Re-Engagement Truancy Caseworker

Position Title: Student Re-Engagement Caseworker
Reports To: Assistant Executive Director (or designated supervisor)
Terms of Employment: 11-Month Position (July 15 – June 15)
Location: South Cook ISC / Regional Districts

PURPOSE

This is an 11-month position. The Student Re-Engagement Caseworker serves as a direct support professional within the South Cook ISC Regional Truancy Intervention & TAOEP Program. The position focuses primarily on case management, student advocacy, and barrier reduction services for chronically absent and disengaged students, while also supporting coordination of program referrals, student placements, district communication, and implementation of student re-engagement services.

The Student Re-Engagement Caseworker works collaboratively with students, families, schools, districts, and community agencies to improve attendance, increase engagement, remove barriers to success, and connect students to appropriate educational pathways and support services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Education, Counseling, Psychology, Human Services, or related field preferred.
• Experience working with at-risk youth and diverse communities.
• Experience conducting case management, home visits, or student support services.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, especially in sensitive or challenging situations.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with students, families, school staff, and community partners.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Strong commitment to serving struggling and historically underserved students.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Education, Social Work, Counseling, Administration, or related field.
• Experience in K–12 education, attendance improvement, truancy intervention, alternative education, or student services.
• Knowledge of MTSS, attendance systems, restorative practices, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Familiarity with public assistance programs, behavioral health supports, and special education processes.
• Experience working with disengaged youth and families facing significant barriers to school attendance.
• Bilingual (Spanish preferred, if applicable).
• Clear Background Check.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Case Management & Student Support (Approximately 60%)

• Conduct intake interviews, needs assessments, and root-cause analysis with referred students and families.
• Provide intensive case management, progress monitoring, and follow-up services for assigned students.
• Develop individualized attendance and engagement improvement plans with measurable goals and timelines.
• Conduct home visits and family outreach to support student engagement and attendance improvement.
• Connect students and families to school-based and community resources, including mental health, transportation, housing, healthcare, special education, and social service supports.
• Partner with school social workers, counselors, administrators, and other stakeholders to implement intervention plans.
• Participate in MTSS, SST, IEP, re-entry, attendance review, and student support meetings as needed.
• Maintain accurate documentation, case notes, service logs, and student records.
• Monitor student progress and adjust interventions based on attendance, engagement, and identified needs.
• Assist with truancy hearing preparation and attend court proceedings when required.
• Support parent engagement activities, workshops, and attendance awareness initiatives.

Program Coordination & Re-Engagement Support (Approximately 40%)

• Support implementation of the Regional Truancy Intervention and TAOEP Program in alignment with program goals and procedures.
• Assist with the referral and intake process, including reviewing referrals, gathering documentation, and coordinating service assignments.
• Monitor assigned caseloads to ensure timely interventions and consistent follow-through.
• Serve as a liaison between students, families, districts, and community partners to promote coordinated support services.
• Support TAOEP placement and alternative pathway planning for eligible students.
• Track attendance, engagement, and intervention data and contribute to required program reporting.
• Provide regular updates to districts regarding student progress, barriers, and outcomes.
• Assist with outreach, recruitment, and re-engagement efforts for students disconnected from school.
• Support implementation of program initiatives focused on attendance improvement and student success.
• Participate in professional development, team meetings, and program improvement activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Regularly required to talk and hear to exchange information in person and by telephone.
• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle or operate standard office equipment.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop or kneel.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, files).
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

• Work is generally performed in a standard office setting with moderate noise levels (e.g., conversations, printers, phones).
• Position requires frequent travel to schools, homes, community agencies, and district meetings throughout the South Cook region.
• The position requires the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
• Occasional evening hours may be required for family meetings, community events, or truancy-related activities.
• The work environment is generally climate controlled and ergonomically equipped.