Truancy Caseworker

VQ; Plymouth Township (PA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

VisionQuest (VQ) is seeking a Truancy Caseworker in Pennsylvania to provide intervention and prevention services for youth and families facing attendance challenges. This role combines case management, mentoring, and family engagement to remove barriers to school attendance and prevent out-of-home placements related to truancy.

You'll work with schools, families, and community partners to improve engagement, ensure compliance with truancy laws and court mandates, and document progress while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• 1 year employment experience in the child welfare field with children/adolescents.
• Must be 21 years of age or older; background checks are required.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct case management and mentoring to youth and families referred for truancy concerns.
• Meet with families in home, school, and community to assess needs and barriers to attendance.
• Develop strategies to address truancy and strengthen natural support systems.
• Assist families in ensuring daily school attendance; intervene when absences occur.
• Maintain timely documentation and progress notes; develop service plans.
• Collaborate with schools, SAP/SAIP meetings, and partner agencies; testify in court when required.

Skills

Communication skills

Observational skills

Cultural sensitivity

Crisis management

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

At VisionQuest (VQ) , we serve children, youth, and families during some of the most critical moments of their lives. Our teams help young people overcome challenges, build resilience, and move toward brighter futures.

VQ is a national child, youth, and family services organization providing residential programming, community-based services, and in-home support across the United States. We partner with state and federal agencies to deliver services where the need is greatest and to strengthen the communities we serve.

Every role at VQ contributes to meaningful impact. Whether working directly with youth or supporting the professionals who serve them, your work helps create opportunity and stability for the next generation.

Why build your career at VQ?

Purpose-driven work

Every role contributes to helping children and families succeed.

Fair and responsible compensation

We are committed to transparent and equitable pay practices.

Career growth opportunities

Internal promotions and leadership development pathways.

Professional leadership culture

Accountable, supportive leadership focused on long-term success.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company-paid Life and Short-Term Disability
• 401(k) with employer match

At VQ, we are building more than programs.

We are building careers that make a difference.

The Truancy Caseworker provides intervention and prevention services to youth and families struggling with school attendance.

This role combines case management, mentoring, and family engagement to address barriers to regular school attendance, support student success, and prevent out-of-home placements related to truancy. The Caseworker works closely with schools, families, and community partners to improve student engagement and outcomes while ensuring compliance with truancy laws and court mandates.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Family & Youth Support

• Provide direct case management and mentoring to youth and families referred for truancy concerns.
• Meet with families in the home, school, and community to assess needs and identify barriers to school attendance.
• Support families in developing strategies to address truant behaviors and strengthen natural support systems.
• Assist families in ensuring children attend school daily and intervene promptly when absences occur.
• Provide crisis intervention and connect families to community resources when needed.

Collaboration with Schools & Community Partners

• Build strong working relationships with schools across Luzerne County to coordinate truancy intervention services.
• Participate in Student Assistance Program (SAP) meetings, Student Attendance Improvement Plan (SAIP) meetings, and other school-based conferences.
• Collaborate with caseworkers, probation officers, and Luzerne County Children and Youth Services as appropriate.
• Represent the program in community meetings, court proceedings, and with partner agencies.
• Complete assessments and monthly service plans for each family on caseload.
• Develop individualized Student Attendance Improvement Plans in partnership with schools and families.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation of all contacts, interventions, progress notes, and outcomes.
• Provide written reports and testify in court when required.
• Collect and track data to monitor program effectiveness, including referrals, attendance outcomes, and successful case completions.
• Ensure all services comply with agency, state, and federal requirements.
• Uphold confidentiality and adhere to all VisionQuest policies and child welfare regulations.

Professional Development & Teamwork

• Participate in training sessions, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities.
• Educate families and community members about truancy laws, responsibilities, and available supports.
• Work collaboratively with supervisors and colleagues to enhance service delivery and achieve program goals.

Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor(s).

Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor(s).

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Excellent observational and documentation skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to remain neutral and objective in emotionally charged situations.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and understanding of diverse family systems.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress or crisis situations.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, counseling, education, criminal justice, social work, human services, or related field required.
• 1 year employment experience in the child welfare field working with children and/or adolescents

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• May be required to pass a drug test.
• Cleared background checks from appropriate entities, including Child Abuse and Neglect and FBI criminal background.
• May be required to obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be eligible to drive to facilitate program services.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• May lift and carry up to 10 pounds frequently, up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds infrequently.
• Performs tasks that may involve standing or walking 50% of the day; sitting 50% of the day.
• May bend, stoop, reach and grasp as necessary.
• Must be able to provide First Aid and CPR.
• Must be able to perform physical holds as instructed in Crisis Prevention Intervention training (CPI).

The pay range for this role is:

21 - 21 USD per hour (492 Truancy Services)