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 with mental health challenges.We offer: flexible schedulesremote workgreat benefits including generous paid time offWho We AreFounded 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.OverviewMaryland Coalition of Families (MCF) has a 30 hours per week employment opportunity for a Family Peer Support Specialist (FPSS) to serve families in Charles County. The candidate must have personal (not work related) experience as a primary caregiver of a child/youth 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 ResponsibilitiesProvide education and support to families with a child/youth 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.Administrative dutiesQualificationsPersonal (not work related) experience as a primary caregiver of child/youth who has/had mental health needs, is required.Must live in Charles County.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/Compensation30 hours/weekFlexible schedule, mainly M-F daysSalary is $17.00 per hour with benefits packageTo apply:To be considered for this position, apply on our website , by submitting your resume and a cover letter describing your interest in this position and relevant experience caring for a child/youth with mental health challenges.Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that mailed or faxed resumes will not be considered. No phone calls please.DiversityIn 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.key words: mental health, social services, case manager, anxiety, depression, Autism, ADHD, peer support, casework, nonprofit, entry level