POSITION:

Dropout Prevention Specialist

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. NJ Certificate in School Counseling
2. Master's Degree from accredited college/university
3. Successful professional experience in guidance-related activities with at-risk students.
4. Strong interpersonal and communication skills
5. Bilingual skills in English/Spanish preferred.
6. Required passing results of criminal history background check by NJ Department of Education.
7. Required criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.

REPORTS TO:

Building Principal

JOB GOAL:

To assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of activities and services at school sites targeting drop-outs and attendance of students at risk of leaving school

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. To provide early identification of student at risk of failing or leaving school and apply appropriate intervention.
2. To serve as a resource and liaison between school, home, law enforcement (SROs), and community/agencies concerning pupil attendance-related problem and issues.
3. Collect, interpret and use student attendance data to develop strategies addressing dropout prevention.
4. Meet with school personnel, counselors, SROs, and others who work with "high risk" youth to provide a linkage with dropout prevention efforts.
5. Assess student needs and cooperate with faculty and staff in planning individualized intervention plan and curriculum that will meet the needs of the student an keep accurate records to report progress.
6. Provide direct services in intervention, assessment and referral to prevent students from dropping out and bring back those who have dropped out.
7. Provide early identification of students at-risk or failing or leaving school prematurely and apply appropriate interventions, both instructional and with auxiliary services.
8. Establish a professional rapport with students. Communicate regularly with parents, seeking their support and advice, so as to create a cooperative relationship to support the child in the school.
9. Maintain accurate records of all contact with various client groups, support personnel, and agencies in the community for the purpose of resource development, mandatory reporting and audits.
10. Research, evaluate, and present best practice in dropout prevention and recovery strategies for the purpose of promoting student engagement. Make home visits as needed in consultation with principal.
11. Perform other related duties as assigned by the building principal

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT:

Ten (10) Months. Salary to be determined by the Board of Education.

EVALUATION:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with state law and the provisions of the Board of Education's Policy on Evaluation of Non-Certified staff