Application Guide

How to Apply for Health Information Specialist

at The Parents' Place of Maryland

🏢 About The Parents' Place of Maryland

The Parents' Place of Maryland is a unique nonprofit dedicated exclusively to supporting families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs across Maryland. Unlike general family support organizations, they focus specifically on advocacy, resources, and programs tailored to this community, making them a critical lifeline for multicultural and underserved families navigating complex systems.

About This Role

As a Health Information Specialist, you'll manage health programs, create family-friendly resources, and help underserved families understand and navigate Maryland's healthcare, special education, and DDA systems. This role is impactful because you'll directly empower families who face barriers to accessing essential services for their children with disabilities.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve developing a training module for families about navigating Maryland's healthcare system, updating grant reports for health programs, and consulting with a Spanish-speaking family about accessing DDA services. You could spend the afternoon creating visual guides about IEP processes and connecting with local disability resource providers.

🎯 Who The Parents' Place of Maryland Is Looking For

  • Has hands-on experience helping families obtain services for children with disabilities, not just general family support
  • Possesses specific knowledge of Maryland's healthcare system, DDA, special education, and local disability resources
  • Can demonstrate creating accessible, family-friendly materials or conducting trainings for diverse audiences
  • Is proficient with Microsoft Office for program management, reporting, and resource development

📝 Tips for Applying to The Parents' Place of Maryland

1

Highlight specific examples of assisting families with Maryland's DDA system or special education processes

2

Mention any experience with grant reporting or program management in a nonprofit health/disability context

3

Include familiarity with Maryland-specific resources (e.g., local disability organizations, state healthcare programs)

4

Demonstrate multicultural competency by describing work with diverse families in Maryland

5

Show how you've created family-friendly materials or trainings about healthcare/disability topics

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience supporting families of children with disabilities in Maryland', "Knowledge of Maryland's specific systems (DDA, special education, healthcare)", 'Examples of creating accessible resources or conducting trainings for families', "Passion for The Parents' Place of Maryland's mission and serving multicultural communities"]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Explore The Parents' Place of Maryland's specific programs and resources for families
  • Review Maryland's DDA (Developmental Disabilities Administration) system and services
  • Look into Maryland's special education laws and processes (IEPs, etc.)
  • Investigate healthcare disparities faced by multicultural families of children with disabilities in Maryland
Visit The Parents' Place of Maryland's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you helped a family navigate Maryland's DDA system or special education process
2 How would you create a family-friendly resource about a complex healthcare topic for non-English speakers?
3 What experience do you have with grant reporting or program management in a nonprofit setting?
4 How would you advocate for an underserved family facing barriers to healthcare services in Maryland?
5 What specific Maryland disability resources are you familiar with and how have you used them?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using generic disability support experience without Maryland-specific context
  • Failing to demonstrate knowledge of Maryland's DDA system or special education processes
  • Not showing experience with multicultural families or underserved communities

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The Parents' Place of Maryland!