Parent Mentor

Reports to:  Director of Student Services

Employment Status:  As assigned on board-approved contract

FLSA Status:  Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High School Diploma or equivalent
2. Must be the parent of a child with a disability who resides in Region 12
3. Must possess a valid Ohio driver’s license or have transportation to off-site job related functions
4. Experience working with parents
5. Successful completion of BCI/FBI background checks

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Under general supervision, provides parent assistance in special education programming; communicates to families available services; provides support to general education staff and administration

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  (The below list is not ranked in order of importance.)

1. Ensure safety of students, taking all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities
2. Assist with individual and family support within the learning environment
3. Be proficient in building cooperative relationships between home and school
4. Maintain confidentiality
5. Accompanies parents to meetings regarding their child’s special education
6. Prepare and disseminates information to individuals and families on programs and services for students with disabilities in collaboration with current parent newsletters, brochures, and trainings of schools/community agencies
7. Reports and provides information to ODE and the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities
8. Demonstrate skill in cooperative problem solving
9. Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance
10. The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance abuse in the workplace throughout his/her employment at the Center.
11. Serve as a role model for students in how to conduct themselves as citizens and as responsible, intelligent human beings
12. Help instill in students the belief in and practice of ethical principles and democratic values

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Build collaborative relationships among the local school districts and community agencies
2. Report to the Director of Student Services in a timely manner any developments or problems within the MVESC schools related to state model policies and procedures that require his/her awareness or attention
3. Actively participate in community organizations which support services for students with disabilities
4. Complete written reports as assigned by the administration in an accurate and timely manner
5. Participate in Special Education Departmental meetings and in-service training as requested by the Director of Student Services
6. Conduct needs assessment to determine focus of services to families
7. Organize and conduct parent trainings, support sessions, etc., based on results of needs assessment

ADDITIONAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Will have an office at MVESC and will generally travel to multiple school districts in the MVESC region and community agencies

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Basic knowledge of board policies and procedures; a working knowledge of individual educational plans, the concept of least restrictive environment; a thorough knowledge of the importance of confidentiality and organizing materials

SKILLS IN:

Effective communication strategies, cooperation, consistency, and demonstrating positive parenting techniques

ABILITY TO:

Practice positive communication strategies, demonstrate the ability to work within the system to create positive change, and assume an active role as an educational team member; have the ability to maintain good physical and mental health and practice positive stress management techniques

EQUIPMENT OPERATED:

Typical school technology as well as assistive technology (e.g., communication devices, etc.)

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Dates of the work period will be stated in the employment contract

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION:

The Parent Mentor will be evaluated by his/her superintendent or his or her designee in accordance with the procedures identified by law and including the standards established by the organization. The Parent Mentor will be given a copy of the evaluation instrument and standards in advance and he or she will be expected to conduct a self-evaluation and establish a minimum of one goal annually to advance knowledge, skill and/or ability in a job related area.

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability. This job description identifies general responsibilities and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties performed. The incumbent will be required to follow the instructions and perform the duties required by the Service Center.  This document is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, program/curriculum changes, and unforeseen events.