Peer Support Coordinator, Special Education

Rhode Island Parent Information Network, Inc.

JOB POSTING

Bilingual Peer Support Coordinator, Special Education

Salary Range: $20-$22/hour

About RIPIN:

RIPIN deploys a peer model to support people with special healthcare and education needs across the whole lifespan. Founded in 1991 by a group of parents of children with special needs, RIPIN continues to be peer-led: a majority of our board and more than three-fourths of our staff are parents or caretakers of loved ones with special needs.  RIPIN’s peer professionals now help more than 45,000 Rhode Islanders every year navigate healthcare, schools, and other support systems.

Job Summary:

The Bilingual Peer Support Coordinator – Special Education, will provide comprehensive supports and a continuum of services for families as it relates to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The position requires a focus on collaboration with the increasing family/school partnerships, and creating awareness of parental/caregiver rights in the educational success for students with disabilities.

Essential Functions:

• Mentor families encountering special education concerns; assist families with navigating the education/special education system and community resources. Utilize motivational interviewing skills and culturally sensitive methods to support members in achieving their goals.
• Provide support, information, and leadership skills to families through phone, face-to-face, and virtual contact to enhance their ability to effectively engage in school leadership activities. Accompany families to Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings and other relevant meetings as needed.
• Provide referrals and care-coordination to RIPIN programs and/or other community organizations as needed to assist families and individuals with successfully completing goals. Collaborate with RIPIN staff to avoid duplication of service.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with professionals, families, partner agencies and organizations. Promote all RIPIN services to families, community organizations, and schools.
• Represent RIPIN on local, state, and federal special education and transition to adulthood related committees as needed.
• Facilitate education and/or advocacy workshops for families, consumers, professionals, and community partners as needed.
• Maintain an updated database of all contacts, encounters and record committee activities accurately. Actively participate as effective team member in all agency meetings and debriefings. Make constructive use of individual and peer supervision.
• Contribute to the overall success and quality of the agency by working constructively and collaboratively with other staff members ensuring all individuals are treated respectfully and that diversity in backgrounds and life experiences is supported and valued throughout the agency.
• Accept other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of education, special education in Rhode Island including transition of students age 14 – 22.
• Knowledge of Rhode Island’s human service systems supporting families of children with disabilities and/or special healthcare needs
• High level of interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills to interact on a professional level with our diverse stakeholders, including parents and professionals
• Ability to convey complex information in a clear and understandable manner
• Organizational skills to include managing multiple activities
• Ability to effectively work independently and in collaboration with multiple staff and programs
• Proficiency in computer and internet navigation (online documents, search engine, government websites), Proficient in Microsoft products, including Microsoft Office Suite, as well as computer skills to maintain and update program related materials, reports and database
• Ability to effectively carry out the mission and philosophy of RIPIN and a willingness to work cooperatively and collaboratively with multiple constituents
• Ability to present to small and large audiences that include consumers, stakeholders, and professionals on RIPIN program operations, mission, and focus

Education and Experience:

• Demonstrated commitment to RIPIN’s mission
• High school diploma/GED required; Associates Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Education, or related field strongly preferred
• Personal experience navigating education, social, and/or healthcare systems and services for self or family member highly desired
• Experience working with and outreaching to diverse populations
• Experience organizing and/or delivering outreach/public awareness campaigns, workshops, and community information sessions.
• Community Health Workers certification preferred; non-certified incumbents are expected to earn certification within 18 months of hire date
• Fluency (speaking, reading, and writing) in English and Spanish required

Physical Demands:

• Regularly required to talk or hear
• Regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms
• Regularly required to climb stairs, reach, stretch, stand and bend
• Required to have the ability to lift and/or moves up to 25 pounds
• Required to remain at their station for prolonged periods of time

Working Conditions/ Work Environment:

• Primary work location is a climate-controlled indoor office environment; however, may also be required to conduct visits in private homes, climbing up to three flights of stairs, and community locations
• Flexibility for travel related to job requirements
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Provide own reliable transportation with proof of valid driver’s license and RI requirements of auto insurance

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

RIPIN provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.