Preemie Parent Mentors

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This is a program utilizing veteran parents to provide peer support to NICU families, regardless of whether support is provided in-person, by phone or Internet.

The duties include:

1. 1. Defining the roles of a parent mentor:
   1. To actively and empathetically listen to and encourage NICU parents without trying to solve their problems or give them advice;
   2. To assist parents in identifying and utilizing their current support systems.
   3. To offer emotional and informational support.
   4. To encourage advocacy for their baby.
   5. To empower parents to step into their parental role as an essential member of their NICU baby's care team.
   6. To identify when to ask for help and where help is available for parents that mentors are supporting.
2. 2. Defining expectations of a parent mentor:
   1. To maintain confidentiality: the manner in which each hospital handles the sharing of patient information should be communicated.
   2. To treat all parents with respect, regardless of their cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic status and, religion.
   3. To make a time commitment for the program.
3. 3. Development of essential skill set:
   1. Basic communication and reflective listening skills.
   2. Understanding the expected and normal emotional responses of NICU parents, and responses that indicate parents might be at risk for more serious mental health issues.
   3. Understanding the dynamics of grief and loss.
   4. Knowledge of hospital and community resources. We've received your application and appreciate your interest in volunteering with us. Please fill out the application https://jobapps.hrdirectapps.com/applicantform/25147/0 and attach your resume to the online application. If you have any questions, please feel free to call our office at 407-905-5454 or email us at info@thegiftoflife27.org. Thank you for volunteering with The Gift of Life and making a difference.