Requisition Number 18-0482 Post Date 5/25/2018 Title Truancy Officer City Okemos State MI Description Company Summary At Connections Academy, helping students maximize their potential and meet the highest performance standards through a uniquely individualized learning program is at the core of our mission. Connections Academy was founded in 2001 to deliver high-quality, highly accountable online education to students in grades K-12. Hallmarks of Connections Academy-supported online schools include personalized learning, an award-winning curriculum and Education Management System (EMS), dedicated state-certified teachers, and a supportive school community. Parents of enrolled students consistently share their satisfaction with Connections Academy: 92% would recommend the schools to other families and 95% say the curriculum is high quality. In 2017, Connections Academy-supported public schools serve students in 27 states, while the private online school, International Connections Academy meets the online school needs of students worldwide. Recognized for its outstanding curriculum and leadership, Connections Academy is committed to expanding quality education through technology, and helping students achieve both academic and personal success. Connections Academy is part of the global learning company, Pearson, and its Online & Blended Learning group. For more information, visit www.ConnectionsAcademy.com . Michigan Connections Academy (MICA) is a tuition-free, online public school serving students in grades K12 throughout Michigan. MICA is authorized by Ferris State University Charter Schools Office and governed by an independent Board of Directors. The school is operated by Michigan Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with CA of Michigan, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED. Position Summary: Working primarily from our office in Okemos, MI, the Truancy Officer is responsible for working with students, families, teachers, and school administrators to ensure that students are attending and engaging in school in accordance with MICA Policy and Michigan attendance laws. The Truancy Officer will work cooperatively with school staff and other agencies to effectively intervene and redirect youth towards positive school attendance and towards a healthy lifestyle. Responsibilities: Collects and prepares data for the purpose of analyzing MICAs attendance process, and to develop recommendations for improving the truancy program. Collects and prepares data and reports as required in the day-to-day management of MICAs Truancy Process. Communicates regularly with school staff for the purpose of establishing cooperative and innovative approaches to solving attendance and truancy issues. Completes status reports for the purpose of demonstrating MICAs progress in the attendance and truancy process, as well as to help display/project future workload. Prepares paperwork to file truancy charges in counties throughout the state. Each county may differ in what is allowable and what is required in order to file truancy charges. Schedules and conducts school attendance improvement conferences with parents and students for the purpose of ensuring that MICAs attendance and truancy policies are understood and followed and to facilitate improved student attendance. Provides updates and communicates regularly with court and probation personnel regarding truant students. Participate in the development of crisis prevention and management plans for the school and serve as a key member of the Student Support Team (SST); Coordinate all attendance activities. Identify, report and coordinate students who are habitually truant, those with 6 or more unexcused absences. Write, create and hold school attendance improvement conferences for students who are truant. Coordinate school-wide attendance efforts and truancy reduction programming with a two-fold focus 1) educating families on the importance of attendance with a focus on prevention and 2) intervening to fix the underlying issues that lead to absenteeism. Work with teachers to monitor student adherence to the school's attendance policies and e-mails, call and send auto-dial notices to targeted student population; Recommend families to the grade-level principal for truancy meetings as necessary; Attends truancy meetings with school administrators. Ensure state compliancy guidelines are met for student attendance, progress, and system logins. Ensure school policy and state requirements are met with regard to all withdrawals. Produce attendance/truancy reports for the school, county and state. Work with Family Academic Support Team and other support staff to assist students in situations where referrals to service agencies are necessary. Work with families and teachers to develop individualized action plans to increase student engagement utilizing a case management tool used by the Family Academic Support Team. Work with Family Engagement Program Manager, Head of School and local board to develop improved procedures that address attendance. Work with families and community support staff to prevent/deter juvenile delinquency. Develop and implement educational workshops related to truancy law for school staff and families. Assist staff on projects regarding student attendance/truancy. Requirements Strong Knowledge of state laws regarding truancy for school age minors and how to file charges in jurisdictions across the state of Michigan. 1-3 years of experience in Education, Business, or Social Services is preferred. Community College and/or Vocational School degree with work experience in a job-related area. BA in Education, Business, Criminal Justice, or Social Services is preferred. Valid Michigan driver's license and proof of automobile insurance. Ability to pass the background checks required for all school employees in Michigan. Ability to multi-task, and a logical mind to assess, filter, organize, and work with data. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to explain information and concepts clearly and concisely, with confidence, and to defend position, when challenged. Must be comfortable in a court setting. Ability to communicate tactfully and frankly with high risk students and families. Finesse and grace to work through tough conversations with people who are sometimes upset and confrontational. Ability to build positive relationships and educate courts across Michigan about attendance and truancy in a virtual school.