ADVOCATE COUNSELOR

Melwood; Upper Marlboro (MD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Melwood is seeking a driven professional to coordinate person-centered respite services and provide comprehensive case management across Maryland and Virginia. You will ensure plans align with participant goals and funding requirements, while maintaining accurate documentation in the ETO system.

The role emphasizes collaboration with families, caregivers, and community partners, with travel across MD/VA as needed. A bachelor’s degree in a related field and 1+ year of experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in case management, human services, or a related field.
• Strong organizational and communication skills are required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to travel MD/VA as needed.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and facilitate person-centered respite services with aligned plans and funding requirements.
• Provide comprehensive case management for Respite and State-Funded Services.
• Maintain documentation in the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) system for accuracy and compliance.
• Manage programs, meet deadlines, and support staff training on service implementation.
• Build collaborative relationships with state/local agencies and community partners across Maryland and Virginia.
• Represent the organization at community events and stakeholder meetings to promote services.
• Engage participants through in-person meetings, tours, and communications.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as needed.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Customer service

Independent worker

MS Office

Confidentiality

Driver's license

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field

Job description

Essential Functions:

• Coordinate and facilitate person-centered respite services, ensuring individualized support plans align with participant goals and comply with Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) regulations and funding requirements.
• Provide comprehensive case management for Respite and State-Funded Services, including developing, implementing, and monitoring Person-Centered Plans while serving as a primary point of contact for participants, families, caregivers, and community partners.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation in the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) system, ensuring service records, case files, and program data support quality service delivery and compliance.
• Exercise sound judgment and organizational skills to manage documentation, meet deadlines, develop annual plans and goals, maintain communication records, and support staff training on person-centered service implementation.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with state and local agencies, schools, and community organizations throughout Maryland and Virginia to support participant referrals, outreach, and service coordination.
• Represent the organization at community events, resource fairs, and stakeholder meetings to promote services, strengthen partnerships, and support program growth.
• Foster strong relationships with stakeholders to ensure services remain responsive to participant needs and aligned with the organization's mission.
• Conduct participant meetings, program tours, and other communications using a person-centered approach, prioritizing in-person engagement whenever possible.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned to support the Support Services team and organizational objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in case management, human services, or a related field.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout Maryland and Virginia, as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.