General Description:
The Family Peer Support Intake Specialist (FPSIS) is responsible for serving as the initial point
of contact for families across Maryland seeking support for a loved one experiencing mental or
behavioral health, substance use, problem gambling, and co-occurring concerns. The FPSIS must
have lived experience with a family member or loved one affected by these issues. FPSIS will
ensure comprehensive, empathetic, and effective support for these families. After training and
orientation, FPSIS will engage with families to understand their needs to assign to the relevant
PPMD staff member quickly and appropriately. This position will work in conjunction with the
Program Assistant to support the Family Peer Support team with various administrative tasks.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Serve as the initial point of contact for families seeking support services, creating a culturally responsive and inviting atmosphere.
• Offer initial consultations within two business days of request for services.
• Engage with families to understand their needs and ensure they are quickly and appropriately assigned to the relevant PPMD FPSS staff member, with necessary followup.
• Provide de-escalation, emotional support, needs assessment, and referrals during all interactions.
• Capture data points for the evaluation of Family Peer Support Services, in partnership with other PPMD staff.
• Partner with other PPMD staff to solve any barriers of intake/referral.
• Maintain client files, submit required documentation, and actively participate in supervision and training opportunities.
• Build and maintain partnerships with agencies and providers related to behavioral health, social services, and other child/family serving systems.
• Work in coordination with Director of Communications to maintain a centralized, updated directory of all relevant resources.
• Work collaboratively with Senior Leadership and the Executive Director.
Qualifications:
Lived Experience with family members affected by mental or behavioral health, substance use,
problem gambling, and/or co-occurring concern is required.
• Superior active listening and engagement skills.
• Prior experience assisting other families to obtain appropriate services and support for their loved one is desirable.
• Prior experience successfully navigating various resources and services.
Strong written and oral communication skills, multilingual is a plus.
• Strong computer skills, including internet research and database use (Salesforce preferred).
• Familiarity with state and local resources and the ability to access them.
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships, provide non-judgmental support, and empower families.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and collaboration.
• 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)
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.