functions 

• Monitor and investigate patterns of unexcused, excessive, and habitual absences and take timely action in accordance with Pennsylvania compulsory attendance requirements, school policy, and established procedures.
• Serve as the school's designated truancy officer in matters involving compulsory attendance enforcement, including preparation for and participation in truancy proceedings.
• Travel throughout assigned regions and, as operationally necessary, other areas of Pennsylvania to conduct home visits, meet with students and families, participate in attendance-related meetings, and fulfill court and other in-person responsibilities.
• Conduct home visits, including truancy-related visits and other assigned student or family outreach, to investigate attendance concerns, engage families, address barriers, obtain required information, and support re-engagement with school.
• Participate in wellness checks and other in-person student contact activities when assigned and in accordance with applicable school procedures and legal requirements.
• Issue required attendance notices and warnings, prepare and file truancy citations, and refer cases to the appropriate Magisterial District Court or other authority in accordance with compulsory attendance laws and established procedures.
• Represent Insight PA Cyber Charter School as the truancy officer at truancy court hearings and related proceedings, including presenting attendance records, intervention history, supporting documentation, and testimony on behalf of the school.
• Partner with students, families, and school teams to identify barriers to regular attendance and develop, implement, monitor, and document Student Attendance Improvement Plans (SAIPs) and other attendance interventions.
• Facilitate and participate in School Attendance Improvement Conferences and other required or appropriate attendance-related meetings with students, families, and school personnel.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely records of attendance investigations, family communications, home visits, interventions, meetings, notices, citations, court proceedings, referrals, and outcomes.
• Ensure attendance and truancy practices comply with applicable Pennsylvania compulsory attendance requirements, school policies, established procedures, and reporting requirements.
• Prepare and submit required attendance and truancy reports and documentation for the school, school districts, courts, county or state agencies, and other authorized entities.
• Make appropriate referrals to Children and Youth Services and other agencies when circumstances warrant and follow applicable mandated reporting and school procedures.
• Collaborate with school teams and community partners to connect students and families with resources and services that may address barriers to attendance.
• Refer students to appropriate school-based professionals, including school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other student support personnel, when additional intervention or support is indicated.
• Develop or deliver attendance-related information, education, and resources for families and school personnel as needed.
• Exercise sound independent judgment and professional discretion when conducting attendance investigations, determining appropriate interventions, interacting with families, completing field-based responsibilities, and representing the school in legal proceedings.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of student, family, and employee information in accordance with applicable laws and school policies.
• Participate in school initiatives, projects, and in-person activities as assigned, including testing, student and family events, community-based activities, and other operational needs.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the school's mission and student success.

Supervisory Responsibilities 

This position has no regular supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Work, Human Services, or related field AND

• Two years of relevant work experience OR
• Equivalent combination of education and experience

• All PDE required clearances for school-based personnel 

Minimum Required Skill Set

• Knowledge of Pennsylvania school attendance laws, and other pertinent laws regarding elementary and secondary education
• Knowledge of Pennsylvania specific court procedures regarding truancy
• Manages multiple projects at the same time while keeping a calm and steady focus.
• Resolves both anticipated and unexpected challenges efficiently.
• Analyzes key data to make choices aligned with short- and long-term project impacts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; Excellent customer service skills
• Interacts with others in a straightforward and honest manner, takes accountability, maintains confidentiality, supports the school's values, and conveys good news and bad.
• Drives collective success by actively contributing to a welcoming and productive workplace culture. 

• Demonstrated proficient use of general technology tools, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Drive and internet research

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience implementing school wide attendance procedures
• Experience working in the field
• Experience working in education 

• Experience supporting adults and children in the use of technology 

Certificates and Licenses 

• Valid PA Home School and Visitor Certification required if attendance experience begin after 2011 (Preferred, not required)

Work Environment 

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. 

• This is a home-based position. When office days are required, the noise level in the office is usually moderate (computers, printers,  light foot traffic).
• This position will include limited travel and will include limited overnight travel. This is estimated to be less than 25% of the time. Travel will be required for truancy proceedings, conferences, community events, PD and state testing.

Job Performance Requirements 

The mental and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an  employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be  made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to exhibit mental dexterity to "dial" a telephone, to enter data into a computer, to read a computer screen and printed material, to hear and understand speech at normal office/workplace levels, and on the telephone, and to speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in the workplace and on the telephone.
• Ability to physically lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret workplace documents, technical procedures, research studies, and governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports with clarity.
• Ability to interface diplomatically with all members of the school community - administrators, teachers, parents, students, Board members, support staff, colleagues, and outside professional contacts.
• Ability to coordinate and use technology for a variety of workplace purposes and communications.

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

The above job is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.  All employment is "at-will" as governed by the law of the state where the employee works.  It is further understood that the "at-will" nature of employment is one aspect of employment that cannot be changed except in writing and signed by an authorized officer. 

Insight PA is a Federal Contractor, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status age, or genetics, or any other characteristic protected by law.