SCHOOL ATTENDANCE SPECIALIST 3194

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class performs investigative, counseling and liaison duties and assists in the performance of administrative duties aimed at improving student attendance. The incumbent investigates patterns of absenteeism and tries to deal with underlying problems through counseling techniques or through referral to psychologists or other agencies. The incumbent works with administrators and teachers to develop and implement attendance policies and encourage good attendance. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Screens absentee lists daily; studies attendance records for patterns of absences and responds to patterns by interviewing parents and students identified as high absence risks;

May perform home visits to speak with parents and students;

Provides counseling for students to help them recognize the underlying causes of their problems, and to find satisfactory solutions;

Works with parents to obtain cooperation in dealing with their child's attendance problems;

Refers parents and students to other Pupil Personnel Services (Psychologist) or community agencies when attendance services are unsuccessful; maintains liaison with courts, probation departments and other agencies; may petition chronic cases to Family Court;

Assists administrators in developing attendance policies and procedures; develops methods of improving the accuracy of attendance records;

Prepares written reports including an annual report to the high school principal.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of state and local requirements regarding legal and illegal absences; thorough knowledge of the services and resources available for assisting in dealing with student problems; thorough knowledge of methods, techniques and practices of maintaining attendance records; good knowledge of counseling methods and techniques and their application; good knowledge of the geography of the school district and it's road network; ability to obtain information through interview and investigation; ability to gather information and to prepare reports; ability to develop a good rapport with students, parents, public officials, co-workers and the general public; ability to analyze attendance records and to reach valid conclusions; ability to learn any data processing system which may be used in the school; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Either:

a) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Education or a related field, and one (1) year of professional experience providing counseling, education or placement services and/or professional experience dealing with court or police agencies; or,

b) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and five (5) years of the above experience; or,

c) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of a) and b).

R11/21/88

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

Review 08/08/19