Dropout Prevention Specialist, 2026-2027

ReNEW Schools; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

ReNEW Schools seeks a Dropout Prevention Specialist to coordinate and implement dropout prevention initiatives, providing targeted support to students to reduce the dropout rate. You will analyze attendance and performance data, coach students, collaborate with counselors and community partners, and monitor progress through Student-Centered Plans and quarterly reports.

This 11-month role requires strong communication, data interpretation, and the ability to engage families during home visits and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required.
• Experience with urban education and diverse families preferred.
• Strong communication and data interpretation skills.

Responsibilities

• Collect, interpret, and use attendance data to develop dropout prevention strategies and monitor risks.
• Coach/mentor students on problem-solving, self-advocacy, and positive behavior.
• Collaborate with counselors, data processors, and community partners to support students.
• Meet with students and families to address discipline, attendance, and post-secondary planning.

Skills

Team collaboration

Community resources knowledge

Cultural competency

Effective communication

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Word

Excel

Publisher

Job description

Position Title:Dropout Prevention Specialist

Payroll/Personnel Type:11 Month

Job #:8274

Reports to:Principal

Shift Length:6.5 Hours a Day

Union Eligibility:Eligible

Position Summary:

The Dropout Prevention Specialist coordinates and implements the school’s dropout prevention initiatives, providing support services and implementing immediate intervention strategies for targeted students to reduce the dropout rate.

Essential Functions:

• Collect, interpret, and use student attendance data to develop strategies addressing dropout prevention. Monitor Attendance, Behavior, and Course Performance (ABC) for risk factors and facilitate interventions to address risks as necessary.
• Coach/mentor students on problem-solving, self-advocacy, academic mindset, self-regulation, persistence, and positive behavior.
• Research model programs for dropout prevention.
• Meet with students to address discipline and attendance concerns.
• Establish and monitor progress on Student-Centered Plans for high school completion and post-secondary options.
• Collect post-graduate follow-up data
• Facilitate, monitor, and evaluate program effectiveness to provide quarterly progress reports to school and district leadership teams.
• Encourage each student to be involved in appropriate school or community-based activities.
• Maintain a collaborative network among school counselors, data processors, Family Community specialists, and school-based services support.
• Serve as a member of the Student Intervention Team and Freshmen Success Team.
• Refer students for resources to support education, social/emotional development or other needs.
• Provide advocacy around school enrollment and continuity, appropriate education services, and appropriate discipline.
• Meet with students whose behavior warrants intervention to prevent behavior from escalating toa warranted office referral.
• Work closely with appropriate individuals/groups to help ensure each student’s educational rights are upheld.
• Work collaboratively with The Office of Institutional Advancement to identify appropriate community resource information for volunteers to share with parents of students with chronic attendance and discipline issues.
• Schedule and facilitate interagency meetings, negotiate services, facilitate transportation plans, assist with credit recovery, and negotiate disciplinary actions.
• Conduct home visits to meet with parents and caregivers.
• Promote good citizenship through actions as a positive role model.
• Participate in district and community-sponsored professional development activities for the outlined essential functions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment
• Knowledge of St Louis Community resources to assist parents
• Knowledge of school and neighborhood areas and cultures
• Commitment to serving students, parents and schools
• Ability to establish trusting relationships with students, parents, and staff
• Knowledge of various cultures’ values, behaviors, beliefs, and traditions.
• Effective written and oral communication and presentation skills
• Passionate about improving public, urban education
• Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving capabilities.
• Demonstrate skill in meeting job requirements
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and Publisher
• Ability to create charts and graphs using Excel
• Ability to type a minimum of 40 words per minute

Experience:

• Working with culturally diverse parents and families in an urban educational setting
• Collaborating with community agencies
• Serving effectively in a collaborative team setting

Education:

• Bachelor's or higher degree in a related field (required)

Physical Requirements:

• Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle
• Must possess a valid Driver’s license
• Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally

We reserve the right to close this job posting at any time based on the needs of the district and the applicant pool. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure consideration.

Disclaimer:

The information in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned

In connection with hiring for this position the district shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status or national origin.