Retention Specialist

The Attendance & Retention Specialist is responsible for providing services in the investigation of students with excessive attendance and the development of strategies for improved student retention. This position enforces Ohio's HB 410 Truancy law and works with families to assist them with obtaining resources needed to improve student attendance and academic performance.

Essential Functions

• Agreement with and commitment to the attendance and academic goals and philosophy of the school.
• Understand, abide by, and implement the policies, directives, and guidelines set forth by the school and management company.
• Interpret attendance policies and effectively implement the policy within the school.
• Contacts non-attending students daily to identify cause of absence and provide resources as needed.
• Conduct daily home visits to students as needed.
• Assist with the development of prevention and intervention strategies and services.
• Manage and document the truancy process, including sending out letters, developing Attendance Intervention Plans, and filing truancy.
• Work closely with students, parents, and families to address needs and access resources.
• Serve as liaison between school and community agencies.
• Assist with implementing truancy prevention programs and recommend strategies to support and improve regular school attendance.
• Prepare and maintain necessary records and ensure confidentiality of students and their families.
• Demonstrate ability to develop strong relationships with students and families.
• Work effectively with students, families, staff, stakeholders, and other representatives from community organizations.
• Participate in all meetings, conferences, and graduations as required.
• Participate in school initiatives, programs, and events as required.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• College degree preferred.
• Valid Ohio driver's license required.
• Passion for improving the educational opportunities of a diverse student population.
• Experience and passion for working with youth of various social, educational, and economic backgrounds.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Effective organizational skills, with the ability to perform multiple tasks.
• Experience with development and tracking of data utilizing Microsoft Office or Google docs.
• Ability to pass a BCI/FBI fingerprint check.

Working Environment

• The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; and significant fine finger dexterity. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.