Job Title: Truancy & Residency Officer Exemption Status: Exempt/Professional
Reports to: Executive Director of District Services Work Days: 187
Dept./School: District Services
Primary Purpose:
Provide assistance to campus personnel in interpreting and enforcing compulsory attendance laws and assist in resolving truancy, excessive absences, and tardiness problems. Serve as the investigator of school attendance zone compliance and residency situations.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
Bachelor’s degree from accredited university
Special Knowledge/Skills:
- Knowledge of state compulsory attendance laws
- Ability to interpret laws, policies, and procedures
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to travel district-wide to conduct home visits and visit sites where truant students have been reported to the district
Experience:
Three to five years working in compliance, law enforcement, or with children or adults in a leadership role
Experience preferred in compulsory attendance laws and procedures
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Truancy and Zoning Enforcement
1. Enforce the provisions of compulsory attendance laws, Board policy, and administrative guidelines.
2. Assist campuses in investigating cases of unexcused and excessive absences and tardies.
3. Interpret and communicate compulsory attendance laws and school policy to parents and students.
4. Assist the campus administrators in identifying students for the Truancy Tribunal process.
5. Investigate cases of suspected drop out.
6. Assist campus administrators in issuing warnings; filing complaints against students and parents, or individuals in parental control in accordance with compulsory attendance laws, Texas Education Code, and board policy.
7. Enforce the appropriate school attendance zones and residency requirements for students and families.
8. Investigate cases of students and families that may not be residing in the appropriate school attendance zone or do not meet residency requirements.
9. Investigate and confirm cases where students have enrolled under a residency affidavit.
10. Visit the home address of students as requested by administration.
Consultation
11. Confer regularly with teachers, counselors, principals, and other staff to identify problems of tardiness, attendance, and student truancy.
12. Work closely with counselors, teachers, and other staff to identify and counsel students that are at risk of dropping out, as well as their parents.
13. Check with the appropriate administrative team before any investigation or action.
14. Confer with campus administrators and their students in matters of attendance and tardiness and make a reasonable effort to gain their cooperation to improve attendance.
15. Participate in individual or group counseling sessions whenever requested by administration or counseling staff.
16. Work closely with district and campus administration on investigating and verifying residency requirements of students and families.
17. Work closely with campus enrollment personnel on identifying, investigating, and verifying residency affidavits for those students and families that used this option for the purpose of student enrollment.
Administration
18. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required, including records of all cases investigated.
19. Implement and comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the area of student attendance.
20. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
21. Present cases to juvenile courts regarding students who need more supervision.
22. Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
23. Communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents.
24. Contact and work with local police regarding runaways and other reports as needed.
Other
25. Maintain confidentiality.
26. Participate in professional development to improve skills related to job assignment.
27. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment
Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
Motion: Frequent walking, occasional running and climbing
Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds
Environment: Frequent district-wide travel
Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours