Parent Mentor

Parent Mentor

Reports to:

Assigned administrator/supervisor

Job Objective:
Provides advocacy support for students with disabilities and their families. Promotes positive working relationships between families, member district and service center personnel.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum educational aide permit required.
• Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of service center special education programs.
• Congenial disposition and ability to learn required skills for the assignment.
• Current service center area resident and parent/guardian of a student identified as disabled (per ODE grant requirements).
• Demonstrates skill working with people using a "hands-on" involvement style.
• Displays flexibility, reliability, self-discipline and a willingness to take on challenging tasks.
• Documents/maintains a record free of criminal violations that prohibit public school employment.
• Effective communication, problem-solving and time management skills.
• Embodies high ethical standards/integrity. Accepts responsibility for personal decisions/conduct.

Note:

Employees must obtain training and maintain skills to fulfill compliance requirements applicable to the position as required by board policy and state/federal law.

Essential Functions:

1. Provides parent-mentoring services to improve the lines of communication between home, school and community.

• Consults with the assigned supervisor to receive support and address concerns.
• Facilitates community outreach efforts to understand/address family concerns. Develops/delivers presentations to help parents/guardians identify and access community resources.
• Responds promptly to requests for assistance with family concerns related to student learning.
• Consults with staff to identify student assistance strategies most likely to be effective.
• Collects and makes available special education and parenting resource materials.
• Helps parents/guardians understand special education services and prerequisite requirements for student participation. Attends IEP meetings when requested.
• Establishes parent/guardian groups. Facilitates networking activities.
• Respects the educational environment. Displays impartiality and objectivity.
• Follows member district/service center procedures to protect the privacy of family/student information.
• Performs clerical and recordkeeping duties as directed.

2. Exemplifies professionalism to enhance NwOESC and member district public images.

• Diligently attends to job details. Pursues quality work results. Performs all aspects of the job.
• Develops mutually respectful relationships with co-workers. Functions as part of a cohesive team.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record. Provides prompt notice of delays or absences.
• Maintains a professional appearance. Wears work attire appropriate for the position.
• Respects privacy. Resolutely maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Works effectively with minimal supervision. Performs tasks efficiently to meet deadlines.

3. Maintains open/effective communications. Serves as a reliable information resource.

• Prepares and maintains accurate records. Submits required paperwork on time.
• Refers administrative procedure and policy questions to an appropriate administrator.
• Seeks clarification when directives are unclear.
• Resolves issues tactfully. Uses active listening/problem-solving techniques. Respects diversity.

4. Pursues opportunities to enhance personal performance.

• Keeps current with professional standards associated with work duties.
• Updates personal skills as needed to effectively utilize task-appropriate technology.

5. Keeps current with emergency management plan procedures.

• Protects program property. Takes precautions to prevent the loss of equipment and supplies.
• Takes action to address harassment and/or aggressive behavior. Complies with all legal statutes when dealing with discrimination, inappropriate behavior or suspected child abuse/neglect.
• Upholds high standards for proper conduct. Implements effective pupil management procedures. Uses positive behavioral support techniques to address disruptive student behavior.

6. Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

• Helps implement workplace initiatives to advance…