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
Responsible for providing information, education, and support to families of children with special health care needs. Coordinates projects at RIPIN aimed at helping families effectively advocate for their children. Responsible for networking statewide, regionally, and nationally, as well as with state and community-based agencies. Provides technical assistance, education, and training to families, family leaders, professionals, and RIPIN staff in all programs.
Essential Functions
Plan, develop, and implement strategies to support families and support groups.
Support the translation of materials.
Develop and disseminate informational materials and ensure that materials and information are available in different formats and languages, as appropriate.
Collaborate with all RIPIN programs as needed to assist with information on support groups and other projects of Family Voices(FV).
Enter data and assist with preparation of state, federal, and funding reports and proposals.
Provide administrative support during meetings and events.
Present workshops and facilitate trainings as assigned.
Assist with coordination and planning of conferences, partnerships, outreach, policy, and system change efforts.
Participate and complete required trainings; represent RIPIN on assigned committees and councils as needed.
Actively participate as an effective team member in all assigned RIPIN meetings and FV team meetings.
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.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
A belief in the mission, vision, and values of RIPIN
Advanced knowledge of RI’s care systems, including health, education, special education, and special health care needs of children and youth and service systems supporting them.
Ability to facilitate group discussions and chair meetings, which may include workshops in the community; ability to speak in groups, including professional staff, providers, and participants
High level of interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills to interact on a professional level with consumers, parents, and professionals
Ability to utilize personal experiences to enhance support to families while maintaining professional boundaries
Ability to convey complex information in a clear and understandable manner
Organizational skills to include managing multiple activities; ability to prioritize projects of varying complexities; ability to meet required timelines
Ability to effectively work independently and in collaboration with multiple staff and programs
Ability to present to small and large audiences that include consumers, stakeholders, and professionals on RIPIN programs’ operations, mission, and focus
Proficiency in computer and internet navigation, as well as computer skills to maintain and update program-related materials, reports, and multiple database systems
Education And Experience
Fluency (speaking, reading, and writing) in English required
High school diploma/GED required; and a combination of education and skills to effectively carry out responsibilities and assignments
Prior related experience and/or training in support group work preferred
Demonstrated knowledge of RIPIN’s programs, mission and vision
Prior experience working with and connecting to diverse populations
Physical Demands
Regularly required to talk or hear.
Regularly 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 move 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 meet with individuals in community settings
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 minimum 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.
This description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the employee a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations required of his/her position. As the nature of the Agency’s work changes, so too, may the essential functions of this position.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Non-profit Organizations
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