Parent Mentor

Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center; United States; On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional educational service center is seeking a Parent Mentor to assist families in navigating special education programming. The successful candidate will provide essential parent support to ensure effective educational outcomes. Candidates must be a parent of a child with a disability, possess a high school diploma, and have effective communication skills. This role requires a valid driver's license, and the ability to travel across multiple districts, promoting collaboration and effective communication with families in the community.

Qualifications

• Must be the parent of a child with a disability who resides in Region 12.
• Experience working with parents is preferred.
• Successful completion of BCI/FBI background checks required.

Responsibilities

• Provide parent assistance in special education programming.
• Communicate available services to families.
• Support staff and administration.

Skills

Effective communication strategies

Cooperation

Positive parenting techniques

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Assistive technology

Job description

Applications will be accepted beginning Wednesday, July 26, 2023 12:00 AM (Eastern Standard Time)

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Job Description

Reports to: Director of Student Services

Employment Status: As assigned on board-approved contract

FLSA Status: Exempt

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must be the parent of a child with a disability who resides in Region 12
• Must possess a valid Ohio driver’s license or have transportation to off-site job related functions
• Experience working with parents
• 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

• Ensure safety of students, taking all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities
• Assist with individual and family support within the learning environment
• Be proficient in building cooperative relationships between home and school
• Maintain confidentiality
• Accompanies parents to meetings regarding their child’s special education
• 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
• Reports and provides information to ODE and the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities
• Demonstrate skill in cooperative problem solving
• Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance
• The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance abuse in the workplace throughout his/her employment at the Center.
• Serve as a role model for students in how to conduct themselves as citizens and as responsible, intelligent human beings
• Help instill in students the belief in and practice of ethical principles and democratic values

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Build collaborative relationships among the local school districts and community agencies
• 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
• Actively participate in community organizations which support services for students with disabilities
• Complete written reports as assigned by the administration in an accurate and timely manner
• Participate in Special Education Departmental meetings and in-service training as requested by the Director of Student Services
• Conduct needs assessment to determine focus of services to families
• Organize and conduct parent trainings, support sessions, etc., based on results of needs assessment

Additional Working Conditions

• 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.

Primary Location Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center

205 N. Seventh Street
Zanesville, Ohio 43701
Phone - 740-452-4518
Fax - 740-455-6702
[e-mail]