(Hybrid) Parent Network Specialist - Center for Excellence in Disabilities - Eastern Panhandle

West Virginia University • Morgantown, WV

167d • Hybrid

About The Position

The purpose of this position is to provide resources and support to improve the quality of life for families and children enrolled in the Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) program through the WV Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR). Children who qualify include children with complex medical conditions and/or children in foster care. We will hire in 3 separate counties of Logan, Wood and Berkeley. The Parent Network Specialist works as a member of regional three person teams that include a CSHCN nurse and licensed social worker. The Parent Network Specialist will conduct activities to support the team in assisting families managing their child's health care services. Helps parents/caretakers understand their central role in managing their child's medical needs, making informed decisions about their child's care, and engaging them in healthy behaviors. The applicant would possess basic decision-making skills, good interpersonal skills, and resourceful problem-solving ability within available guides and precedents. Work effort impacts client services, program and project image, with nominal liabilities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• A minimum of six (6) months of related experience.
• Life experience as a parent/guardian of a child with a special health care need who has functional limitations and service needs.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's degree in a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receives and responds to referrals to assist families in self-managing their child's health care services.
• Organizes and/or participates in outreach activities including resource fairs and other community events, to inform target populations of the services available through the program.
• Collaborates with other CED and state university programming.
• Familiarizes with community resources and services that might benefit target populations.
• Shares expertise with team.
• Provides organizational tools and guidance to families who have a need for more intensive support.
• Provides families with information about upcoming opportunities/local community events that are inclusive, accessible, and promote health & fitness, emotional competence, and socially engaging activities.
• Coaches families on self-advocacy skills.
• Provides families with information about the IEP process.
• Provides families with information about their child's educational rights.
• Attends Circle of Parent support group model training and facilitates support groups.
• Attends required trainings and keeps current with required certifications.
• Serves as parent-faculty in the WVU Family Experience/Project DOCC (Delivery of Chronic Care) simulation.
• Participates in meetings with the CSHCN social worker or nurse on cases that the Parent Network Specialist has been involved in or may soon become involved in.
• Regularly participates in local Family Resource Network meetings and other social service groups statewide.
• Participates in the Medical Advisory Board meetings.
• Conducts surveys, facilitates community meetings, and guides conversations in order to gather input from families about their experiences and needs.
• Assists families with the completion of self-assessments.
• Reports activities to program manager and records data according to established program guidelines.
• Participates in program development and improvement through periodic reviews of policies, procedures, promotional materials, and other components of program effectiveness.
• Assists in the review of new policies and strategic planning including the Block Grant application as requested.
• Keeps accurate medical records within the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) guidelines and within the guidelines established by WV DHHR and CSHCN for Parent Network Specialists.
• Performs other CSHCN or CED duties related to the mission and purpose of a Parent Network Specialist as assigned by the Supervisor.

Benefits

• 37.5-hour work week.
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar).
• 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave).
• 18 sick days per year.
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits.
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match.
• Wellness programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: High school or GED