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This is an excellent entry level opportunity for people who want to help
families in need!
We seek people who have personal experience (not work related) as a primary caregiver of a child/youth who has/had substance use or mental health challenges.
We offer: flexible schedules
remote work
great benefits, including generous paid time off
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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.
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Overview
Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) has a full-time (40 hours/week) position for a Family Peer Support Specialist (FPSS) to serve families in Calvert county who have youth/young adult with substance use or mental health challenges. The candidate must have personal experience (not work experience) as a caregiver of a youth/young adult with substance use challenges. After training and orientation, the Family Peer Support Specialist will provide family-to-family support, education, advocacy, coaching, information, referrals and follow-up to families seeking assistance.
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Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide education and support to family members or other loved ones on behalf of a youth/young adult with substance use challenges to assist with negotiating their way through the social, legal, educational and health care systems.
- Facilitate a process for families to develop a plan to: clarify the problem(s); provide emotional support; identify needs and strengths; and identify resources including appropriate levels of services, entitlements, community resources and other natural supports.
- Assist families and other loved ones in building their own community based support network, and ensure that their goals are integrated into one unified plan as necessary.
- Facilitate families and other loved ones accessing supports and services by: sharing information about resources and supports; making phone calls to connect families and other loved ones with resources; providing guidance in completing forms and applications; reviewing documents or reports with families and other loved ones to ensure they fully understand documents; and accompanying them to meetings.
- Support families and other loved ones to fully understand their rights, educate them on laws, policies and procedures, and empower families and other loved ones to effectively articulate their concerns and needs.
- Assist with outreach and education activities for the Good Samaritan Ambassador Program to increase awareness and understanding of the Good Samaritan Law, including conducting outreach to new families previously unconnected to MCF’s work.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with agencies and providers of services related to substance use and problem gambling.
- Administrative duties to include maintaining client files, submitting required documentation, active participation in supervision and in MCF internal and external training opportunities.
Qualifications
- Personal experience (not work) as a parent or primary caregiver of a youth/young adult with substance use or mental health challenges is required.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Must live in Calvert County
- Prior experience assisting other families and loved ones to obtain appropriate services and supports for their child and family members, or experience in supporting others with substance use or problem gambling challenges is desirable.
- Familiarity with state and local resources and knowledge of how to access them.
- Willingness and strong ability to build and maintain partnerships with agencies and providers.
- Active listening skills for providing non-judgmental peer support and engagement to families.
- Proficient computer skills and the ability to efficiently utilize internet search tools to identify resources.
- Current Maryland driver’s license and access to own vehicle; most travel is within the county, occasional in-state travel required for training or conferences.
- Successful completion of a background check (required for all MCF employees).
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Hours/Compensation
- The position is full-time, 40 hours per week.
- Flexible work schedule and includes 2 evenings per week (available until 8p).
- Salary is $17 per hour
- Comprehensive benefits including health care, 401K, generous paid time off and more
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To apply
To be considered for this position, you must submit (along with your resume) a cover letter describing your personal experience as the primary caregiver of a youth/young adult with substance use challenges. Please provide details regarding what services and resources you have used to support your loved one.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that mailed or faxed resumes will not be considered. No phone calls please.
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Diversity
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In line with MCF’s commitment to building a talented and inclusive staff, women, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer – all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other classification protected by applicable discrimination.
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