Staff Specialist - Attendance

In close consultation with the Director of Office of Student and Attendance, the Executive Director of Student Wholeness, and other key leaders and stakeholders, the specialist plays a central role in developing a robust attendance strategy for the district that integrates the concepts of student wholeness and family/community engagement.

• Support schools and students daily during in-person support and data visits
• Focuses on students that have the most difficult attendance issues (case manage as many families as possible)
• If appropriate, set up a meeting with the family beforehand and hold the meeting at the school to determine root causes and the appropriate support that is needed; ensure there is a school-based staff member linked with the family
  
  
  
  • communication and case management has already begun, call to get an update with the family and provide additional support as needed
  • if appropriate, check-in with the child
  • meet with school social worker to discuss next steps regarding any anticipated or submitted truancy referrals
  
  
• Leads the continued improvement and revision of attendance policies and procedures at central and school levels.
• Tracks truant students, instigates interventions and support, and pursues legal action in truancy court, where necessary.
• Develops positive working relationships with community-based organizations, universities, and others outside the school system that have an interest in attendance issues.
• Collects, analyzes, interprets, prepares and reports data on home instruction, attendance, chronic absenteeism, truancy, withdrawals and related initiatives, in close collaboration with the Office of Achievement and Accountability, the Office of Home and Hospital Services, and others.
• Gains deep understanding of current initiatives that support improved attendance and ensure dissemination and adoption of best practices across the district.
• Performs and promotes all activities in compliance with equal employment and nondiscrimination policies; follows federal laws, state laws, school boards policies and the professional standards.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Social Work, Public Health, Public Administration, Public Policy, Sociology, Political Science, Education, or related field or 2-3 years of relevant work experience in lieu of education. Degree (s) must be from an accredited college or institution.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in a related field required
• Strong data analytical and reporting skills required.
• Ability to frame attendance and truancy work in a systemic manner that recognizes the nexus between student attendance, student achievement, and student wholeness.
• Ability to be an outstanding representative of City Schools with advocates and organizations dedicated to strengthening attendance policies and practices.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills that ensure effective team-building and collaboration.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to make persuasive presentations.
• Proficient in the knowledge and use of technical computer applications including Microsoft Office applications - Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to develop and interpret quantitative data and reports.
• Ability to establish rapport with administrators, parents, and students.
• Ability to find creative solutions to challenging problems.
• A deep personal commitment to ensuring that every child in City Schools receives an excellent education and reaches their full potential in life.

Qualified candidates for the above position must submit the following:

• Completed online application
• Resume that clearly demonstrates the above minimum qualifications. It is important that you include all experiences and education related to the position to which you are applying.
• Upload copies of all transcripts -undergraduate, graduate and all MSDE Certifications
• Must provide three (3) professional references to include: name, title, business address, e-mail address and phone number
• All documentation/certification necessary (scanned copies accepted) to substantiate minimum qualifications; must be uploaded into application
• All documentation must be scanned and uploaded to application

Benefits -- This position is eligible for benefits. To review the available options please see the information relevant to the union for this position by viewing the following link: http://www.baltimorecityschools.org

Baltimore City Public Schools ("City Schools") does not discriminate in its employment, programs, and activities based on race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy or parenting status, family structure, ability (cognitive, social/emotional, and physical), veteran status, genetic information, age, immigration or citizenship status, socioeconomic status, language, or any other legally or constitutionally protected attributes or affiliations. Discrimination undermines our community's long-standing efforts to create, foster, and promote equity and inclusion for all. Some examples of discrimination include acts of hate, violence, harassment, bullying, or retaliation. For more information, see Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners Policies JBA (Nondiscrimination - Students), JBB (Sex-Based Discrimination - Students), JICK (Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation of Students), ACA (Nondiscrimination - Employees and Third Parties), ACB (Sexual Harassment - Employees and Third Parties), ACD (ADA Reasonable Accommodations), and ADA (Equity), and the accompanying City Schools Administrative Regulations. City Schools also provides equal access to the Boy and Girl Scouts and other designated youth groups. Link to Full Nondiscrimination Notice.

For inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies, please contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Manager, 200 E. North Avenue, Room 208, Baltimore, MD 21202; 410-396-8542 (phone); 410-396-2955 (fax).

This position is affiliated with the Paraprofessionals and School Related Personnel (PSRP) bargaining unit.

This position is affiliated with the City Retirement Plan.