This is an excellent full-time, entry level position for high school graduates, college or trade school students!*We seek a young adult who is passionate about helping others and has personal experience with mental health or substance use challenges.*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
MCF has an employment opportunity for a part-time Youth Engagement Specialist who lives in Maryland. The Youth Engagement Specialist will be a young adult (18-26 years old) who has had personal experience in one or more youth-serving system, including mental health, substance use, the Department of Juvenile Services and/or the Department of Social Services). The Specialist will be a contributing member of Taking Flight, MCF’s statewide Youth Advisory Board.
Taking Flight is comprised of youth advocates who use their experiences to promote positive change in youth-serving systems. Taking Flight works to reduce stigma and encourage youth involvement in improving services for youth and young adults. It also works to empower and support the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Serves on and coordinates with other youth initiatives including Youth MOVE, Healthy Transitions, On Our Own and other groups that may be identified.
- Speaks on panels about lived experience; modeling appropriate, safe, and effective ways to share stories.
- Serves on committees and supports other young people to serve on committees representing the young adult perspective in order to impact and improve youth-serving systems.
- Contributes creative ideas and popular trends into Taking Flight’s outreach and training to raise awareness around youth and young adult issues and interests in the behavioral health field, utilizing social media and other applications where appropriate.
- Assist in planning and implementing various youth activities throughout the year, such as support groups, community art projects and youth panels.
- Attends Taking Flight team meetings, MCF staff meetings and other meetings as requested.
- Attends relevant trainings and conferences to stay abreast of issues related to youth and young adults in relation to behavioral health needs.
- Monitors and manages Taking Flight’s social media platforms and contributes to content creation.
- Monitors Taking Flight’s email inbox and responds to inquiries from families and young adults in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Collects and enters data into database regarding individuals served and services provided to support funder data reporting and ensure contract deliverables are met.
- Creates engaging communications to market events.
- Conducts presentations to partners, funders and other key stakeholders regarding the work of Taking Flight and responds to inquiries and requests for information in a timely manner.
Qualifications
- Lived experience accessing mental health/behavioral health services is required.
- Must live in Prince George's County
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and/or weekends as needed.
- Ability to work with youth and young adults from diverse cultural, religious, racial and economic backgrounds, as well as LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Experience with social media and ability to adhere to Taking Flight’s guidelines pertaining to usage in promotion, outreach and education.
- Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and communicate effectively with a remote supervisor.
- Ability to create and maintain positive and professional relationships with partners.
- Current Maryland driver’s license and access to own vehicle; in-state travel required for various meetings/events across the state and to the MCF office in Columbia.
Hours/Compensation
- Full-Time/40 hours per week.
- Flexible work schedule.
- Salary: $18.00 per hour.
To apply: To be considered for this position, you must submit a resume and respond to the screener questions, specifically your experience as a consumer of mental health and/or substance use services. Please provide details regarding what services and resources you have used. 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, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other classification protected by applicable discrimination. Key words: young adult, mental health, substance use, part-time, entry level, advocate
Visit our website for information about our organization: https://www.mdcoalition.org
