Transition Coach

The Spina Bifida Coalition in collaboration with the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center – Spina Bifida Center is seeking to add a Transition Coach to our research team. This position is the result of an ongoing research project, and the individual selected will work with adolescents and young adults living with spina bifida.  This is a grant-funded position for the period of July 2025 – June 2026 with the possibility of permanent employment.  

Principal Duties/Responsibilities:

• Identify and address transition needs of study participants not limited to
  • Self-management, self-advocacy, and organizational skills
  • Act as a community liaison for self-advocates to help build relationships and resources for independence.
  • Develop and create a trusting relationship with self-advocates.
  • Provide culturally sensitive services to study participants
  • Participate in assessment of each individual’s abilities, interests and needs toward independent living.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders across health and social care systems to bridge gaps in resources and expertise that will support self-advocate transition needs from pediatric to adulthood.
  • Work with parents, providers, and patients to set goals
• Participate as a member of the study team.
  • Help plan, implement, manage, and coordinate conversations and deliverables across self-advocates, their families.
  • Build relationships with community organizations and partners to support the establishment of increasing capacity for the transition coach role.
  • Collaborate and engage with current healthcare professionals/providers with study participants and parents to determine needs and planning goals.
  • Provide navigation for study participants by addressing any logistical barriers, scheduling complications, etc. that would prevent them from attending a Transition Coach appointment or healthcare appointment.
  • Help gather data and evaluate outcomes with the study team (ex. assessments, surveys, conversations, etc.)
• Provide study participant education about but not limited to:
  • Setting up their associated healthcare facility patient information system (i.e. My Chart)
  • Organization skills
    • Daily activity calendar for healthcare appointments, supportive care appointments/communication, Government related reviews
    • Teach and assist study participants in budgeting skills
    • Teach and assist study participants with bill paying software or banking services including how to write a check and use either hand or computerized entry and reconciliation.
    • Teach and assist study participants with menu planning, grocery shopping (order and/or shopping, delivery).
  • Accessing community-based resources and programs.
• Specific duties and responsibilities to the Spina Bifida Coalition.
  • Provide and maintain a calendar of community events on SBC Website.
  • Provide advocacy and support for study participants.
  • Produce reports on programming activities for the research team when requested.

Qualifications:

Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Demonstrated commitment to impacting the care of medically complex patients.
• Build capacity within the spina bifida community.
• Knowledge of spina bifida is preferred, however experience working with medically complex patients will be considered.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• Detail oriented with the ability to multi-task.
• Proficient in all Microsoft Applications including MS Office and Excel.
• Strong time management, organizational and planning skills.
• Attend professional development offerings as offered.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license with no more than 5 points on your MVR and proof of current automobile insurance.

 Preferred:

• BS in Social Work/Psychology or related field preferred.
• Two to three years of experience working in community or healthcare settings
• Exemplifies qualities and knowledge of Nine Core Competencies as identified by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Demonstrated proficiency in a second language a plus.