MARYLAND COALITION OF FAMILIES

Employment Opportunities

Employment Opportunities >> Family Peer Support Specialist - Substance Use Central Western Maryland
Family Peer Support Specialist - Substance Use Central Western Maryland
Summary
Title:Family Peer Support Specialist - Substance Use Central Western Maryland
ID:1299
Location:Mt. Airy
Description

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 loved one who has/had substance use challenges.
 

                            We offer:     flexible schedules
                                                       remote work
                                                       great benefits including generous paid time off


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 our personal experience as parents we want to support and empower Maryland’s families.

Overview

Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) has a full-time (40 hours/week) entry level employment opportunity for a Family Peer Support Specialist (FPSS) to serve families in Howard, Carroll, Frederick and Washington 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 paid 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.
  • 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

  • This is an entry level position, with no prior work experience necessary.
  • 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.
  • 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 including internet research and use of a database.
  • Current Maryland driver’s license and access to own vehicle; some in-state travel may be required.
  • Successful completion of a background check.

Hours/Compensation

  • Full-time, 40 hours per week.
  • Flexible work schedule.
  • Salary is $17 per hour with full 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, casework, case manager, nonprofit, behavioral health, 

This opening is closed and is no longer accepting applications
ApplicantStack powered by Swipeclock