Introduction
The Office of the Public Defender (OPD) is a statewide
independent agency charged with providing superior legal representation to
indigent defendants. The agency’s vision is of 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.
All applicants must be able
to communicate with employees and vendors and possess the ability to complete
tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to multitask,
and travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughout the state.
MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable
accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services,
programs and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process
or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known
applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the
position they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in
question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are
enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the
accommodation imposes an undue hardship. Applicants must be able to operate a
computer, cell phone and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to
a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable
accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources
Supervisor, 410-767-8503 tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.
OPD’s Parental Defense Division represents parents and
guardians when the Department of Social Services (DSS) has removed, or plans to
remove, their children and place them in state custody. OPD is seeking two (3)
Parent Advocates (parents with lived experience with the family policing/child
welfare system) to serve as members of the legal defense team alongside lawyers
and social workers. In addition to
providing our clients with high-quality legal defense, the goals of the teams
include keeping children out of foster care, shortening lengths of stay for
children in foster care, promoting quality visiting arrangements, ensuring that
families receive services that they feel they need to address the family’s
social needs, and providing out-of-court advocacy on behalf of the parents. We
are seeking people who are eager and motivated to help other parents get
through their ordeal with the foster system.
These are grant-funded positions contingent on the renewal of matching
grant funds.
GRADE
Level I Grade 9 $17.74 - $21.18 per hour
Level II Grade 10 $18.85 - $22.52 per hour
Level III Grade 11 $20.03 - $23.96 per hour
LOCATION OF POSITION
Upper Marlboro
Parental Defense Division Office
14753 Main Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20227
Juvenile Justice Center
300 North Gay St
Baltimore, MD 21202
Main Purpose of Job
The Parent Advocates are key members of the legal team.
They provide peer support and advocacy to individuals who are involved in Child
In Need of Assistance and Termination of Parental Rights cases.
Primary Duties and
Responsibilities include:
● Establish
a relationship with the parents and guardians and provide support from the
perspective of a parent with lived experience;
● Collaborate
with defense team members including attorneys and social workers;.
● Communicate
with defense team members via text messages, emails, and phone calls;
● Advocate
for parents and guardians, out of court, to advance their goals;
● Support
parents in applying for public benefits,
medical assistance, and other related services;
● Develop
and provide resources to support parents and guardians with ongoing DSS cases
● Establish
and maintain community partnerships;
● Attend
out-of-court meetings at which advocacy is necessary, such as Family Team
Decision
Meetings (FTDMs) and service plan meetings;
● Provide
support to parents and guardians during court hearings;
● Assist
with data collection and reporting, including entering data in electronic case
files.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Peer Recovery Specialist I:
Education: Graduation
from an accredited high school or possession of a high school
equivalency certificate.
Experience: None.
Peer Recovery Specialist II:
Education: Graduation
from an accredited high school or possession of a high school
equivalency certificate.
Experience: One year
of experience providing peer recovery support services.
Peer Recovery Specialist III:
Education: Graduation from an
accredited high school or possession of a high school
equivalency certificate.
Experience: One year
of experience providing peer recovery support services.
Notes:
Candidates may substitute
U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned
officer in Peer Specialist classifications or Peer Specialist and
specialty codes in the health-related field of work for the required
experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
● CCAR Certification, Certified Peer
Recovery Specialist and/or Certified Community Health Worker.
● A minimum of 2 years
of uninterrupted time in recovery and/or 1 year since the closing of a CINA/TPR
case.
● As this is a
peer-to-peer position, individuals must possess a clear understanding of
navigating the child welfare/family policing 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/or 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.
● Ability to work as
part of an advocacy team with attorneys, social workers, and core/support
staff.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
1. Candidates for positions in this classification must possess a current certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist within 12 months from date of hire from the Maryland Addictions Professional Certification Board (MAPCB) located at 10807 Falls Rd., #1376, Brooklandville, MD 21022.
2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which 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.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Employees in this classification who fail to obtain the required certification by the end of 24 months of continuous employment with the hiring department shall be subject to disciplinary action including demotion, suspension and dismissal.
2. Applicants for this classification must be in a state of recovery for 2 years from a substance use, mental health or co-occurring disorder before they can be qualified to be hired as a Peer Recovery Specialist, Certified.
3. Employees in this classification must complete any additional training that is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain the required certification.
4. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing, in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.
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 relevant
lived experience, education, and training 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 an 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. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage
them to apply. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged
to apply.