FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER I-II & TRAINEE
Contractual
Recruitment #21-000501-0002
| Department | OPD District Operations |
|---|---|
| Date Opened | 11/23/2021 11:59:00 PM |
| Filing Deadline | 12/14/2021 11:59:00 PM |
| Salary | $15.00 - $17.21 per hour |
| Employment Type |
Full-Time
|
| HR Analyst | Janynee Covington |
| Work Location |
Baltimore City
|
Introduction
The Office of the Public Defender is a statewide independent agency charged with providing superior legal representation to indigent defendants. The agency’s vision is Justice, Fairness and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the core values of maintaining a culture of excellence, providing client-centered representation and tenacious advocacy, and unity in achieving the agency’s mission.
The Office of the Public Defender is seeking two (2) Parent Peer Advocates to serve as essential team members in the multidisciplinary representation of parents and guardians who are involved in the family regulation system when their children are separated from them by the Department of Social Services. These are grant-funded positions contingent on the renewal of matching grant funds.
GRADE
LOCATION OF POSITION
300 North Gay Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Main Purpose of Job
The Parent Peer Advocates are key members of the grant team. They provide peer support services to individuals who are involved in Child In Need of Assistance and Termination of Parental Rights cases and assist with data collection.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities include:
*Assist in resources and services delivery coordination.
*Advocate for parents and guardians, out of court, to further their CINA/TPR case.
*Develop and provide resources to support good interactions between the parent and children.
*Build supports around transportation.
*Attend out-of-court meetings at which advocacy is necessary, such as Family Involvement Meetings (FIMS) and service plan meetings.
*Provide support during in-court hearings.
* Facilitate effective client communications Assist with data collection and reporting, including entering data in electronic case files.
*Communicate with defense team members via text messages, emails, and phone calls.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Family Support Worker Trainee:
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience: None.
Family Support Worker I:
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience: One year of experience providing parent peer advocacy services.
Family Support Worker II:
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience: Two years of experience providing parent peer advocacy services.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute nine credit hours from an accredited college or university in a human service program or human development program such as child development, sociology, social work, psychology, counseling, nursing, criminology, juvenile justice, human growth and development, human services, or mental health for one year of the required experience.
2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Social Services classifications or Social Services specialty codes in the Social Science, Psychology, and Welfare field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
*As this is a peer-to-peer position, individuals must possess a clear understanding of navigating the family regulation system; and have experience in interacting with the local Department of Social Services’ child protective services and child welfare systems.
*Background understanding of or lived experiences with substance use disorder, mental health issues, domestic violence, and poverty-related social hurdles.
*Familiarity with community resources.
*Ability to maintain effective parent peer relationships with project participants and other members of the grant team.
*Basic computer and telecommunications skills.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
1. Employees appointed to positions in this classification may be assigned duties that require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.
2. Some positions in this classification may be assigned duties that require the employees to acquire and maintain a license as a Certified Nursing Assistant or a Geriatric Nursing Assistant from the Maryland Board of Nursing at 4201 Patterson Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21215. Information may be obtained at www.mbon.org/main.php. Obtaining this license within a specified time may be a condition of appointment or probation for these types of positions.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Employees in this classification who work with families with dependent children must successfully complete an approved entry-level training program before permanent appointment to positions.
2. Employees in this classification may be required to have access to and use their personal automobile in order to transport clients. Verification of appropriate vehicle insurance, which shall include coverage for transporting clients, must be provided to the department prior to performance of transport duties. Standard mileage allowance will be paid for the use of a privately owned vehicle.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to this position. Applicants selected for interview may be required to complete a writing sample onsite during the interview process.
BENEFITS
Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.
Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online applications preferred. Please fax all paper applications and questionnaires to (410) 333-2260.
Inquiries regarding applications and submitting paper applications can be directed to: Office of the Public Defender, Human Resources Division, 6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1304, Baltimore, MD 21202; or by calling (410) 767-8500, toll free: 877-430-5187; TTY users call Maryland Relay Service 800-735-2258.
Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#) and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. A paper copy of the MD State application form and questionnaire can be downloaded from the link below.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
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