Now Hiring

Parent to parent support allows families to learn, process

and act on information and resources in a comfortable
and supportive environment. In addition, the guidance
and friendship of another parent who has experienced
similar emotions, events and responsibilities often allows
families to feel more at ease with an understanding that
everything is going to be okay.

Guide By Your Side provides unbiased, emotional

support and resources by trained Parent Guides
to families with children who have a hearing loss.

Guide By Your Side (GBYS) focuses on providing support

and resources for Illinois families with children who are
deaf or hard of hearing. GBYS works one on one with
families matching a trained Parent Guide with each family. The Parent Guide meets with the family to discuss
concerns, needs and the personal journey of raising a
child with a hearing loss.
Are you interested in learning more about the role of the
Parent Guide and how to apply? On the backside of this
flyer is the job description of the Parent Guide and how
to receive an application. We will also be holding an
online informational webinar on April 4th at 9 pm. The
webinar will explain more about the GBYS program and
time will also be available to ask questions. If you would
like to participate in the webinar please contact Carrie
Balian to RSVP.

Applications will be accepted from applicants residing in

regions 1, 2, 3 and 4 (see map) until April 18th, 2016.

Applicants must be available, if hired, to attend the

annual GBYS in-person training June 19thJune 21, 2016
in Normal, IL.

Contact person: Carrie Balian, Program Coordinator

Guide By Your Side
(224.343.1873) Text or Call
ilhvgbys@gmail.com

Cb 4.16

JOB DESCRIPTION
PARENT GUIDE, GUIDE BY YOUR SIDE (GBYS)
Reports to: Carrie Balian, Coordinator, IL Hands & Voices, Guide By Your Side, the Parent Guide position is
an Independent Contract Position with IL Hands & Voices.
Illinois Hands & Voices and the Illinois Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs work in
collaboration to support the IL Guide By Your Side program. Parent Guides are paid and trained and are also
parents of children with a hearing loss. They provide unbiased support and resources to families throughout IL
who have children with a hearing loss.
Requirements:
- Support parents through identification and follow-up services for their child with a hearing loss,
regardless of the educational and/or communication option that the families select.
- Be able to distinguish between a personal belief system and bias, and not influence or skew information
or input shared with a family.
- Be comfortable when supporting parents through the emotions associated with learning of their childs
diagnosis.
- Be knowledgeable of local and state resources for children with a hearing loss, and for those who have
additional disabilities.
- Be able to work collaboratively with the IFSP and IEP team members, with an understanding of the
birth to 3/Part C, early childhood systems, and Part B public education systems.
- Be able to treat all families with kindness and respect regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status,
or life style even if they conflict with their own values.
- Be sensitive and supportive of cultural, value and belief differences shared by families.
- Bilingual Parent Guides must have a strong understanding of the unique challenges faced by families
where English is not the primary language. Support will be provided through the native language of the
family.
- Must provide your own transportation and be willing to travel to meet with families in your region.
Authorized expenses will be reimbursed.
Qualifications:
- Parent of child with hearing loss strongly preferred.
- Looking for applicants from regions 1, 2, 3 and 4. Please see IL GBYS region map.
- Basic computer skills (word, excel, power point) and internet.
- Ability to complete appropriate documentation in a comprehensive and timely manner.
- Must be available for mandatory initial training (June 19 - June 21, 2016) and 80% of on-going
trainings.
- Must maintain standards of confidentiality compliant with HIPAA, FERPA and Part C Privacy
Regulations.
- Must be active in their community, and be a member in good standing with Illinois Hands & Voices
(application to Illinois Hands & Voices may be completed after hire).
To receive an application contact Carrie Balian at 224.343.1873 or e-mail her at ilhvgbys@gmail.com.
Applications due by April 18, 2016.
For more information about Illinois Guide By Your Side, refer to www.ilhandsandvoices.org/GBYS.
Cb 4.16

Cb 4.16