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

Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) has a part-time (20 hours per week) employment opportunity for a Kinship Navigator to serve families in Garrett and Allegany counties. The candidate must have personal (not work related) experience as an informal caregiver/relative (Grandparent, Aunt/Uncle, cousin, etc.) of a child/youth in place of the child’s birth parents for an extended period (more than one year).   After training and orientation, the Kinship Navigator will provide support, education, advocacy, coaching, information, referrals and follow-up to families seeking assistance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
* Due to COVID-19, MCF is following all safety precautions and currently working remotely with no personal contact or travel.

• Provide education and support to informal family/relative caregivers to negotiate their way through the social services, legal, educational and health care systems.
• Assist informal family/relative caregivers to identify strengths, needs and connect kinship families with resources, entitlements, community resources and other natural supports.
• Provide emotional support to informal family/relative caregivers.
• Assist informal family/relative caregivers to build their own community based support network.
• Assist informal family/relative caregivers to access supports and services by: sharing information about resources and supports; making phone calls to connect informal kinship caregivers with resources; providing guidance in completing forms and applications; supporting informal family/relative caregivers  to fully understand their rights; reviewing documents such as IEPs or reports with informal family/relative caregivers to ensure they fully understand documents; empowering caregivers to effectively articulate their concerns and needs; accompanying caregivers to meetings; and educating them caregivers on laws, policies and procedures.
• Facilitate a monthly support group for informal family/relative care providers.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with agencies and providers of services.
• Collaborate with other MCF staff to develop support and educational programs that empower families.
• Administrative duties to include maintaining client files, conducting assessments, submitting required documentation, active participation in supervision and in MCF internal and external training opportunities, as well as compliance with contract requirements for participation in evaluation project. 

Qualifications

• Personal experience as a relative/family member acting as the caregiver of a child/youth in place of the birth parents for an extended time (more than one year).
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Must live in Garret or Allegany County
• Familiarity with state and local resources and knowledge of how to access them.
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with agencies and providers.
• Active listening skills for providing non-judgmental peer support and engagement to families.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Good computer skills and the ability to efficiently utilize internet search to identify resources.
• Current Maryland driver’s license and access to own vehicle; some in-state travel required, mostly within the county served.  
• Successful completion of a background check (required for all MCF employees). 

Hours/Compensation

• 20 hours/week
• Flexible work schedule with some telecommuting expected
• Salary $17 per hour

To apply

To be considered for this position, you must submit a resume and cover letter describing your interest in this position and relevant experience as an informal caregiver of a child/youth.  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. 

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 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 laws.