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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

• Benefits

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:

• Communicating effectively in English, both verbally and in writing (e.g. correct spelling, grammar and punctuation)
• Operating standard office equipment as well as computer programs and applications (e.g. email, system applications, word processing, database, spreadsheet, desktop publishing etc.)

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