Position: Behavioral Specialist
Reports to: Lake County Truancy Officer
Supervises: None
Position Type: Support Staff
Assignment Type: Full-Time
Funding Source: Lake County ROE
FLSA Designation: Exempt
Pension: IMRF

Position Summary: The Lake County Behavioral Specialist works with the Attendance and Truancy team to complete assessments and provide direct services to students and their families to help improve school attendance. The position is also responsible for providing consultative services to schools, and social work services to students and families regarding school attendance issues.

Essential Functions

Work with Lake County School Districts to provide consultative services to schools.
Provide social work services to students and families regarding school attendance issues.
Complete assessments and provide direct services to students and their families to help improve school attendance.
Providing counseling and on-going follow up support to families and students, as well as providing consultative support to school personnel.
Investigate cases of reported attendance concerns that are impeding school success.
Counsel with students and families in order to support attendance, behavior, and academic success through high school graduation.
Coordinate community resources available for students and families, monitor school attendance, coordinate school visits and home visits.
Provide case management services.
Responds to telephone, email and in-person requests, inquiries, and questions in a professional, polite, and responsive manner.
Maintain attendance and truancy referral data for submission to IWAS.
Assist with the ROE/ISC Grant.
Attend ATD meetings.
Maintains confidentiality in all matters.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required:

Should possess a demonstrated knowledge and understanding of attendance laws/regulations, intervention/prevention strategies, and referral sources.
Must possess excellent assessment, case management, interpersonal, and communication skills.
The ability to interpret/communicate school attendance law and provide support activities for students and their families.
Ability to travel to conduct home visits and visit truancy sites that have been reported.
Experience working directly with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to flex communication style to multiple cultural environments to improve instructional practices.
Demonstrated leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, teachers, administrators, and the community.
Ability to maintain current data and progress within the Orbund Student Information System.
Bilingual (Spanish) preferred

Education and/or Other Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree in Sociology or related area.
Prior experience working with at risk youth and families. A strong background working with schools and community agencies.
Valid Driver’s License.

Physical Requirements:

Requires mainly office work, involving standing or walking some of the time, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular basis, and high dexterity in operating office equipment, including a keyboard, phone, copier, etc.
The position requires normal visual acuity and field of vision and the ability to hear and speak to understand, respond to and build relationships with a diverse clientele.

Truancy Specialist