Family Partner Behavioral Health Specialist (Baltimore City

POSITION :
Family Partner Behavioral Health Specialist in Baltimore City

SUPERVISOR :

Family Partner Supervisor

FLSA Classification :
Non-Exempt

LOCATION :
Flexible - Remote and In-Office

The Family Partner-Behavioral Health Specialist role supports families and loved ones experiencing mental health, substance use, problem gambling, co-occurring, or other behavioral health concerns and requires lived experience with a family member or loved one who was affected by these disorders. Following comprehensive training, the FP-BHS will provide family-to-family peer support and information on accessing and navigating systems of care. These activities will include: outreach, education and training, advocacy, information dissemination, referrals, and follow-up services to families navigating the complexities of care systems, as well as the educational system for caregivers of youth.

• Provide individualized education and support to families experiencing behavioral health challenges of their loved ones, helping them navigate social, legal, educational, and healthcare systems.
• Help families create and implement personalized plans, offering emotional support, identifying needs and strengths, and connecting families with appropriate resources, services, and community supports.
• Help families build their own community-based support networks, integrating their goals into comprehensive plans based on their specific needs.
• Facilitate the development of family plans using a strength-based approach, coordinating and helping access services, complete forms, and understand their rights.
• Ensure families are active partners in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating their own plans.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with state and local agencies and service providers across behavioral health, physical health, social services, and other relevant areas.
• Conduct training workshops for families to advocate for the needs of their family member or loved ones, including public education on Maryland Good Samaritan Law and its intent.
• Work with the PPMD team to keep an updated directory of behavioral health resources.
• Support families who have a loved one with disabilities and / or complex healthcare needs, collaborating with other PPMD staff as necessary.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date files and documentation online for complete and timely data entry and reporting.
• Maintain confidentiality of family information.
• Conduct outreach and provide educational resource materials specifically regarding mental health, substance use, problem gambling, and/or co-occurring concerns.

• Lived experience with a family member or loved one affected by a mental health, substance use, problem gambling, co-occurring, or other behavioral health concerns.
• Familiarity with state and local resources and how to access them.
• Personal knowledge and experience in the geographical area served, including its cultures, care systems, and resources.
• Ability to engage families through active listening, strategic sharing and empathy to promote a reduction in stigma, non-judgmental relationship and feeling of connection to foster family engagement.
• Prior experience in community outreach, health care, behavioral health, education, and / or social services is desired.
• Prior experience providing peer to peer or Family Peer Support Services is preferred.
• Strong computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office software, Salesforce, SharePoint, project management and learning management software desired.
• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering strong relationships with partners, including a high level of professionalism.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and collaboration.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, multilingual is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and proactive in nature.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills.
• Possession of a current Maryland driver's license and access to own vehicle; in-state travel required.
• Successful completion of a background check (required for all PPMD employees).

This position is grant-funded and continued employment is contingent upon ongoing grant funding. The Parents' Place of Maryland is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by the federal and Maryland state law.