Parent Mentor

Since 1949, TVCC has been working with children and youth to help them reach their full potential. Today, a wide range of services and supports are provided for young people with physical disabilities, communication disorders, developmental delays and autism spectrum disorders to support them in attaining the best available quality of life and health. In partnership with local and regional agencies, TVCC annually serves more than 11,000 children, youth and their families from birth to age 19 across Southwestern Ontario in over 700 locations. 

We are currently recruiting for a regular, part-time (18.75 hours per week) Parent Mentor. Parent Mentors are parents of children/youth with disabilities (physical disabilities, communication disorders, developmental delays and autism spectrum disorders) who support parents/caregivers of TVCC clients with navigating special education pathways and services in school. 

The designated office location for this position is London. Services are provided in Middlesex, Elgin, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Grey and Bruce counties. A flexible work schedule is required. This is a daytime position including some work on evenings and weekends. 

Responsibilities:

• Mentor and coach parents in developing and maintaining effective relationships with school, health and community personnel using a strength-based solution focused approach;  
• Work with TVCC teams through the lens of lived experience to mentor and coach parents and caregivers of children and youth with disabilities to understand and identify ways to enhance family well-being through everyday activities;
• Contribute to the ongoing development of strong social networks for families;
• Facilitate existing and develop new group and educational opportunities for families;
• Work within a multidisciplinary team delivering educational, interactive workshops;
• Assist families in understanding and effectively using available resources;
• Connect with families in a variety of settings (e.g. community, schools, Centre, etc.);
• Provide presentations for school, healthcare and community members;
• Collaboratively develop and promote relevant information and resources to support families;
• Participate and actively contribute to TVCC’s Client Advisory Council and subcommittees;
• Participate in the ongoing evaluation of the service.

Qualifications:

• Completion of 2-year post-secondary program;
• Life experience as a parent/primary caregiver of a child/youth with a disability (i.e., physical disability, developmental disability, autism spectrum disorder and/or communication disorder) who has experienced the special education stream of school;
• Demonstrated leadership, initiative and creativity, as well as interpersonal and organizational skills;
• Demonstrated ability to implement strengths-based solutions;
• Experience guiding/mentoring/coaching others;  
• Previous active participation in a parent group (e.g. School Councils, etc.); 
• Knowledge and experience with the special education stream in Ontario public education, including aspects such as the Identification Placement Review Committee process, Individual Education Plans, and the roles of special education staff;
• Knowledge of diversity and appreciation of families’ individual needs;
• Experience with virtual and social media platforms (e.g. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meets, Facebook);
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft 365 suite;
• Valid Ontario driver’s licence and access to a vehicle are required;
• Current CPR and First Aid certification;
• Ability to provide services in French would be an asset;
• Demonstrated ability to attend work on a regular basis.

TVCC is committed to equity and inclusion in the recruitment of qualified staff who reflect and support the diverse perspectives, experiences and needs of clients.

Salary Range:    $27.91 - $30.21/hour

To apply, please email your cover letter and resume (as an attachment in .pdf or Word format) to Human Resources at [email protected]. In the subject line of your email, please indicate the position you are interested in. To learn more about TVCC, please visit our website at www.tvcc.on.ca.  

While all applications are appreciated only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

TVCC is committed to making our recruitment and selection process accessible to all candidates. Accommodations for disabilities are available upon request.