Options Counselor
The Options Counselor provides entry-level professional case management and options counseling services to individuals with disabilities and caregivers, focusing on Medicaid Home and Community Based Programs. The role involves assessing client needs, developing care plans, assisting with applications, and coordinating community resources to enhance quality of life. This position requires collaboration with various agencies and offers opportunities for advancement upon successful probation.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Healthcare & Nursing.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
About the Role
Confidential Client seeks an Options Counselor (Community Developer 1G, Grade G18) to provide information, options counseling, case management, and follow-up services for older adults and individuals with disabilities. This limited-term, grant-funded position is remote-friendly (telecommute) and offers limited benefits. Applications will be capped at 100 submissions — apply promptly for consideration.
This is entry-level professional work performed under supervision. Successful candidates may be eligible for promotion to the full performance level after satisfactory probationary completion.
What You’ll Do
- Provide options counseling and information about Medicaid Home & Community-Based programs (Community Options, Community First Choice, Personal Assistance, Money Follows the Person) and other services.
- Educate clients and families on eligibility, application, and enrollment processes for waiver and Medicaid-related programs.
- Assist clients with gathering financial documents and submitting waiver applications.
- Provide ongoing case management: assess needs, develop person-centered care plans, and coordinate services.
- Conduct quarterly visits and monitoring to ensure services follow the plan of service and program policies.
- Support nursing home residents and families interested in transitioning to community-based settings.
- Identify affordable housing options and assist in addressing housing-related barriers.
- Maintain accurate participant case records and program database entries; prepare case notes and required reports.
- Coordinate and collaborate with local health departments, social services, and community organizations.
- Exercise independent judgment, initiative, and provide high-quality customer service.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business/Public Administration, Social Service, Sociology, Psychology, or a closely related field — OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
- Responsible work experience coordinating group activities; experience with aging or disabled populations preferred.
- Must possess and maintain a valid Class C driver’s license (per source requirements).
Preferred Qualifications
- Four-year degree or higher PLUS at least 2 years of case management experience working with older adults and/or individuals with differing abilities.
- Knowledge of Medicaid, Medicaid-related services, and disabilities-related program rules and processes.
Location & Schedule
- Primary location (authoritative): Kettering, MD (telecommute/remote-friendly).
- This role is designated TELECOMMUTE — remote work is permitted, but candidates should be able to travel locally as needed for client visits, in-person meetings, or agency requirements in the Kettering area.
Compensation & Employment Type
- Employment type: Full-time, limited-term grant-funded (temporary, contingent on grant funding).
- Salary range (posted): $47,477 – $59,280 per year. Offers will be based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.
- Position offers limited benefits consistent with temporary grant funding status.
Additional Information & Conditions of Employment
- Applicant limit: Only the first 100 online applications will be accepted.
- Tentative interview date: November 18, 2026 (subject to change; only selected candidates will be contacted).
- Conditions upon selection may include background checks, reference checks, drug screening (where applicable), and successful completion of training/performance standards.
- Candidates must be willing and able to serve as essential employees when required.
- Eligibility to work in the U.S. is required. This employer participates in E-Verify and will verify Form I-9 information after an offer is accepted.
- Upon satisfactory completion of probation, entry-level incumbents may be non-competitively promoted to the II full performance level at management’s discretion.
Confidential Client & Agency Context
Confidential Client’s Department of Family Services (Aging & Disabilities Division) delivers information, assistance, referrals, and programs that support vulnerable residents, including older adults and people with disabilities. The Options Counselor role supports these efforts through direct client engagement and coordination with community partners.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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