MARYLAND COALITION OF FAMILIES

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Employment Opportunities >> Family Peer Support Specialist - Substance Use - Lower Shore Maryland
Family Peer Support Specialist - Substance Use - Lower Shore Maryland
Summary
Title:Family Peer Support Specialist - Substance Use - Lower Shore Maryland
ID:1258
Location:Salisbury
Description

This is an excellent entry level opportunity for people who want to help families in need!

We seek people who have had personal experience (not work related) as a caregiver of a loved one who has/had substance use challenges. Having provided a variety of resources to assist your loved one (support groups, treatment facilities, therapy, government assistance, etc.).

As a Family Peer Support Specialist, you will use your personal experience to help families in need of emotional support, resources and understanding of various systems, as they support their family through this difficult time.

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 full-time (40 hours/week) employment opportunity for a Family Peer Support Specialist (FPSS) to serve families in Wicomico, Somerset, and Worcester counties who have a loved one with substance use challenges. The candidate must have personal experience (not work experience) as a family member, caregiver, or other loved one of an individual 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide education and support to family members or other loved ones on behalf of someone with substance use or problem gambling 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.
  • Willing to share personal experience about supporting your loved one with substance use challenges
  • 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; providing guidance in completing 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.
  • Build and maintain strong partnerships with agencies and providers of services related to substance use and problem gambling.
  • Ensure that families and other loved ones are equal partners as appropriate in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating their own plans.
  • Collaborate with other MCF staff to develop supportive and educational programs that empower families and loved ones.
  • Administrative duties to include maintaining client files, submitting required documentation, active participation in supervision and in MCF internal and external training opportunities.

 

Qualifications

  • Lived (personal, not work related) experience as a caregiver, other family member, or loved one of an individual with substance use is required.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must Live in either Wicomico, Somerset, or Worcester 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.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • 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; in-state travel required.
  • Successful completion of a background check (required for all MCF employees). 

Hours/Compensation

  • 40 hours per week
  • Flexible work schedule
  • Salary $17 per hour
  • Comprehensive benefits package

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 or loved one of an individual 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. 

Diversity

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, 8gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other classification protected by applicable discrimination.





Key words: social services, human services, addiction services, peer support, family services, caregiver, Substance use, mental health, opioid use, alcohol use, addiction, care provider

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