Options Counselor

Prince George's County Public Schools; Capitol Heights (MD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Prescription/Dental/Vision

Retirement Benefits

Paid Leave

13 Paid Holidays

Employee Discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Voluntary Benefits

Job summary

Prince George's County Public Schools Aging & Disabilities Services Division seeks a senior para-professional to provide information, assistance, options counseling, and follow-up services to improve quality of life for individuals with disabilities and caregivers.

You will connect clients to programs such as Community First Choice Options Waiver Program, Disabilities Options Counselor Program, Disabilities Apprenticeship Program, and Title III-E Family Caregiving Program, under supervision.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school, supplemented by college level work in business, psychology or sociology.
• One (1) year of progressively responsible experience in community development field.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Compiles statistical data and prepares programmatic reports.
• Prepares and maintains correspondence and referrals regarding program services.
• Assists with program analysis, client eligibility, and screening participants.
• Provides counseling to clients and other required assistance.
• Establishes and maintains case files and records.
• Distributes promotional material and conducts outreach during evenings/weekends.

Skills

Teamwork

Diversity awareness

Education

High school diploma with college coursework in business, psychology or sociology

Job description

This position is limited term grant funded (LTGF). Positions designated as limited-term grant-funded are temporary in nature and the employment period is contingent upon the grant's continued funding availability. This position does offer benefits. Applicant Limit Notice: Please be advised that applications for this position will be capped at a maximum of 100 submissions. Once this threshold has been reached, the posting will close, and no further applications will be accepted. We encourage interested candidates to apply promptly to ensure consideration. The Prince George’s County

Aging & Disabilities Services Division

About The Position

This is senior level para-professional work and the incumbent will provide information, assistance, options counseling, and follow-up services to improve or enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and caregivers; connecting to program areas, which include the Community First Choice Options Waiver Program; Disabilities Options Counselor Program; Disabilities Apprenticeship Program; Maryland Access Program/Federal Financial Participation; State Public Guardianship Program, State Senior Care Program; State Senior Information and Assistance Program; and Title III-E Family Caregiving Program. Work is performed under the supervision of a Community Developer IV or other designated supervisory position.

About The Agency

The Department of Family Services improves the quality of life and overall well-being of the communities by providing information, assistance and referrals, as well as promoting and developing high quality, innovative programs that educate, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity. The department is responsible for providing assistance to some of the County’s most vulnerable citizens – children, families, victims of domestic violence, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, veterans, and seniors. The department is comprised of three divisions that serve the aging and disabled, victims of domestic violence, as well as children, youth and families in need of support and resources.

Examples of Work

• Compiles statistical data, statistical and narrative reports; prepares programmatic reports.
• Prepares and maintains correspondence and referrals regarding program services to agencies, individuals, or the community.
• Assists with program analysis, client eligibility, and screening program participants.
• Provides counseling to clients, and other assistance required in assigned program.
• Establishes and maintains case files and records.
• Distributes and disseminates promotional and programmatic material throughout the community via speaking engagements, information tables and other outreach opportunities that can occur during evening and weekend hours.
• Assist the supervisor in planning award ceremonies, special events, etc.
• Willingly and cooperatively performs tasks and duties which may not be specifically listed in the class specification or position description, but which are within the general occupational category and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's class of work.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from high school, supplemented by college level work in business, psychology or sociology.
• One (1) year of progressively responsible experience in community development field.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Any equivalent combination of relevant training, education and experience may also be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of sources of information and research methods in the fields of sociology, community planning, or public administration, especially as related to the particular program aspect of community development to which assigned.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse population or their group representatives.

Additional Information

Salary Range Transparency: The salary range listed in this announcement reflects the offer range for this position. Offers made within this range are based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Tentative Interview Dates: November 11, 2026. Please note that interview dates are subject to change and only selected candidates will receive confirmation and additional details.

Job Location: 9187 Central Ave, Capitol Heights, MD 20743, USA

Conditions of Employment

• Meet all training and performance standards and demonstrate proficiency as required by the agency.
• Wear and use agency protective apparel and equipment in the performance of the assigned duties.
• Successfully pass preemployment checks which may include reference checks, background investigations, and drug screenings.
• Be willing and able to serve as an essential employee. Essential employees are expected to report during standard or non-standard hours as operations necessitate, or during emergencies. Essential employees are expected to report or remain at work when other County employees are granted Administrative Leave.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Eligibility to Work

Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, an employer is required to hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to provide and verify authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship. This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S., only after an offer has been accepted and the Form I-9 is completed. For information on E-Verify, or if you believe the County has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or visit their website at dhs.gov/E-Verify.

Internal Applicants

In accordance with Section 16-200 of the Personnel Law, you have the right to appeal a rejection rating within five (5) working days of receiving a rejection notice. Union employees should refer to their respective collective bargaining agreement and/or union representative for their grievance procedure.

Prince George's County Government is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

General Plan Information

The Prince George’s County benefits plan year is from January 1 to December 31. A spouse (to include a same sex spouse) can be added to the health benefit plans. A marriage certificate and social security number is required to add a spouse. Children under the age of 26 are eligible for coverage under the health benefit plans. This includes stepchildren and children of the same-sex spouse. A birth certificate(s) and social security number(s) is required to add a child(ren). If you are only adding the stepchildren or child(ren) of a same-sex spouse, you will need to submit a marriage certificate. You will also need to submit the birth certificate of the child(ren) and your spouse must be listed as a parent. The premiums for health benefits are deducted on a pre-tax basis with the exception of Long-Term Disability, Extra Life Insurance and Voluntary Benefits (Short-Term Disability, Whole Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, Cancer Indemnity, Hospital Indemnity Protection, Accident Indemnity Plan, Supplemental Dental and Group Legal Services). New employees must enroll in the County’s health benefit plans within thirty (30) days of the hire date. The effective date of the health benefits coverage is the beginning of the month following a waiting period of forty-five (45) days from the date of hire. After enrolling in the County’s benefit plans, employees may only make changes to the plans either during the open enrollment period, which occurs annually (usually each October), and/or during the year, due to a family status change (i.e., marriage, births, divorce and adoption).

Employee Benefits

• Medical/Prescription/Dental/Vision Insurance Coverage (part time employees are eligible for medical insurance if they work 15 + hours, per week)
• Group Term Life Insurance
• Long & Short-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Dependent Care Assistance Program
  • Health Care Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Leave (Annual, Personal, & Sick)
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Retirement Benefits
  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan
    • Employer Contribution Rate-11.71%
  • Supplemental Pension Plan
    • Employee Contribution Rate (Pre-Tax)-3.48%
  • 457(b)
  • 403(b)
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary Benefits
  • Critical Illness
  • Whole Life Insurance
  • Accident Insurance
  • Legal Services

For additional details, please visit: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/human-resources-management/employees/benefits