Truancy Officer - Sumter School District

SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT; Sumter (SC); On-site; USD 47,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Sumter School District is seeking a Truancy Officer to enforce South Carolina attendance laws and identify students at risk of truancy. The role involves working with families, school staff, and community agencies to implement interventions that promote regular attendance.

The position requires experience with youth, school systems, or law enforcement, and a minimum of two years working with youth and parents. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Education, or related field preferred.
• Previous experience working with youth, school systems, or in law enforcement preferred.
• A minimum of two years professional experience working with youth and parents is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Enforce compulsory attendance laws and identify chronically absent students.
• Collaborate with families, school staff, and community agencies to develop interventions.
• Conduct home visits and parent conferences on truancy and attendance problems.
• Investigate cases of unexcused and excessive absences and enforce attendance laws.
• Communicate attendance policies to parents and students.
• Coordinate truancy prevention programs and workshops.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Conflict resolution

Public speaking

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Education, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

PowerSchool

Job description

REPORTS TO: Director of Student Success

POSITION SUMMARY: The Truancy Officer is responsible for enforcing the compulsory attendance laws of South Carolina, identifying students who are chronically absent or at risk for truancy, and working with families, school staff, and community agencies to develop and implement interventions that promote regular school attendance.

SALARY RANGE: $47,457.44 - $75,864.80

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Education, or related field preferred.
• Previous experience working with youth, school systems, or in law enforcement preferred.
• A minimum of two years professional experience in working with youth and parents is preferred. The Truancy Officer should also possess verbal and written communication skills to conduct student and parent group meetings.

Sumter School District

Job Description

POSITION: Truancy Officer

REPORTS TO: Director of Student Success

POSITION SUMMARY: The Truancy Officer is responsible for enforcing the compulsory attendance laws of South Carolina, identifying students who are chronically absent or at risk for truancy, and working with families, school staff, and community agencies to develop and implement interventions that promote regular school attendance.

SALARY RANGE: $47,457.44 - $75,864.80

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Education, or related field preferred.
• Previous experience working with youth, school systems, or in law enforcement preferred.
• A minimum of two years professional experience in working with youth and parents is preferred. The Truancy Officer should also possess verbal and written communication skills to conduct student and parent group meetings.

Licenses/Certificates

• Valid South Carolina driver's license and reliable transportation required.
• Must pass a background check and drug screening.

Knowledge, Skills, And Responsibilities

• Knowledge of South Carolina attendance laws and educational policies.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work independently, maintain confidentiality, and manage time effectively.
• Comfortable working in diverse environments including schools, homes, and courtrooms.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and student information systems (e.g., PowerSchool).
• Develop and participate in truancy prevention programs, workshops, and activities to educate students and families about the importance of regular school attendance.
• Investigate cases of unexcused and excessive absences and enforce provisions of compulsory attendance laws
• Interpret and communicate compulsory attendance laws and school policy to parents and students.
• Investigate and review cases of suspected "no show" or dropout students.
• Confer regularly with teachers, counselors, principals, and other staff to identify problems of attendance, and student truancy
• Confer with students and parents in matters of attendance and make a reasonable effort to gain their cooperation to improve attendance
• Conduct home visits and parent conferences on student truancy and attendance problems.

Working Conditions

• Split between office, school sites, and field work (including home visits).
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs and walk/stand for extended periods during site visits.

TERMS: 185 days. The Division of Personnel will establish salary and work year based upon the recommendation and approval by the Superintendent and approved by the Board of Trustees.

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in compliance with the Board's policy on evaluation and professional personnel.

The District's administrative assignments are discretionary with the Superintendent. In the event of any change in the District's organizational chart, reduction in force, or whenever it is deemed in the best interest of the District, the Superintendent may reassign the Employee. Further, the District reserves the right to make reassignments, upon notice to and consultation with the affected employee, consistent with S.C. Code Ann. 59-24-15, as amended.

DISCLAIMER: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

7/2025

SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER