Employment Opportunities

Who We Are

Founded in 1999, Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) is a statewide nonprofit with a central office in Columbia, Md., and staff located in communities throughout the state.  Using personal experience as parents, caregivers, youth and other loved ones, we connect, support and empower Maryland’s families. Our staff provide one-to-one support to parents and caregivers of young people with mental health issues and to any loved one who cares for someone with a substance use or gambling issue. We also advocate to improve systems that impact individuals with behavioral health challenges. 

Overview

MCF has an employment opportunity for a part-time Youth Engagement Specialist. The Youth Engagement Specialist will be a young adult (18-26 years old) who has had personal experience in one or more youth-serving system, including mental health, substance use, the Department of Juvenile Services and/or the Department of Social Services), and would like to serve as a leader for the youth and young adult voice in Maryland. The Specialist will be a contributing member of Taking Flight, MCF’s statewide Youth Advisory Board.

Taking Flight is comprised of youth advocates who use their experiences to promote positive change in youth-serving systems. Taking Flight works to reduce stigma and encourage youth involvement in improving services for youth and young adults.  It also works to empower and support the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves on and supports a statewide Youth Advisory Board and coordinates with other youth initiatives including Youth MOVE, Healthy Transitions, On Our Own and other groups that may be identified.
• Speaks on panels, webinars and through other platforms about personal experience with behavioral health challenges; models appropriate, safe, and effective ways to share their stories.
• Serves on committees and supports other young people to serve on committees representing the young adult perspective in order to impact and improve youth-serving systems.
• Contributes creative ideas and timely topics for Taking Flight’s outreach and training to raise awareness around youth and young adult issues and interests in the behavioral health field, utilizing social media and other applications where appropriate.
• Assist in planning and implementing various youth activities throughout the year, such as an annual young adult retreat, outreach events and youth panels.
• Attends relevant trainings and conferences to stay abreast of issues related to youth and young adults in relation to behavioral health needs, and conducts outreach to distribute relevant material to event participants.
• Collaborates with youth and young adults in other systems throughout Maryland through regular contact and attending trainings or conferences to become aware of the similarities and challenges for youth in the systems.
• Attends Taking Flight meetings and other youth-related meetings or events as requested.

Qualifications

• Lived experience as a consumer of mental health/behavioral health services is required. Young adults in recovery from substance use disorder(s) are encouraged to apply.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and/or weekends as needed.
• Ability to work with youth and young adults from diverse cultural, religious, racial and economic backgrounds.
• Experience with social media and ability to follow MCF’s guidelines to safely use social media in promotion, outreach, and education.
• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively with a remote supervisor and fellow staff members.
• Current Maryland driver’s license and access to own vehicle; limited in-state travel required for various meetings/events across the state and to the MCF office in Columbia.
• Successful completion of a background check (required for all MCF employees). 

Hours/Compensation

• Part-Time/10-20 hours per week.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Salary: $12.50-$14.50 per hour.

To apply

 Provide your resume, along with a cover letter describing your interest in this position and your relevant experience as a consumer of mental health/and/or substance use services. Apply on our website at www.mdcoalition.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Please note that mailed or faxed resumes will not be considered. No phone calls please.

Diversity

Maryland Coalition of Families is committed to hiring a diverse and talented workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer – all qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, veteran status or any other classification protected by applicable discrimination laws.