Parent Partner

Akron Children’s Hospital; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Akron Children’s Hospital is seeking a Parent Partner to collaborate with the behavioral health team in the Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit. The role provides peer-based support to parents and caregivers during psychiatric crisis assessments and stabilization, and helps explain discharge plans and contact points.

The position is full-time (36 hours weekly) on the 1st shift (11am–7:30pm), Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, onsite.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent is required; bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Lived experience as a parent, guardian, or primary caregiver of a child with mental health issues.
• Non-violent Crisis Intervention certification is required within six months from date of hire.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Acts as a liaison for parents with children engaged at ACH with behavioral health concerns, during stay and discharge.
• Provide consultation and education to parents and hospital staff; collaborate with providers to enhance parent partnerships.
• Assist families in accessing community mental health services in collaboration with clinical staff.
• Help families navigate the healthcare system.
• Provide follow-up to families who have been discharged, via in-person or other communications.
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality between patient and mentor.
• Consult with supervisor regarding progress and concerns.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Peer support

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Independent work

Collaboration

Conflict resolution

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree preferred

Non-violent Crisis Intervention certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

EPIC EMR

Job description

Full-Time: 36 Hours Per Week
1st Shift: 11am - 7:30pm
Sunday-Wednesday-Thursday-Friday
Department: Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit

Summary:

The Parent Partner collaborates with the behavioral health team to provide peer-based support to parents and caregivers during psychiatric crisis assessments and throughout the stabilization of their child, including participation in admission interviews. This role also ensures parents and legal guardians understand the discharge plan and have clear, appropriate points of contact for questions or support following discharge.

Responsibilities:

1. Acts as a liaison for parents with children engaged at ACH with behavioral health concerns, both during their time at ACH and when they are discharged.
2. Provide consultation and education to parents, behavioral health team, hospital staff and other personnel and work collaboratively with other providers and stakeholders to increase effective parent professional partnerships.
3. In collaboration with clinical staff, assist families in accessing mental health services in the community.
4. Assists families in navigating the healthcare system.
5. Provides follow-up to families who have been discharged from ACH in person or by other communication modalities.
6. Maintains appropriate boundaries and confidentiality between patient and mentor.
7. Consults with supervisor regarding progress and concerns regarding patient and/or family.
8. Other duties as required.

Other information:

Technical Expertise

1. Must have knowledge of resources, services and support for families of children with emotional, behavioral and mental health problems gained through personal experience raising a child with similar needs.
2. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, coupled with excellent interpersonal skills are required.
3. Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills coupled with conflict resolution skills needed to resolve conflicts and integrate divergent perspectives are required.
4. Strong organizational skills are required.
5. Able to work collaboratively and constructively with a diverse group of service providers.
6. Ability to maintain professional boundaries with program participants.
7. Able to work independently with limited supervisory support.
8. Experience working with all levels within an organization is required.
9. Experience in healthcare is preferred.
10. Experience working in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) or similar software is required.
11. Experience working with an electronic medical record system (i.e. EPIC) is preferred.

Education and Experience

1. Education: High School Diploma or equivalent is required; bachelor's degree is preferred.
2. Lived experience as a parent, guardian, or primary caregiver of a child or adolescent with mental health issues, that have been on an inpatient behavioral health unit
3. Non-violent Crisis Intervention certification is required within six months from date of hire.
4. Must possess a valid driver's license and proof of insurance is required.
5. Years of relevant experience: Minimum 3 years of experience is preferred.
6. Years of experience supervising: None.

Full Time

FTE: 0.900000

Status: Onsite