Tennessee Voices for Children

PURPOSE: To provide advocacy support and information to families across Tennessee in finding and receiving appropriate services for their children with mental health needs. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Attend IEP meetings with parents to provide advocacy and support. QUALIFICATIONS: Some experience with IEP meetings. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Must be recommended by an Outreach staff member. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: Successful completion of Parent to Parent Advocacy training is required for the position. Candidates will also attend 2 IEP meetings with a certified Parent to Parent advocate. Other training will include an overview of Tennessee Voices for Children, system of care, mental health disorders, insurance, special education, behavior and discipline, juvenile justice, and completing required documentation. Training will take approximately 24 hours. TIME AND PLACE: Schools and designated meeting locations. Activities may take place during daytime or evening hours. COMMITMENT: 24 hours for training, shadowing 2 IEP meetings with a certified Parent to Parent Advocate, and then as needed to provide advocacy support for families SUPERVISION/EVALUATION: Supervision will be provided by the designated Tennessee Voices for Children Outreach Specialist in their area. The Parent to Parent Advocate volunteer will inform the Outreach Specialist when IEPS are scheduled, turn in required documentation once a meeting or IEP has been attended and volunteer hours monthly, and seek additional support and clarification of policies and procedures from the Outreach Specialist in their designated area. If the Outreach Specialist is not available, supervision will be provided the Statewide Family Support Network Coordinator. BENEFITS: Free training, a Parent to Parent manual, ongoing consultation with outreach staff, and TVC promotional materials (fact sheets and brochures)