The Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 invites applicants for a Parent Mentor for our Family Connections for Language and Learning Program.   This is a part-time position, up to 3 hours per week.  

Applicants must apply via Applitrack and complete the online application.  To be considered for an open position, applicants must upload the following required clearances:
Act 24 Arrest and Conviction Report
Act 34 Pennsylvania Criminal History Clearance
Act 151 Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance
Act 114 Federal Criminal History Clearance

Links to these clearances can be found here: https://www.tiu11.org/human-resources/

The Parent Mentor is directly responsible to the Program Coordinator for Family Connections for Language, Learning, and the Early Intervention Technical Assistance Director for supervision and evaluation.

Fundamental Duties/Essential Functions
1.    Describe options for families in an unbiased manner consistent with the philosophy and mission of Family Connections for Language and Learning.
2.    Support families with diverse backgrounds regardless of the educational and/or communication option they select.
3.    Assess and discuss needs with referred parents.  Discuss any concerns they are unsure how to address with Program Director.
4.    Document all contacts with parents participating in Family Connections for Language and Learning according to program documentation standards.
5.    Document all outreach events and presentations according to program documentation standards.
6.    Attend professional development activities identified by the Program Director to keep current on both deafness/hearing loss and family support issues.
7.    Follow confidentiality policies and IU requirements as it pertains to referrals and reporting.
8.    Assist in the collection and dissemination of resources (print, media, internet, research materials) that are relevant to and that assist in supporting parents of children who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind.
9.    Meet at least monthly with Program Coordinator of Family Connections for Language and Learning (can be virtual).
10.    Meet one on one with the Program Coordinator of Family Connections for Language and Learning at least once every three months.
11.    Monitor and respond to emails two times a week minimally unless inability to do so has been reported to the Program Director.
12.    Consistently adhere to confidentiality law /IU 11 policy as it pertains to referrals and reporting.
13.    Travel as needed both within and outside of region as needed to accommodate outreach events, presentations and/or other meetings.
14.    Travel to Harrisburg to participate in all statewide staff meetings and other meetings as requested by the Program Coordinator.
15.    Provide formal presentations about Family Connections for Language and Learning's mission, program, and services to parent and professional groups, in accordance with program guidelines.
16.    Represent Family Connections for Language and Learning at outreach events such as hospital events, conferences and fairs, in accordance with program guidelines. 
17.    Introduce basics about ASL, LSL and Cued Speech based on family interest/preference so that families can pursue instruction through Early Intervention.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Individuals must possess these skills, knowledge and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

1.    Knowledge of the Pennsylvania system of supports including the Newborn Hearing Screening Program, Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) and Early Intervention. 
2.    Be able to demonstrate the philosophy of unbiased support for families.
3.    Be able to demonstrate knowledge and application of the EITA "Getting Started" job aid.
4.    Be able to read and respond to emails from the Program Director and IU 11 within three business days, if unable to do this required skill due to special circumstances alert the Program Director.
5.    Demonstrate knowledge of local and regional resources.  including knowledge of the resources available to children with additional visual disabilities
6.    Knowledge of communication options, technology, educational philosophies in education of the deaf.
7.    Ability to communicate effectively in English or American Sign Language with others in all levels of group and individual contacts.
8.    Ability to communicate effectively in writing, using the English language.
9.    Willingness to travel, give presentations and attend meetings at various hours, including evenings and weekends as required.
10.    Ability to present oneself in a professional manner to include personal appearance and a pleasant demeanor to others.
11.    Ability to provide personal, reliable vehicle for own travel requirements.

Qualification Standards
1.    Education: A four-year Degree from a College or University preferred but not required.
2.    Experience: Preferred that the Parent Mentor be a parent of a child who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing and have a minimum of two years' experience interacting with the support systems in Pennsylvania.

A review of this job description has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and requirements are essential job functions.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee.  Employees will be required to follow any other job related instructions and to perform any other job related duties required by their supervisor.