Options Counselor

Prince George's County, Maryland; Capitol Heights (MD); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Limited benefits

Job summary

Prince George’s County Government in Capitol Heights, MD seeks a senior para-professional to provide information, counseling, and follow-up services to individuals with disabilities and caregivers. The role connects to multiple programs and operates under supervision of a Community Developer IV or equivalent.

The department aims to improve quality of life, serving vulnerable residents across aging, disability, and family services, with duties including data reports, referrals, client

Qualifications

• High school graduate with college-level work in business, psychology or sociology.
• At least 1 year of progressively responsible experience in community development.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of sources of information and research methods in sociology, community planning, or public administration.
• Ability to organize and elicit support for improvement programs for the disadvantaged.

Responsibilities

• Compiles statistical data, reports, and programmatic documents.
• Prepares and maintains correspondence and referrals for program services.
• Assists with program analysis, client eligibility, and screening participants.
• Provides counseling to clients and related assistance.
• Maintains case files and records and supports outreach events.

Skills

Information sources

Research methods

Teamwork

Public administration

Education

High school diploma with college work in business/psychology/sociology

Driver's license

Job description

Come join our team Prince George’s County Government provides a dynamic and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive, learn, and grow across its 30 diverse agencies, all dedicated to serving the County's residents with essential resources and services. Nestled just minutes away from Washington, DC, Prince George's County combines urban vibrancy with serene surroundings, offering an ideal setting to live, work, and enjoy life.

Nature and Variety of Work

Prince George’s County Government provides a dynamic and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive, learn, and grow across its 30 diverse agencies, all dedicated to serving the County's residents with essential resources and services. Nestled just minutes away from Washington, DC, Prince George's County combines urban vibrancy with serene surroundings, offering an ideal setting to live, work, and enjoy life.

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 limited benefits.

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.
• Assists 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.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

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.
• Considerable knowledge of the project or program to which assigned.
• Ability to organizing and eliciting support for improvement programs for the disadvantaged.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse population or their group representatives.
• Ability to prepare a variety of records and reports for management purposes.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member.

EACH APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE INFORMATION THAT CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES THE ABOVE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION.

Additional Information

Salary Range Transparency

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

Tentative Interview Dates

October 15, 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

Conditions of Employment: Upon selection, the candidate must (where applicable):

• 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 their assigned duties.
• Successfully pass preemployment checks which may include reference checks, background investigations, and drug screenings.
• This position is essential. 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.

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:

If you are a current Prince George's County Government employee and seeking a promotion, 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