Position Title: Truancy Caseworker

Reports To: Executive Director

Terms of Employment: As outlined in work agreement

Location: South Cook Intermediate Service Center Office

PURPOSE: The Truancy Caseworker provides direct intervention and wraparound services to chronically absent students and their families. The role focuses on root-cause analysis, case management, barrier reduction, and connecting families to school and community supports to improve attendance and academic engagement.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Education, Counseling, Psychology, or related field preferred.
Experience working with at-risk youth and diverse communities.
Experience conducting home visits or case management in schools or social services.
Strong written and oral communication skills, especially in sensitive conversations.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

PREFERRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and restorative approaches.
Familiarity with public assistance programs, behavioral supports, and special education processes.
Bilingual (Spanish preferred, if applicable).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: *other duties may be assigned

Conduct intake interviews and needs assessments with referred students and families.
Provide case management, progress monitoring, and follow-up for assigned students.
Partner with school social workers, counselors, and administrators on intervention plans.
Develop attendance improvement plans with measurable goals and timelines.
Facilitate referrals to support services such as mental health resources, transportation, special education, or community agencies.
Conduct home visits to support engagement and attendance improvement.
Maintain accurate documentation, case files, and progress notes.
Participate in MTSS, SST, IEP, and re-entry meetings as needed.
Provide regular updates to districts on student progress, data trends, and outcomes.
Support parent education workshops and preventative programming focused on attendance.
Assist in court preparation and attend truancy hearings when required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT *Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Regularly required to talk and hear to exchange information in person and by telephone.
Frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle or operate standard office equipment.
Occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop or kneel.
Must be able to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, files).
Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in a standard office setting with moderate noise levels (e.g., conversations, printers, phones).
The position requires the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
Duties may involve occasional travel between work sites, schools, or off-site meetings.
Work hours are typically during the standard business day, but occasional evening or weekend work may be required for meetings or events.
The work environment is generally climate controlled and ergonomically equipped.