Job Description:

The parent mentor provides support and resources to families of children with disabilities and staff. Parent Mentors must practice positive communication strategies, demonstrate the ability to work within the system, and assume an active role as a special education liaison.

Qualifications:

1. Is a parent of a child with a disability who attends public school in Medina County.

2. Is a member of the community or knows the community they serve.

3. Has experience with leadership in the parent community.

4. Has experience in and knowledge of special education systems and processes.

5. Demonstrates excellent communication skills.

6. Collaborates with various professionals and school officials to meet the needs of families of children with disabilities.

7. Knows about support systems in the community.

8. Has experience facilitating training and providing families with resource information.

9. Has skills in problem-solving, de-escalation, building cooperative relationships, and active listening.

10. Must be an organized and a self-starter who can multitask.

11. Flexible schedule to accommodate school meeting times and parent schedules.

12. Education: High School or equivalent or College?

13. Must possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License and have transportation to off-site job-related functions.

14. Computer skills: Google (docs, sheets, forms, Google Meet), Zoom, Microsoft Teams.

15. Successful completion of BCI/FBI Background Checks.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Attend individualized education program (IEP) meetings and other school meetings (ETR, 504, FBA) at the request of families or staff members.

Host information sessions for families and staff members.

Host Monthly Support Group.

Manage and update the website of resources and other social media.

Build collaborative relationships with local school districts and community agencies.

Connect families, schools, and communities by providing links to local services and organizations that support students with disabilities.

Provide information about federal, state, and local special education laws and policies.

Share updated information about special education, such as timelines and deadlines, eligibility processes, informed consent, prior written notice, and other requirements.

Promote Parent Mentor services within the community.

Maintain Confidentiality.

Data Collection and Reporting to Ohio State University, Ohio Department of Education & Workforce, Medina County ESC, and local school districts as requested.

Attend Statewide Parent Mentor Conference, Regional Parent Mentor Meetings, and other required training.

Other Duties:

Performs any additional duties determined by the administration of the Educational Service Center of Medina County as appropriate for the delivery of the service continuum.

Examines, along with the administration, additional duties in the context of priorities, time constraints, and impact on other student services.

Required Training:

All online training currently required by the ESC.

Any training/professional development mandated by the ESCMC, ODE, USDOE, ODH, ORC, OHSA, and/or as needed to maintain appropriate certification/licensure for the position held.

Travel:

Regular travel within Medina County. Occasional Travel to the Columbus Area for training (Spring Conference in April). Occasional Travel within the Parent Mentor Region for District meetings.

Salary:

$25.00 / hour

Contact:

If you have any questions, please contact Rachel Krauss at rkrauss@medinaesc.org