Truancy Advocate Specialist

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.; Somerset (Somerset County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated individuals for their Truancy Intervention Program. This part-time role focuses on supporting at-risk youth through personalized treatment plans, data tracking, and direct engagement with students and their families. Candidates will play a crucial role in helping students overcome challenges such as truancy, emotional difficulties, and behavioral issues. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational and communication skills, and a passion for making a difference in the lives of young people. Join a team committed to fostering educational success and positive outcomes for students in need.

Benefits

Voluntary Dental

Voluntary Vision

403(b) Retirement Savings Plan

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; experience in social work or psychology is a plus.
• Must possess excellent communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Implement treatment plans and track data related to truancy.
• Conduct intake sessions and maintain direct interaction with clients.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Flexibility

Independence

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Background in Social Work or Psychology

Job description

Status: Part Time Hourly FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Summary of the Position: Youth Advocate Programs has developed a flexible Truancy Intervention Program model that is adaptable to the specific needs of urban, suburban, and rural schools. The agency has the capability and willingness to work with students at the highest risk of school failure and those with the most complex needs. Court-involved juveniles, special needs youth, and students residing in low-income housing are included in the population served. These students may be:

• At high risk of expulsion or suspension
• Failing in school due to problems at home
• 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:

• Implementation of treatment plans
• Developing monthly summaries regarding cases
• Tracking/collecting data with regards to truancy (e.g., attendance, grades, contacts)
• Case coordination, specifically:
• Conducting/attending initial intake sessions for new cases
• Daily direct face-to-face interaction with clients and/or caregivers and suggesting, implementing, and transferring behavior therapeutic skills/strategies with the purpose of permanently reducing 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 caregiver(s) of cases and/or participants to discuss case progression as well as current issues/concerns (this includes a formal case review once per month)
• Attending local magistrate and juvenile court hearings involving current cases; researching and linking appropriate community outlets to caregiver(s) and participants of cases

Qualifications/Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED required – Background/experience in Social Work, Psychology, and/or working in the 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 the Educational System, Behavioral Health System, and/or Juvenile Justice System a plus
• Morning availability is necessary

Position requires reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and current automobile insurance coverage.

Benefits Available:

• Voluntary Dental
• Voluntary Vision
• UNUM
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, genetic characteristics, or disability unrelated to job performance 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.