Options Counselor

Prince George's County Government•Largo, MD

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Options Counselor is an entry-level professional position in the Prince George’s County Department of Family Services, Aging and Disabilities Division. The incumbent provides information, assistance, options counseling, and follow-up services to improve or enhance the quality of life of individuals with disabilities and caregivers. The role connects participants to programs including 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. The position is limited-term grant-funded, so employment is temporary in nature and contingent on continued grant funding. It offers limited benefits. Work is performed under the supervision of a Community Developer IV or another designated supervisory position. After satisfactory completion of a probationary period, entry-level incumbents may, at management’s discretion, be non-competitively promoted to the II full-performance level.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration, Social Service, Sociology, Psychology, or a closely related field.
Responsible work experience that includes coordinating group activities, preferably including work with aging and disabled individuals.
Possess and maintain a valid Class C driver’s license.
An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Upon selection, successfully meet applicable preemployment checks, which may include reference checks, background investigations, and drug screenings.
Be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship and provide verification of work authorization.

Nice To Haves

A four-year degree or higher.
At least two years of case management experience working with older adults and/or individuals with differing abilities.
Knowledge of Medicaid and Medicaid-related services and/or disability-related services.

Responsibilities

Provide professional social work, case management, and related services to individuals seeking enrollment in Medicaid Home and Community Based Programs, including Community Options, Community First Choice, Community Personal Assistance Services, and Money Follows the Person.
Explain Medicaid program eligibility criteria and application and enrollment processes to individuals.
Provide options counseling to nursing home residents and their guardians or family members about community services and supports related to Medicaid programs.
Assist with gathering financial documents and submitting Community Options Waiver applications.
Provide ongoing case management, including evaluating individual needs and medical assessments and helping develop person-centered care plans.
Conduct quarterly visits to monitor whether services are provided according to the plan of service and program policies and procedures.
Refer clients to community resources based on their needs, including Waiver and non-Waiver services.
Assist nursing home residents interested in transitioning to a community setting.
Help identify affordable housing options and address housing-related barriers.
Maintain current participant information and case records in the Program database.
Prepare case notes and other required reports.
Collaborate with the local Health Department, Department of Social Services, Maryland Department of Health, and other community organizations concerning program operations and participants.
Use initiative, sound judgment, and independent decision-making while providing excellent customer service.
Meet agency training and performance standards and demonstrate required proficiency.
Serve as an essential employee and report or remain at work during standard or non-standard hours as operations or emergencies require.