Parent Mentor

East Cleveland City Schools; East Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

East Cleveland City Schools is looking for a Parent Mentor to guide parents through the special education process. The role involves providing resources and support from a parent perspective, facilitating training sessions, and attending IEP meetings. Success in this role requires strong communication skills and knowledge of the local community.

Applicants should hold a High School Diploma and have experience advocating for children with disabilities. This position is crucial for helping families navigate educational systems and connect with community resources.

Qualifications

• Must be a parent of a child with a disability.
• Knowledge of special education systems and processes.
• Experience in facilitating training for parents.

Responsibilities

• Helping families understand their rights and responsibilities.
• Attending IEP meetings upon request.
• Providing information and resources to families and schools.

Skills

Knowledge of policies concerning students with disabilities

Excellent communication skills

Experience in parent community leadership

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

PARENT MENTOR

Report To: Director of Pupil Personnel Services

Contract Year: 192 Days

Purpose: The Parent Mentor is a guide and mentor to help parents navigate the special education process and to develop their skills as an advocate, the best advocate for their child. The Parent Mentor also serves the school district by providing support, information and training services from the parent perspective.

Preferred Qualifications

• Must possess at least a High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must possess knowledge of policies, procedures and rules concerning students with disabilities

The Parent Mentor must meet the following criteria

• Is a parent of a child with a disability;
• Is a member of the community or has knowledge of the community served by the project;
• Has experience with leadership in the parent community;
• Has experience in and knowledge of special education systems and processes;
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills;
• Collaborates with various professionals and school officials to meet the needs of families of children with disabilities;
• Knows about support systems in the community; and
• Has experience in facilitating training or providing parents with resource information.

Essential Functions

• Helping families understand their rights and responsibilities
• Attending the Individualized Educational Program (IEP) Meetings and other meetings at the request of families or staff.
• Listening to and supporting both family and educators on an individual basis
• Providing information and resources to families and schools
• Hosting information sessions, support/networking groups or training programs for families and educators
• Engaging community service agencies and other resources to support families and schools
• Connecting families, schools and community partners to benefit students with special needs.
• Attend community meetings when requested by the immediate supervisor or Chief Executive Officer & Superintendent of Schools or his Designee.
• Complete all reports relating to program duties
• Assume other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and the Chief Executive Officer & Superintendent of Schools or his Designee.

Terms OF Employment

Salary: 2026-2027 School Year • Per Grant Requirements

DISCLAIMER

This Job Description does not constitute an employment agreement between the East Cleveland City School District and employee and is subject to change by the District as the needs of the District and requirements of the job change.

The East Cleveland City School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, sex, or the presence of disabilities.