Montana Office Of Public Instruction Billings , MT 59101
Posted 5 days ago
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST - ATTENDANCE
BEA - Licensed Salary Schedule
Grant Funded: 24/25 school year
Schools: Various Middle School & High School
Fully Paid Insurance; TRS Retirement; Discretionary/Sick Days
POSITION SUMMARY The position of Student Engagement Specialist is for the purpose of supporting positive school climate and culture to better engage students in their education. When students are struggling to engage as evidenced by poor attendance the Student Engagement Specialist will work to support targeted groups and individual students in developing positive school engagement practices. The Student Engagement Specialist-Attendance will work closely with student service staff members who address barriers to student engagement, including but not limited to Community Liaisons (McKinney Vento/Homeless Education), Indigenous Education, Project AWARE and Stronger Connections Grant funded licensed therapists; school counselors and principals, and other key school building staff.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training, Experience, Licensure and Certification
Valid Montana License and/or OPI Montana Educators License
Bachelor's degree in education, school counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field AND a minimum of one year of experience providing services for school aged children; OR,
An equivalent combination of relevant education, training and experience.
Knowledge/understanding of culturally appropriate intervention strategies
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff and outside agencies
Valid driver’s license
Knowledge of and Skill in:
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Gather and review attendance data and identify patterns of chronic absenteeism
Work with school leadership team including counseling staff and administrators to support a positive school climate and culture
Work closely with student staff support to support students who may be experiencing barriers due to homelessness, high-poverty, bullying, behavioral or mental health needs, connection to community services, etc.
Apply a culturally responsive lens to developing appropriate interventions and support plans for students
Provide families with information related to the needs of their child and acts as a resource to parent/guardians by providing family support activities and communicating the importance of school attendance and positive behavior
Connect students and families with community services to meet student needs in order to improve attendance
Act as a resource to teachers, counselors, administrators and support staff regarding attendance policies and laws, record keeping and individual attendance plans
Maintain necessary records ensuring confidentiality of students and their families
Make home visits to monitor students who are frequently absent and work with families to get students back to school
Learn and understand SD2 attendance rules and guidelines
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to:
Sit, stand or walk for prolonged periods of time
Talk and hear conversations
Use precise control of fingers and hand movement, often in a repetitive movement such as keyboarding
Reach for and handle objects
Regularly focus on a computer screen
Bending, stooping, kneeling and lifting up to 15-45 pounds may also be required on occasion
WORKPLACE EXPECTATIONS:
Maintaining regular and punctual attendance. In case of an absence, site and/or district protocol for reporting absences is followed
Maintain a flexible schedule in order to respond when appropriate
Maintaining appropriate confidentiality regarding information relating to students, staff, and district operations
Dress in a professional and appropriate manner for the assignment and the work setting
Exercise prudent judgment
Work independently in the performance of routine duties
Perform other tasks as assigned within the scope of the position
Follow all District policies and work procedures
Utilize the District’s electronics systems and applications only for purposes related to the position
Participate in required meetings and trainings related to the position
Cultivate and model a respectful working and learning environment
Montana Office Of Public Instruction