Human Services Specialist III (Program Coordinator Licensed Clinical Professional) - Circuit Court

Howard County Government; Ellicott City (MD); On-site; USD 51,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid leave

Education assistance

Employee assistance program

Retirement plan

Job summary

Howard County Government is seeking a dedicated program manager to oversee the joint Circuit and District Mental Health Court. You will manage clinical services, coordinate assessments, and work with diverse agencies to ensure treatment plans and court readiness.

Responsibilities include grant development, data reporting, supervision of the Case Manager, and community engagement. A Master’s in social work or counseling and Maryland licensure are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of professional-level experience, or related education and experience.
• Master’s degree in social work or counseling; current licensure by Maryland Department of Health at the LCSW-C or LCPC level.

Responsibilities

• Provide programmatic management for the Mental Health Court.
• Conduct assessments, screenings, drug testing and risk needs evaluations; develop individualized case plans and coordinate referrals for treatment and ancillary services; and facilitate access to housing, education, health, legal and family services, behavioral and employment services.
• Meet with MHC participants, community providers, and/or probation agents to address treatment needs, noncompliance or other behavioral concerns, and enhance levels of care, as appropriate.
• Obtain and evaluate collateral source documentation for clients referred for MHC.
• Coordinate and/or deliver competency attainment services.
• Maintain timely progress notes documenting court proceedings and interactions with clients; provide verbal testimony at Court hearings as required.
• Draft grant applications, court orders and referral documents; prepare and provide court reports for hearings.
• Supervise the Case Manager, including reviewing case management work, individual service plans and personnel matters.
• Work closely with the Case Manager to manage all cases referred to the Mental Health Court.
• Collect, extract, and compile data from multiple case management systems. Perform statistical analysis and make recommendations for improvement. Prepare detailed statistical reports.
• Assist with grant management including identifying funding for continued program support. Prepare all required grant reporting.
• Build partnerships with community agencies and potential service providers.
• Facilitate team and community meetings, trainings, and community events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Oral communication

Windows Word Excel

Education

Master's degree in social work or counseling

LCSW-C or LCPC license

Driver's license

Tools

Word

Excel

Odyssey Case Management System

Zoom

Job description

Howard County:

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2026, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 113 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 165 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

Position Summary

This position is responsible for oversight, program management and clinical services for the joint Circuit and District Mental Health Court (MHC). The MHC serves criminal defendants in Howard County who are also diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness. The goal of the program is to provide judicially supervised treatment plans and services to qualified offenders with mental health needs as they navigate the criminal justice system.

Starting Salary Hiring Range

$37.22 - $40.70/Hourly
$77,422 - $84,650/Annually

*This is the anticipated starting salary range for this position. Please note that the final salary will be determined by the Office of Human Resources, commensurate with experience and aligned to ensure internal equity with similarly situated roles.

Class Description

Performs advanced professional level human services work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work typically includes administrative support of a Division within the Department of Community Resources and Services; supervision over a major phase of citizen services delivery for the department; and planning, implementing, and evaluating program policies and procedures. Work also includes negotiating and administering grants; preparing budgets; designing instruments for use in data gathering; and contacts with public, health, and social service agencies.

• This position is State-Authorized Exempt, which is required or authorized by State law to be funded by Howard County, or is necessary to support the functions of State Agencies which are required or authorized by the State to be supported by Howard County. Such positions are not considered employees of Howard County Government. An individual in a State-authorized exempt position serves in accordance with the provisions of State law governing the position. Individuals selected for this position will serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Program Planning, Development, and Administration

Assist with the planning, development and evaluation of the Mental Health Court.

• Provide programmatic management for the Mental Health Court.

Client Assessment, Case Management, and Service Coordination

• Conduct assessments, screenings, drug testing and risk needs evaluations; develop individualized case plans and coordinate referrals for treatment and ancillary services; and facilitate access to housing, education, health, legal and family services, behavioral and employment services.
• Meet with MHC participants, community providers, and/or probation agents to address treatment needs, noncompliance or other behavioral concerns, and enhance levels of care, as appropriate.
• Obtain and evaluate collateral source documentation (i.e., medical records, mental health records, police reports, jail records, etc.) for clients referred for MHC.
• Coordinate and/or deliver competency attainment services.

Documentation, Reporting, and Court Support

• Maintain timely progress notes documenting court proceedings and interactions with clients; provide verbal testimony at Court hearings as required.
• Draft grant applications, court orders and referral documents; prepare and provide court reports for hearings.

Supervision and Team Management

• Supervise the Case Manager, including reviewing case management work, individual service plans and personnel matters.
• Work closely with the Case Manager to manage all cases referred to the Mental Health Court.

Data Management, Evaluation, and Grant Support

• Collect, extract, and compile data from multiple case management systems. Perform statistical analysis and make recommendations for improvement. Prepare detailed statistical reports.
• Assist with grant management including identifying funding for continued program support. Prepare all required grant reporting.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build partnerships with community agencies and potential service providers.
• Facilitate team and community meetings, trainings, and community events.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Education/Experience

Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of professional-level experience, or related education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Preferred experience includes three (3) years of experience with case or program management involving social services, juvenile justice, mental health, or addiction services.

Skill/knowledge in diagnosing mental illness. Experience in providing mental health treatment preferred.

Education/Licensure

Required: Master's degree in social work or counseling from an accredited college or university

Required: Current licensure by Maryland Department of Health at the LCSW-C or LCPC level

Valid driver's license and independent transportation

Physical Demands And Work Environment

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:

• Working knowledge of Windows based applications with an emphasis on Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of Odyssey, the Court’s Case Management System is preferred.
• Working knowledge of Zoom.
• The ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment to problem solve.
• Effective interpersonal skills to interact with all levels of professionals (judges, attorneys, court personnel, treatment providers, the public, etc.).
• Excellent organizational skills, the ability to establish priorities, be adaptable, and multi-task oriented.
• The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, using proper grammar, syntax and spelling.
• Excellent oral communication skills and an even temperament are high-priority considerations for this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at [e-mail]. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.

Benefits Summary

The following is a summary of the benefits available to Howard County employees who hold full-time benefit-eligible positions. Employees in positions covered by a bargaining agreement should consult their union contract for other specific benefits. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources or at https://www.howardcountymd.gov/human-resources/benefit-plans.

FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN:

• Under the County's flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex, employees may elect to enroll in medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans, optional life insurance, dependent life insurance, and healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts. Employee contributions to these benefits are made on a pre-tax basis. Information concerning enrollment options, plan rates and a benefits comparison chart are available in the Office of Human Resources.

GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE:

• Employees receive a group term life insurance benefit equal to 2 times their annual salary at no cost. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The County pays the entire cost for this benefit. Employees may purchase additional coverage under the CountyFlex benefits plan.

PAID LEAVE BENEFITS:

• Annual and Disability Leaves are accrued over 24 pay periods each year. Personal leave is credited on January 1st each year. Use of Annual, Disability and/or Personal Leave requires supervisory approval.

ANNUAL LEAVE:

• During the first 5 years of employment, employees accrue the equivalent of 13 days per year.
• From years 6 through 10, the accrual is the equivalent of 16 days per year.
• From years 11 through 20, the accrual is the equivalent of 19 days per year.
• From year 21 on, the accrual is the equivalent of 21 days per year.
• Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment. A maximum of 40 days may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.

DISABILITY LEAVE:

• Employees accrue the equivalent of 1 day per month (12 days per year). There is no maximum accrual. This leave may be used for the disabling illness/injury of the employee, spouse or minor child or for a serious medical condition approved under F.M.L.A. Absences of over 3 days must be substantiated by a physician's certificate.

PERSONAL LEAVE:

• Employees receive 6 personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year. Employees hired after April 30th receive 4 days of personal leave that year; those hired after August 31st receive 2 days; and those hired after November 30th receive no personal leave for that year. Personal leave may not be carried over.

HOLIDAYS:

• Employees are paid for the following holidays: New Year's Day; Martin Luther King Day; President's Day; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veteran's Day; Thanksgiving Day; Friday after Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day.

OTHER PAID LEAVE:

• Other paid leave will be granted for approved jury duty, military leave, bereavement leave and official leave. Unpaid leave will be granted in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.

RETIREMENT:

• Howard County sponsors a defined benefit plan for its employees. participation in the plan is mandatory. Employees are required to make contributions to the plan, which are taken on a pre-tax basis. Contribution rates are dependent upon the plan in which the employee participates (general plan, or police and fire plan). The County contributes an additional percentage sufficient to ensure that each plan is adequately funded. Complete details are available in the summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.
  Howard County Retirement Plan: Employees contribute 3% of salary to the plan. Sheriff Deputies hired after 7/1/2021 contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan. All eligible Corrections Employees must enroll in the Corrections Employees Enhanced Benefit and must contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan.
  Howard County Police and Fire Employees' Retirement Plan: Sworn police officers and career firefighters must participate in this plan. Police employees contribute 11.6% of salary and Fire employees contribute 7.7% of salary to the plan.

SOCIAL SECURITY:

• Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate.

457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN:

• Employees are eligible to participate in an IRS 457(b) deferred compensation program. This plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income on a pre‑tax basis. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction on a tax deferred basis.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

• Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services.

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE:

• Employees may apply for reimbursement for tuition costs after completion of 6 months of employment. Prior course approval is required. The maximum annual reimbursement is $2500 contingent upon County funding.

PAID PARENTAL LEAVE

• Employees who have worked for the county for at least twelve (12) months are eligible for twelve (12) weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the qualifying birth of a child, or the placement of a child with an employee for adoption or foster care. Leave must be used within the 12 months following the birth or placement.

LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS:

• Employees who have completed 6 months of service are enrolled in the LTD plan. After 6 months of disability, plan may pay 60% of base monthly pay up to $2500 per month. The County pays the entire cost of this benefit.

DISABILITY LEAVE BANK:

• Employees have established a Disability Leave Bank to which employees may donate disability leave in order to be eligible to receive salary and benefit protection when they are absent due to a serious disabling illness or injury and have exhausted all accrued leave. Employees are eligible to join the Bank after having completed 1 year of employment. Administration of the Bank, including the review and approval of claims for grants of time, is handled in accordance with the Bank's Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources.

VOLUNTARY BENEFIT OPTIONS:

• Employees may elect to enroll in long term care insurance, critical illness insurance, short term disability income protection, and universal life insurance.

CREDIT UNION:

• Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants.