Family Peer Support Specialist-Bilingual - Maryland Coalition of Families : Job Details

This is an excellent opportunity for people who want to help families in need! We seek people who have had personal experience (not work related) as a caregiver to a child, youth or adult with mental health challenges. MCF provides equipment, mileage reimbursement and paid training. We offer remote work, flexible schedules and full benefits (*see below)! 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 people with mental health, substance use or gambling issues. We also advocate to improve systems that impact individuals with behavioral health challenges. Overview Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) has full-time (40 hours per week) employment opportunity for a Bilingual (Spanish/English) Family Peer Support Specialist (FPSS) to serve families in the State of Maryland. The candidate must have personal (not work related) experience as a primary caregiver of a child, youth or adult who has/had mental health needs . 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 families with a child, youth or adult with mental health needs to negotiate 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 to build their own community-based support network and ensure that their goals are integrated into one unified plan as necessary. •Facilitate families accessing supports and services by: sharing information about resources and supports; providing guidance in completing forms; supporting families to understand their rights; reviewing documents such as IEPs or reports with families; accompanying families to meetings; and educating families on laws, policies and procedures. •Build and maintain strong partnerships with agencies and providers of services related to behavioral health and other systems. •Facilitate training workshops in assigned region for families as assigned in contract deliverables. •Assist other MCF staff with outreach to and support for non-English speaking families, and translate written materials and other communications as needed. Requirements Qualifications •Personal (not work related) experience as a primary caregiver of a child, youth or adult who has/had mental health needs, is required. •Must live in the State of Maryland •Bilingual fluency (English/Spanish), including strong written and oral communications skills. •High school diploma or equivalent. •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. •Strong 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. •Successful completion of a background check. Hours/Compensation •40 hours/week •Monday - Friday days, with some flexibility •Salary is $20.00 per hour with benefits. •Full benefits including generous paid time off (2-Weeks Vacation, 2-Weeks Sick leave, 3-Personal days, 2-Floating holidays, 11-Holidays per year), health plans, dental, vision, 401(k) and more!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, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other classification protected by applicable discrimination. Salary Description $20/hour