Environmental Assessor I

Green & Healthy Homes Initiative
Providence
Bachelor’s Degree Preferred
Bilingual Spanish Required
Professional experience conducting home inspections & audits
Full-time, $75K

Salary Range:$70,000.00 To $75,000.00 Annually

About the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative

The Green & Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works across the United States to address the unhealthy housing conditions in America’s lowest income communities. GHHI aims to address the social determinants of health and create pathways for better health, economic and social outcomes for children, seniors, and families – including health and racial equity – by creating healthy, lead safe and energy efficient homes.

GHHI supports housing, environmental health, and energy efficiency services for families in communities around the country, as well as conducting direct services in Rhode Island. GHHI’s delivery model is based on its data-driven philosophy that public and private investments in social care and the social determinants of health are optimized and program outcomes are maximized when the energy, health, and safety needs of an occupied home are addressed comprehensively, efficiently, and simultaneously. 

GHHI’s employees are all expected to work by adhering to the organization’s core operating values: assume good intent, operate with transparency, deliver on time with excellence, and ensure racial equity and diversity is considered in all policies, practices, and actions.

Mission Statement:

The Green & Healthy Homes Initiative is dedicated to addressing the social determinants of health and the advancement of racial and health equity through the creation of healthy, safe and energy efficient homes. By delivering a standard of excellence in its work, GHHI aims to eradicate the negative health impacts of unhealthy housing and unjust policies for children, seniors, and families to ensure better health, economic and social outcomes for low-income communities of color.

Our Model:

GHHI effectively integrates funding from private and public sources to deliver results for low-income residents. 

GHHI Delivers:

  • Government innovation in service delivery and cost savings
  • Measurable improvements in health, economic and social outcomes for children and families
  • Development of community-based green jobs and social enterprise
  • Healthy, safe, stable, and affordable homes
  • Increased family economic security including wealth retention and reduced family displacement

Position Summary: The Green & Healthy Homes Initiative seeks an Environmental Assessor professional to perform environmental assessments and housing inspections of residential homes in Providence, RI. This key position aims to help the organization reduce home-based environmental health hazards in clients’ homes. The goal of GHHI is to utilize a single stream housing assessment and intervention model to create safe homes for children, families and older adults that are free of asthma triggers, lead hazards, and safety hazards, and that are weatherized and energy efficient. Join a team that is making a difference in the lives of families and seniors.

The Environmental Assessor will conduct environmental assessments using GHHI’s Expanded Comprehensive Health and Safety Housing Assessment in housing units occupied by children with poorly controlled asthma and in units that have been deferred from local weatherization programs due to the presence of health and safety hazards in the home. Based on the results of the assessment, the Assessor will develop and manage the delivery of scopes of work by contractors to remove asthma triggers and other health hazards from the unit and to the extent feasible, work with collaborating partners to ensure that units are energy efficient. The GHHI Environmental Assessor will work closely with complimentary programs and services such as the City of Providence’s Lead Safe program and the Community Action Partnership of Providence’s weatherization and energy efficiency programs, and other housing programs to ensure maximum impact on health and housing quality for participating families. The Assessor will provide all contractor oversight and will conduct quality control inspections.

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Conduct environmental assessments and housing inspections utilizing GHHI’s Comprehensive Health and Safety Housing Assessment.
  • Develop of Scopes of Work and cost estimates for healthy homes interventions (lead hazard reduction, mold/moisture remediation, integrated pest management, asthma trigger reduction, indoor air quality, household injury prevention, removal of know and tube wiring, etc.)
  • Work with the Program Manager to recruit and retain a network of contractors to perform health and safety interventions
  • Assign work to and coordinate independent contractors, monitor project progress and budgets, track contractor performance and ensure work is being completed according to HUD and EPA regulations.
  • Conduct ongoing site inspections and clearance inspections upon completion to determine whether the unit is safe and contains no remaining health hazards, in compliance with EPA and HUD standards.
  • Work closely with partnering agencies to align healthy housing work with energy efficiency, weatherization, and housing rehabilitation interventions.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with Providence based GHHI team members and partners including the Vice President of State and Local Strategic Services, the Healthy Providence Healthy Homes Project Director, Client Intake Specialist, and partnering community health workers and health care providers.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with GHHI staff conducting similar work in sites around the country to support the development and sharing of best practices and continual learning.
  • Work alongside community health workers to provide information to families on risk awareness, prevention techniques, and prevention resources relating to asthma triggers and health and safety hazards identified in the home during the housing assessment.
  • Install basic safety measures to reduce household safety hazards in participating properties where applicable.
  • Perform initial integrated pest management in participating properties where applicable.
  • Report data in compliance with standards and regulations and maintain responsibility for project reports.
  • Maintain electronic property files and report data in compliance with Program standards and requirements and maintain responsibility for project reporting in GHHI’s Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) client database.
  • Monitor achievement toward program goals and make recommendations towards overcoming barriers for service delivery.
  • Support building relationships with community partners to increase program referrals, build program partnerships and recommend additional resources that program clients can utilize.
  • Participate in weekly and other team meetings as appropriate.
  • Complete expenditure reports and support the development of progress reports.
  • Other duties as assigned related to the organization’s mission and programs. 

Requirements

  • Knowledge and professional experience conducting home inspections, cost estimating, preparing scopes of work or remediating home-based environmental health issues – particularly mold, lead hazard reduction, weatherization, and/or safety hazards.
  • Minimum of one year of experience in performing home energy audits or in a related field such as a housing inspector required.
  • Bilingual in Spanish and English.
  • High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
  • Experience coordinating contractors and subcontractors in conducting housing interventions
  • Professional, positive work ethic and desire to make a difference for families living in Providence, RI.
  • This position will be assigned duties that require the operation of a motor vehicle.  The incumbent must maintain ready access to a motor vehicle, possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license, and maintain required auto insurance.

Preferred

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • BPI (Building Performance Institute) Energy Auditor or Building Analyst certification.
  • Rhode Island Pesticide Commercial Applicator Control Applicator License, previous integrated pest management experience, degree in IPM (Integrated Pest Management) related field preferred, or willingness to obtain certification and licensure if needed. 
  • EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair and Painting) and Lead Risk Assessor certified.
  • Bilingual – English and Spanish speaking.

Additional Information

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

The salary for this position is set at $75,000 per year and is non-negotiable.  This compensation reflects our commitment to equity, transparency, and consistency across our team.

This is a full-time, exempt position based in Providence Rhode Island. Position includes full benefits package and competitive salary commensurate with experience. The costs of required certification courses will be provided where applicable. Green & Healthy Homes Initiatives reserves the right, at its own discretion, to accept professional experience in a related field in lieu of any of the specific requirements above. 

Green & Healthy Homes Initiative is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) with respect to employment opportunities. GHHI embraces diversity, excellence, and mission forward professionalism.Copyright © 2025, ADP, Inc. All rights reserved.Privacy

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Swanette Shares 2/13/25

This information was shared in an email from Swanette Salazar CCHW on 2/13/25, in her role as the Lead Community Health Worker Consultant – Rhode 2 Equity(CTC-RI). Some of this info is in the CHWARI Newsletter – some is not due to time issues. We will try to post updates like this on our website so that all resources are ‘out there!’ We are working on a way to coordinate communications better. 

Hello everyone,

If you are planning to visit Washington, D.C. in March for the NACHW Capitol Hill visit, I invite you to join us for the February CHW Voices session. Let’s come together to discuss how we can present a united front and make the greatest impact on our Rhode Island legislators during our visits to their offices in D.C! We want to ensure they are eager to learn more about #CHWsinRI.

You will hear from RI CHWs who attended last year, as well as insights from some of our national CHW advocacy partners who will share valuable advice to help us prepare.

Have you heard about…?

  • Share Your Story: The Impact of Federal Executive Orders
    • APHA is collecting stories on how recent executive orders—specifically federal funding halts and the elimination of DEI initiatives—are affecting communities, organizations, and public health efforts. Your input can help illustrate the real-world consequences of these policy changes. Share your experience and feel free to distribute widely: Submit your story.
  • Upcoming Community Outreach Perinatal Education Training | 4-day in-person doula training in March 8-5pm in Providence, RI
  • Refugee Dream Center on RI PBS!
  • What is a CCBHC? | Learn more here.
  • Meals on Wheels 2024 Annual Report
    • Volunteer drivers are needed to deliver meals to homebound older adults facing food insecurity and social isolation. Learn more and apply here.
      • Areas in greater need of volunteers are Providence, Newport, Warwick, and West Warwick

Advocacy & Legislation

  • Vot-ER 2025 Civic Health Fellowship applications open now. Deadline: March 16, 2025
    • 8-month journey to gain training on community organizing & civic engagement, build real-world skills & connections with civic health leaders, and create & launch a civic health campaign that drives impact. Learn more and apply here.
  • Common Cause RI: Demystifying Democracy Series | Understanding the State Budget Process | 3/29 at the Providence Public Library. RSVP here.
  • See the attached template from RIght from the Start to help share your voice via written testimony.
    • This can be very short and to the point. It makes a difference when they receive many letters to help share the thoughts and needs from the community. Your voice is important! Sharing your real stories can truly make a difference.
  • The Coalition to Improve RI Maternity Care
  • Community Voices needed to help advance expansion of community care for families. Connect with Urban Perinatal Education Center to share stories on other platforms.
https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/7f67fc6e-dd86-4f71-a6c5-9c44fdabcf41/Share%20Your%20StoryCPM(1).png/:/rs=w:686

Professional Development, Opportunities, Resources

  • CALL FOR CHW ABSTRACTS! RIPHA is not accepting proposals for the Student and CHW poster session for their annual summit, “Public Health: The Future is Now” on April 28, 2025. Submit proposal here. Reach out to riphasummit@gmail.com with questions and for further information
    • The session is a key feature of the summit aimed to highlight scientific, academic, advocacy, and other applied topics presented by students and CHWs and proposals must be aligned with the conference theme, “ Innovative Approaches to Advance Public Health: A Call to Collective Action.
    • These sessions will have both in-person and virtual options.
    • Submissions are open until Friday, March 7, 2025.
  • RI Association for Infant Mental Health (RIAIMH) Community Conversation Series
https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/7f67fc6e-dd86-4f71-a6c5-9c44fdabcf41/Learn%20More%20About%20Community%20Midwifery%202.2025.png/:/rs=w:686

Community Resources, Opportunities, & Events

https://files.constantcontact.com/d30ca80f101/8acc6e00-afcd-4cd5-ba34-0baa418d01b2.png?rdr=true
  • FSRI Mental Health First Aid Training | March 7th, 2025 | Download flier here. | Sign up here.
  • Volunteer needed to facilitate Refugee Dream Center’s Women Support Group
    • The group gathers every Thursday from 12-1pm and focus on fostering a supportive community for refugee women and assisting them in adapting to American culture.
    • For further details reach out via phone call at 401-300-0544, by email info@refugeedreamcenter.org, or by visiting their office at 747 Broad Street in Providence, RI.
  • Mental Health First Aid Training | March 18th, 2025 | Download flier here.
  • Friends Way Grief and Loss Support Group | Every other Monday in Central falls
  • Urban Perinatal Education Monthly Crochet Circle – March 6, 2025
https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/7f67fc6e-dd86-4f71-a6c5-9c44fdabcf41/March%20Crochet%20Circle%202025.png/:/rs=w:686

Self-care resources/events


Articles + Videos + Podcasts

Potential Grants, Funding, and Award Opportunities

  • RWJF is offering $50k for 30 communities to collect and leverage their local data! Learn more here!

Lead Lactation Community Program & Policy Specialist

CTC-RI
Lactation Counseling / Doula Experience Required
Feb-September with potential renewal

The Care Transformation Collaborative of RI (CTC-RI) is excited to announce the upcoming contract for a Lactation Community Program and Policy Specialist, starting February 15 through September 29, with the potential for renewal based on available funding.

This role is a key part of implementing the RI Department of Health’s 2025-2030 Breastfeeding Strategic Plan, developed through the collaborative efforts of HEAL, the WIC, and MCH programs. The plan outlines five priorities: 1) Lactation Workforce, 2) Education and Awareness, 3) Equitable Access to Services, 4) Breastfeeding-Friendly Policies, and 5) Data, Regulations, and Collaboration. CTC-RI will work with healthcare and community partners to address health disparities and improve breastfeeding care across the state, aligning with the CDC’s 2023-2028 State Physical Activity and Nutrition Program cooperative agreement. This exciting initiative marks a significant step in creating lasting change and ensuring better care for breastfeeding families in RI.

Swanette Shares 12/30/24

Hi everyone,

Many of you know that this newsletter began with my work in Rhode to Equity and initially served as a weekly resource newsletter for the Rhode to Equity teams. It now covers various topics, primarily aimed at helping you build your toolkit and stay informed while sharing opportunities for you to make your voices heard.

In the coming year, I will begin transitioning out of this role. I want to emphasize the importance of continuing our connection and communication, as that is where real change begins. We all need to take action, but it’s not solely our responsibility! Together, we can achieve meaningful change. 😊

Please make sure to sign up for the CHWARI, RIDOH CHW Program, and NACHW newsletters to stay updated.

Stay Connected by signing up here.

What began with 18 CHWs and teams has now grown to over 170 CHWs and allies. Woohoo!! ❤

Have you heard about…?

  • Our wonderful partner, Mitchelle Abuna at RIDOH, many of you may know from previous focus groups and coding opportunities, is conducting a Community Resources Mapping Survey. We encourage you to take 5-10 minutes to complete this survey. Your participation will help Mitchelle gather data to better understand the distribution, qualifications, and focus areas of CHWs across the state. Thank you for your support! click here.
  • The Olmstead Act is coming to RI and they need our input from those living with disabilities, those who work with people with disabilities, caregivers, family, friends, etc. The two upcoming listening sessions for Olmstead will be held 1/3 and 1/7. See the attached PDFs to share with the community.
    • $50 stipend available!
    • These sessions will serve as a chance to speak about what is working and what is not working in this state for people living with disabilities.
    • To reserve a seat for these in-person sessions, register at www.oscil.org/olmstead  or call 401-738-1013.
    • Brown University is also holding an in-person session 1/7 and a virtual session on 1/8 5-6:30pm
  • The RI Public Health Association and RIDOH are collaborating on a new data-informed initiative focused on immunizations. This project aims to create community reports based on data to guide and support health promotion efforts, public health messaging, and related initiatives.
    • They are seeking 10-12 participants and aim to start with focus groups in early January via 2-hour Zoom sessions.
    • Compensation of $50 per hour for each participant
    • Currently seeking participants for 3 focus groups in Providence, Block Island, and in the Tribal Community.
    • What to expect: Discussions on experiences related to accessing and receiving vaccines, barriers faced, and ideas for developing and implementing health promotion materials for immunization
    • For more information contact Paola Henderson at Phenderson@carelinkri.org
  • The RIPIN Family Voices team is reevaluating their English Support Groups to better understand the needs of English-speaking parents and caregivers of a child with special health care needs . Please take a moment to share this survey with others to provide feedback that can help shape future support opportunities. Survey here.
  • Governor McKee and HealthSourceRI announce new flexibilities in place to help RI’ers stay connected to coverage for 2025 while they navigate the breach.

Advocacy & Legislation

Professional Development, Opportunities, Resources

Community Resources, Opportunities, & Events

  • See the attached “Know Your Rights Immigration” PDFs
  • RIDOH Family Visiting is recruiting for their 2025 Family Visiting Parent/Caregiver Advisory Council – see attached PDF for flyer in English and Spanish
    • Families receive $40 gift cards for attending each monthly session and they ask for 1-2 year commitment.
    • Meetings are virtual 5:30 – 7pm via Zoom and are a mix of providing input on services impacting pregnant people and families with young children.
    • Current families and recent graduates of Early Head Start, Early Intervention, First Connections, Healthy Families of America, Nurse-Family Partnership, and Parents as Teachers are welcome to join!
  • Volunteer Opportunities for kids and adults at Roger Williams Park and Zoo. Learn more here.

Self-Care

Articles + Videos + Podcasts

Happy New Year!

Swanette

Swanette Salazar CCHW

Lead Community Health Worker – First Connections Program Lead Community Health Worker Consultant – Rhode 2 Equity(CTC-RI)

Peer Recovery Specialist

East Bay Community Action Program
Newport
Full-time
Peer Recovery Coach Certification

To see their listing – go to https://www.ebcap.org/careers-internships/careers/ and filter under behavioral health.

East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) is seeking a full time Peer Recovery Support Specialist/ Admin for Behavioral Health Services at the Recovery Center in Newport, RI . Join our expanding program and support a dynamic multidisciplinary team.

The Support Specialist will provide recovery support services to a population that has either limited access to services or the inability to directly access services. He/she will provide recovery coaching to those who come to the center or are referred to our recovery center through our agency or other agencies seeking peer support. He/she will assist clients to prioritize and obtain appropriate referrals and/or services, such as health/dental/behavioral healthcare, housing, vocational services, social service benefits, and Narcan education.

This position requires RI Certification as a Peer Recovery Coach with a minimum of 2 years working in a recovery setting, reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and automobile insurance do possible transfers of members to treatment. This position is full-time Monday through Friday and may include Saturday.

EBCAP is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to providing a diverse work environment.

Per Diem CHW

Wheelhouse Health Navigation
Part-time, $25/hr
Hours towards Certification!
Familiar with technology

Position type: Per Diem CHW Pay: $25/hour

CHW Certification: We can work with you to obtain certification. This is an excellent opportunity to work
toward your 1000 hours of experience required for certification.
This position is perfect for CHWs/individuals that are already working part time and are looking for some
supplemental hours. The hours will be sporadic and we will reach out when we need additional help.


About Us:
Wheelhouse Health is your trusted partner in navigating the complex healthcare system. We offer a
comprehensive range of services to make your healthcare journey as smooth as possible. We help with
securing primary care physicians, scheduling appointments, facilitating transportation to and from medical
visits, understanding your insurance coverage and appealing billing decisions. With multilingual support, we
ensure accessibility to our services in your preferred language.


Job Description:
We are seeking a passionate individual to join our team as a Community Health Worker. This person will be
joining a newly formed startup organization, and will be tasked with conducting screening calls, scheduling
visits and communicating logistics with our clients. We are looking for a dynamic, flexible individual who has a
strong advocacy background and is willing to tackle a wide range of healthcare barriers. This will be part-time
work, moving to full-time pending funding approval.


Responsibilities:

  • Advocacy: working with healthcare providers to secure healthcare, benefits, resources, and supplies
    to support clients in their path to establishing a successful life.
  • Education: teaching clients about the system to help them understand steps to take on their own.
  • Multi-Lingual: All of our clients will speak other languages and may or may not be capable of
    speaking English. They may or may not be literate in their own language as well.
  • Technology: We utilize several software platforms and virtual resources in order to conduct our work
    as efficiently as possible.
  • Communication: ensure that all updates are delivered to clients in a timely manner, including
    available resources and appointment confirmations

Qualifications:

Must be certified as a Community Health Worker within the next 18 months (this position will serve as
supervised hours toward certification)

Must be willing to be paid on a 1099 (independent contractor) basis

Must be proficient in technology, including Google Drive, email, online phone systems and more

Must be able to advocate for clients in difficult situations
Contact: info@wheelhouse-health.com. Email to set up an initial interview and call testing session.

Per Diem Outreach Peer Recovery Specialist

East Bay Community Action Program
Per-Diem Warren/Newport?
Peer Recovery Certification Required

To see their listing – go to https://www.ebcap.org/careers-internships/careers/ and search for Peer Recovery.

East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) is seeking a Per Diem Outreach Peer Recovery Specialist for Behavioral Health Services to respond to Newport Emergency Department and meet with anyone who requests recovery support services. Also providing information to family members as needed.

This position requires RI Certification as a Peer Recovery Coach with a minimum of 2 years working in a recovery/street outreach setting, reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and automobile insurance. The successful candidate would receive training in EBCAP’s electronic medical record which is NextGen.

Thank you for your interest in employment opportunities at East Bay Community Action Program.

EBCAP is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to providing a diverse work environment

Peer Specialist

East Bay Community Action Program
Barrington
Full-time
Peer Specialist Certification Required

Department:Behavioral Health
Location:Barrington, RI

To see their listing – go to https://www.ebcap.org/careers-internships/careers/ and filter for behavioral health.

East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) is seeking a full time Peer Specialist for the Behavioral Health Services Division at the 2 Old County Road location in Barrington, RI. Join our expanding Behavioral Health Services Division in support of a dynamic multidisciplinary team. Utilizing training and personal knowledge/experience of recovery, serve as a role-model for new and existing clients within the Health Home treatment environment, as well as assisting peers in making behavioral and/or physical changes leading to positive lifestyle improvement

The Peer Specialist requires a Peer Specialist and/or Wellness Coach Certification obtained through the State of Rhode Island, as well as reliable transportation, valid driver’s license and automobile insurance. This position is Monday through Friday with periodic rotation of an early evening, Saturday, Sunday, and/or Sunday. The successful candidate would receive training in EBCAP’s electronic medical record which is NextGen.

The Candidate must utilize his/her personal knowledge/experience of recovery to be a role-model for new and existing clients. He/she will assist clients in recognizing strengths and weaknesses, provide the tools for clients to learn coping skills, role-model self-recovery, and provide coaching and mentoring with the goal of client self-sufficiency and recovery. Hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM four days a week and 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM one of the remaining days of the week. The position requires one Saturday a month and a periodic holiday during the year to accompany a Community Treatment Specialist on client case management home visits.

For Full Time Employees Working 30 – 40 hours per week, EBCAP provides a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes heavily subsidized medical and dental insurance plans (BCBSRI), supplemental vision insurance, voluntary medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, up to 3% company matching 403(b) retirement plan, employer-paid life insurance & long term disability, generous paid time off that includes vacation/holidays/personal days/sick time, mileage reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, opportunities for center-paid training/CEUs, employee assistance program.

Thank you for your interest in employment opportunities at East Bay Community Action Program.

EBCAP is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to providing a diverse work environment.

Bilingual Health Education Specialist, Community Health Network

RIPIN
Full-time, $20-22/hr
Bilingual Spanish Required
Experience working with older adults

Job Summary:  

The Health Education Specialist is an integral part of the Community Health Network (CHN) and the Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) program. The Health Education Specialist engages with individuals telephonically using tools such as Motivational Interviewing to connect individuals to CHN and WISEWOMAN programs and services, identifies and addresses barriers to participation, and provides follow-up to providers.

Essential Functions:

  • Assess needs of individuals referred to Community Health Network and/or WISEWOMAN, provide support and health coaching to participants to achieve their healthy lifestyle goals, and make referrals to RIPIN programs and/or other community-based organizations as needed to assist individuals.
  • Utilizing Salesforce and other Electronic Health Record systems to process referrals and provide detailed documentation of consumer interactions per RIPIN and Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) business practices.
  • Maintain relationships with community health centers and community organizations to identify community resources that support health and wellness (e.g., bike paths, walking clubs).
  • Communicate with referring primary care providers and community-based organizations to follow-up on referrals and provide updates on participation as needed.
  • Maintain confidentiality standards and accurate documentation of case records; maintain complete and accurate records within agency and program guidelines, including guidelines set by RIDOH and RIPIN.
  • Conduct academic detailing and outreach to providers, community-based organizations, and employers regarding CHN and evidenced-based programs.
  • Accept other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, both written and verbal
  • Experience speaking/presenting to groups of people and the ability to facilitate a group conversation.
  • Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with a team.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, etc.) is required.
  • Fluency (speaking, reading, and writing) in English and Spanish required.
  • Ability to utilize personal experiences to enhance support to individuals.
  • Organizational skills to include managing multiple activities; ability to prioritize projects of varying complexities; ability to meet required timelines.

Education and Experience:

  • High School diploma or GED required. Combination of education and equivalent work experience to meet needs of the position.
  • Community Health Workers certification preferred; non-certified incumbents are expected to earn certification within 18 months of hire date.
  • Past employment or volunteer experience working with older adults and assistance with technology.
  • Or any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to climb stairs, reach, stretch, stand and bend. The employee frequently lifts and/or moves up to 25 pounds.

Working Conditions/ Work Environment:

  • Primary work location is a climate-controlled office environment; however, employee may need to work in a variety of uncontrolled venues/environments including various community locations.
  • Flexible schedule including night/weekend hours maybe required to meet the needs of the program.
  • Must have suitable space to work at home as needed.
  • Provide own reliable transportation with proof of RI minimum requirements of auto insurance.

Bilingual Peer Support Coordinator, Special Education

RIPIN
Full-time, $20-22/hr
Bilingual English Spanish Required
Advanced Knowledge of Special Education in RI Required

Job Summary:

The Bilingual Peer Support Coordinator – Special Education, will provide comprehensive supports and a continuum of services for families as it relates to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The position requires a focus on collaboration with the increasing family/school partnerships, and creating awareness of parental/caregiver rights in the educational success for students with disabilities.

Essential Functions:

  • Mentor families encountering special education concerns; assist families with navigating the education/special education system and community resources. Utilize motivational interviewing skills and culturally sensitive methods to support members in achieving their goals.
  • Provide support, information, and leadership skills to families through phone, face-to-face, and virtual contact to enhance their ability to effectively engage in school leadership activities. Accompany families to Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings and other relevant meetings as needed.
  • Provide referrals and care-coordination to RIPIN programs and/or other community organizations as needed to assist families and individuals with successfully completing goals. Collaborate with RIPIN staff to avoid duplication of service.
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with professionals, families, partner agencies and organizations. Promote all RIPIN services to families, community organizations, and schools.
  • Represent RIPIN on local, state, and federal special education and transition to adulthood related committees as needed.
  • Facilitate education and/or advocacy workshops for families, consumers, professionals, and community partners as needed.
  • Maintain an updated database of all contacts, encounters and record committee activities accurately. Actively participate as effective team member in all agency meetings and debriefings. Make constructive use of individual and peer supervision.
  • 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.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Advanced knowledge of education, special education in Rhode Island including transition of students age 14 – 22.
  • Knowledge of Rhode Island’s human service systems supporting families of children with disabilities and/or special healthcare needs
  • High level of interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills to interact on a professional level with our diverse stakeholders, including parents and professionals
  • Ability to convey complex information in a clear and understandable manner
  • Organizational skills to include managing multiple activities
  • Ability to effectively work independently and in collaboration with multiple staff and programs
  • Proficiency in computer and internet navigation (online documents, search engine, government websites), Proficient in Microsoft products, including Microsoft Office Suite, as well as computer skills to maintain and update program related materials, reports and database
  • Ability to effectively carry out the mission and philosophy of RIPIN and a willingness to work cooperatively and collaboratively with multiple constituents
  • Ability to present to small and large audiences that include consumers, stakeholders, and professionals on RIPIN program operations, mission, and focus

Education and Experience:

  • Demonstrated commitment to RIPIN’s mission
  • High school diploma/GED required; Associates Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Education, or related field strongly preferred
  • Personal experience navigating education, social, and/or healthcare systems and services for self or family member highly desired
  • Experience working with and outreaching to diverse populations
  • Experience organizing and/or delivering outreach/public awareness campaigns, workshops, and community information sessions.
  • Community Health Workers certification preferred; non-certified incumbents are expected to earn certification within 18 months of hire date
  • Fluency (speaking, reading, and writing) in English and Spanish required

Physical Demands:

  • Regularly required to talk or hear
  • Regularly is 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 moves 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 conduct visits in private homes, climbing up to three flights of stairs, and community locations
  • 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 requirements of auto insurance

About RIPIN:

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.