Truancy Caseworker

The Truancy Caseworker provides intervention and prevention services to youth and families struggling with school

attendance. This role combines case management, mentoring, and family engagement to address barriers to regular

school attendance, support student success, and prevent out-of-home placements related to truancy. The Caseworker

works closely with schools, families, and community partners to improve student engagement and outcomes while

ensuring compliance with truancy laws and court mandates.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

● Family & Youth Support

○ Provide direct case management and mentoring to youth and families referred for truancy

concerns.

○ Meet with families in the home, school, and community to assess needs and identify barriers to

school attendance.

○ Support families in developing strategies to address truant behaviors and strengthen natural

support systems.

○ Assist families in ensuring children attend school daily and intervene promptly when absences

occur.

○ Provide crisis intervention and connect families to community resources when needed.

● Collaboration with Schools & Community Partners

○ Build strong working relationships with schools across Luzerne County to coordinate truancy

intervention services.

○ Participate in Student Assistance Program (SAP) meetings, Student Attendance Improvement Plan

(SAIP) meetings, and other school-based conferences.

○ Collaborate with caseworkers, probation officers, and Luzerne County Children and Youth Services

as appropriate.

○ Represent the program in community meetings, court proceedings, and with partner agencies.

● Case Planning & Documentation

○ Complete assessments and monthly service plans for each family on caseload.

○ Develop individualized Student Attendance Improvement Plans in partnership with schools and

families.

○ Maintain timely and accurate documentation of all contacts, interventions, progress notes, and

outcomes.

○ Provide written reports and testify in court when required.

● Program Outcomes & Compliance

○ Collect and track data to monitor program effectiveness, including referrals, attendance outcomes,

and successful case completions.

○ Ensure all services comply with agency, state, and federal requirements.

○ Uphold confidentiality and adhere to all VisionQuest policies and child welfare regulations.

● Professional Development & Teamwork

○ Participate in training sessions, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities.

○ Educate families and community members about truancy laws, responsibilities, and available

supports.

○ Work collaboratively with supervisors and colleagues to enhance service delivery and achieve

program goals.

● Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor(s).

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

● Excellent observational and documentation skills.

● Strong verbal and written communication abilities.

● Ability to remain neutral and objective in emotionally charged situations.

● Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and understanding of diverse family systems.

● Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress or crisis situations.

● Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.

● Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

● Bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, counseling, education, criminal justice, social work,

human services, or related field required.

● 1 year employment experience in the child welfare field working with children and/or adolescents

in a social service setting.

QUALIFICATIONS:

● Must be 21 years of age or older.

● Flexible schedule (evening, weekends, holidays) to facilitate program services.

● May be required to pass a drug test.

● Cleared background checks from appropriate entities, including Child Abuse and Neglect and FBI

criminal background.

● May be required to obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)

certification.

● Must have a valid driver’s license and be eligible to drive to facilitate program services.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

● May lift and carry up to 10 pounds frequently, up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds

infrequently.

● Performs tasks that may involve standing or walking 50% of the day; sitting 50% of the day.

● May bend, stoop, reach and grasp as necessary.

● Must be able to provide First Aid and CPR.

● Must be able to perform physical holds as instructed in Crisis Prevention Intervention training

(CPI).