Truancy Advocate Specialist

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Voluntary Dental

Voluntary Vision

UNUM Supplemental Benefits

403(b) Retirement Savings Plan.

Employee Assistance Program

Pet Insurance Coverage

Direct Deposit

Weekly Pay

Flexible Schedule

Sick Leave

Job summary

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. seeks a Truancy Advocate Specialist to address absenteeism and boost student engagement. You will work with students, families, and school staff to identify barriers and apply strategies to improve attendance and outcomes.

The role involves navigating local truancy laws, coordinating with community resources, and delivering timely case summaries. Morning availability and reliable transportation are required for this part-time, hourly position in the Pittsburgh area.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Background/experience in Social Work, Psychology, and/or human services is a plus.
• Able to work independently and in team settings.
• Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Implementing treatment plans.
• Developing monthly summaries regarding cases.
• Tracking/collecting data with regards to truancy (e.g., attendance, grades, contacts).
• Case coordination, including: Conducting/attending initial intake sessions for new cases; Daily direct face-to-face interaction with clients and/or caregivers, suggesting, implementing, and transferring behavior therapeutic skills/strategies to permanently reduce specific truant issues; Transporting participants to and from school; Checking in on participants in school throughout the day, meeting as needed with school staff, conducting community searches for missing participants (and returning them to school); Weekly in-home visits with caregivers and/or participants to discuss case progression and current issues/concerns (including a formal case review once per month); Attending local magistrate and juvenile court hearings involving current cases; researching and linking appropriate community resources to caregivers and participants.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

The Truancy Advocate Specialist plays a crucial role in addressing students absenteeism and promoting engagement in the educational process. This position involves working closely with students, families, and school staff to identify barriers to attendance and devise effective strategies for improvement. The Truancy Advocate will represent the school or organization in navigating local laws regarding truancy, providing guidance to families on the importance of consistent school attendance and the impact of chronic absenteeism on academic success.

Fostering strong relationships with students and their families, the Truancy Advocate aims to create a supportive environment that encourages attendance and participation. In addition, the Truancy Advocate will collaborate with community resources to provide additional support services, engage in outreach efforts to raise awareness about truancy issues, and develop educational materials that highlight the importance of regular school attendance. The ultimate goal is to reduce trunacy rates and ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.

This is a rewarding opportunity for individuals who are passionate about education and community support, and who possess strong communication and problem-solving skills that can make meaningful impact on students lives.

Status: Part Time Hourly

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Summary of the Position: Youth Advocate Programs has developed a flexible Truancy Intervention Program model that adapts to the specific needs of urban, suburban, and rural schools. We are committed to working with students at the highest risk of school failure and those with the most complex needs, including court-involved juveniles, special needs youth, and students residing in low-income housing. These students may be:

• At high risk of expulsion or suspension
• Failing in school due to the problems at home
• Presenting behavioral problems
• Returning from Juvenile Detention
• Truant
• Experiencing school phobia/bullying issues
• Involved in substance abuse
• Emotionally or developmentally challenged

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Implementing treatment plans
• Developing monthly summaries regarding cases
• Tracking/collecting data with regards to truancy (e.g., attendance, grades, contacts)
• Case coordination, including:
• Conducting/attending initial intake sessions for new cases
• Daily direct face-to-face interaction with clients and/or caregivers, suggesting, implementing, and transferring behavior therapeutic skills/strategies to permanently reduce specific truant issues
• Transporting participants to and from school
• Checking in on participants in school throughout the day, meeting as needed with school staff, conducting community searches for missing participants (and returning them to school)
• Weekly in-home visits with caregivers and/or participants to discuss case progression and current issues/concerns (including a formal case review once per month)
• Attending local magistrate and juvenile court hearings involving current cases; researching and linking appropriate community resources to caregivers and participants

Availability: Ability to work flexible hours up to 40 hours per week and must be available in morning hours.

Hourly Rate: $20.00 per hour

Qualifications/Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Background/experience in Social Work, Psychology, and/or working in human services field a plus
• Must be extremely organized
• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Must be professional, flexible, and have the ability to work independently
• Experience working with youth in Educational System, Behavioral Health System, and/or Juvenile Justice System a plus
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; Experience using Electronic Health Record (EHR) system is a plus
• Morning availability is necessary
• Reliable transportation, valid driver's license, and current automobile insurance coverage is required.
• Bilingual (Spanish speaking) is a plus.

Benefits Available:

• Voluntary Dental
• Voluntary Vision
• UNUM Supplemental Benefits
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pet Insurance Coverage
• Direct Deposit
• Weekly Pay
• Flexible Schedule
• Sick Leave

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and qualifications, without regard to race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, military or veteran status, or disability or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where YAP operates. YAP will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

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