Position Type: SCHOOL SUPPORT (NON-INSTRUCTIONAL)/PARENT LIAISONDate Posted: 11/11/2024Location: Academics DivisionPOSITION SUMMARY The Parent Mentor is a parent of a student with a disability who currently receives or has received special education services through an IEP. The incumbent will assist other families in building effective partnerships with schools and community that lead to greater achievement for their child. The Parent Mentor brings the lived experiences that assistteachers and educators to understand the family side of the equation. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION:
- High School Diploma/GED required
- 2 years of college preferred
CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:
WORK EXPEREINCE:
- Must be a parent of a child with a disability who is receiving or has previously received special education related services through an IEP.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Knowledge of resources available to both the school and community
- Excellent listening and communication skillS
- Ability to effectively communicate with district personnel, schools, the community and families
- Ability to be flexible and adapt as needed between in-person and virtual learning environments
- Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office
- Knowledge of school safety & security procedures
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- Strong interpersonal and decision making skills
- Flexible and can de-escalate potentially controversial situations
- Can work independently and in a team setting
- Attention to detail and organized
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Develops an Annual Plan, with the support of the Special Education Director or assigned administrator, on the focused work to impact an identified IDEA Performance Goal
- Prepares a Final Annual Report on the results of the work accomplished.
- Tracks family and educator contacts and submits a Quarterly Contact Summary Report.
- Provides professional learning opportunities and information packets that meet the needs of the parents of children with disabilities.
- Networks with appropriate community, state, and national agencies to provide parents, teachers, and administrators with up to date information pertaining to special education strategies and resources.
- Forms effective partnerships with parents, teachers, and school administrators in order to foster positive relationships.
- Develops an effective communication plan that focuses on keeping parents, teachers, school administrators, and community leaders informed about ongoing issues, concerns and successes. (ie: newsletters, website, eboards, and emails, etc.)
- Assists parents to understand the special education process, including IDEA, parent rights, and other local school district policies and procedures.
- Serves as a member of the local Stakeholders Group that set local performance goals for students with disabilities.
- Attends the Annual GaPMP Kickoff Conference each fall.
- Attends four (4) regional drive-in trainings.
- Attends the University drive-in training held in the spring
- Required to have prompt, regular attendance in-person or virtually and be available to work on-site, in-person during regular business hours, and as needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned by an appropriate administrator or their representative.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS The physical abilities, working conditions and other conditions of employment listed in this document are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of the requirements for positions in this classification. In the event of an emergency or situation requiring guidance from Federal, State, or local or school district authorities, the requirements of this position may change temporarily or for the school year to best serve the needs of our students. Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods. Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer. Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands to grasp and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head. Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 15 or more pounds on a frequent basis. Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors. Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Understand how to manage stress Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities: Will require travel to multiple sites. The Atlanta Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex,citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the duties, responsibilities and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management and administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. COMPENSATION Salary Grade: HOURLY Salary Range: APS Salary Schedules Work Days: $20.00 per hour / Not to exceed 29 hours per week