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Seeking Peer Support Mentors for New Support Program

February 2nd, 2022  | News

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We are excited to announce a new Peer Support Mentor program. In this first phase, we are seeking roughly 6-8 experienced parents (2+ years out from diagnosis, and across various causes, outcomes, etc.) for this initial cohort to assist Newly Diagnosed families in their journey with HIE, and 2-4 experienced loss parents (loss occurring in the neonatal period as well as in childhood) to assist New to Loss families, coordinated with Hope for HIE’s Social Worker.

OVERVIEW

Peer Support Mentors within Hope for HIE are experienced, compassionate and thoughtful parent leaders who provide emotional peer support to families. Leaning on their own personal experience and specific peer support training provided by Hope for HIE, the Peer Support Mentor is responsible to connect with up to 5 assigned peer mentees at a time, and engage more broadly in the applicable support forums, to reduce the negative impact of the HIE experience on families and ensure the best outcome for the entire family.

The Peer Support Mentor combines empathy, discernment, confidentiality, and objectivity combined with a dynamic professional attitude to convey Hope for HIE’s mission and values on behalf of the organization. Peer Support Mentors are under the direction of the Executive Director and Social Worker of Hope for HIE. Personal experience with Hope for HIE’s support network is required. PSMs are selected to serve in one year, renewable terms.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interpersonal connections with up to five assigned peer mentees at a time
• Interaction and leadership in applicable Hope for HIE subgroup on Facebook
• Use of Hope for HIE-assigned email to communicate with mentees and Hope for HIE leadership.
• Completion of Hope for HIE peer support training modules, and willingness to abide by them.
• Monthly, one hour check ins with the social worker to monitor progress of program, and problem solve any issues
• Regular check-ins with program leaders and other mentors to connect
• Ability to work both independently and on teams.
• Ability to think proactively, address problems creatively, and take initiative appropriately.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism as an ambassador for the organization.
• Elevation of safety concerns within a timely manner to Hope for HIE’s social worker
• Demonstrated excellence in organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION–

• Regular access to technology and participation is required
• PSMs are official volunteer roles within Hope for HIE, but will be compensated based on monthly participation