POSITION: (Eastern Shore) Family Partner Education Specialist
SUPERVISOR: Family Partner Supervisor
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
LOCATION: Flexible – Remote and In-Office
Summary of Main Function/Purpose of Position:
The Family Partner Educational Specialist is responsible for helping families statewide to understand and navigate special education and healthcare services; conduct training workshops; assist families to access resources, information and services; assist parents in collaborating with schools and health providers to develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs and/or health plans. educational system for caregivers of youth.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide individual assistance and support to parents of children with disabilities regarding special education, and health care access.
- Conduct trainings.
- Promote parent/educator partnership by supporting families of children with disabilities, special educators, specialists, and administrators to increase parental engagement in special education and healthcare.
- Work as a collaborative team member with other community organizations to conduct family events and fulfill other project related responsibilities.
- Promote parent/educator partnership by supporting families of children with disabilities, special educators, specialists, and administrators to increase parental engagement in special education and healthcare.
- Outreach to underserved communities to identify and recruit families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs participating in our programs and services.
- Outreach to diverse communities by distributing materials at community gathering places and resource fairs to ensure program visibility.
- Work as a collaborative team member with other community organizations to conduct family events and fulfill other project related responsibilities.
- Maintain accurate and up‐to‐date files and documentation online for complete and timely data entry and reporting.
- Maintain confidentiality of family information
- Attend program and staff meetings and training as determined by leadership.
- Other duties as assigned by the supervisor or Executive Director
Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge Requirements
- Highschool diploma or GED.
- Lived experience with a family member or loved one affected by mental health, substance use, problem gambling, and/or co-occurring concerns.
- Experience assisting other families to obtain appropriate services and supports for their child and family members preferred.
- Familiarity with state and local resources and how to access them.
- Knowledge of special education, healthcare, DDA system, social services, resources, and information for people with disabilities
- Demonstrated history of respect for others’ experiences, opinions, language, values, culture, and knowledge.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and collaboration.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, multilingual is a plus.
- Proven ability as an effective communicator and strong advocate for people with disabilities and special healthcare needs and their families
- Available for flexible work hours (some evenings and weekends are needed.)
- Possession of a current Maryland driver’s license and access to own vehicle.
Mental Requirements
- COMPARING – Judging the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
- ANALYZING – Examining and evaluating data. Presenting alternative actions in relation to the evaluation isfrequentlyinvolved.
- COORDINATING -Determiningtime, place, and sequence of operations or action to be taken on the basis of analysis of data. May include prioritizing multiple responsibilities and/or accomplishing them simultaneously.
- SYNTHESIZING – To combine or integrate data to discover facts and/or develop knowledge or creative concepts and/or interpretations.
- NEGOTIATING – Exchanging ideas, information, and opinions with others to formulate policies and programs and/or jointly arrive at decisions, conclusions, solutions, or solve disputes.
- COMMUNICATING – Talking with and/or listening to and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information; includes giving/receiving assignments and/or directions.
- INSTRUCTING – Teaching subject matter to others, or training others through explanation, demonstration, and supervised practice; or making recommendations based on technical disciplines.
- INTERPERSONAL SKILLS/BEHAVIORS – Dealing with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors in a tactful, congenial, personal manner so as not to alienate or antagonize them.
Physical Requirements
- SEDENTARY – Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.
- HANDLING AND FINGERING – Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand or hands. Picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers.
- TALKING – Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
- HEARING – perceiving the nature of sounds so as to receive detailed information through oral communication.
- VISION ACUITY – Clarity of vision sufficient to read documents at 20”.
- COLOR VISION – Ability to identify and distinguish colors.
Environmental Conditions and Physical Surroundings
- General office environment
- Lighting is adequate
- Temperature is regulated and moderate
- Low likelihood of unavoidable hazardous conditions (standard office conditions)
- Moderate noise
- Moderate dust
- Standard office equipment accessible
Equipment Used
- office equipment such as computer, printer, copier, projector.
- automobile
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.