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Melwood
Upper Marlboro, Maryland

ADVOCATE COUNSELOR

CounselorFull-Time

Compensation

Pay not disclosed

Listing transparency0 of 6 stated

Ask the employer about the pay range, the work setting and call expectations.

Employment & setting
Full-Time
Call expectations
Not specified
Weekends
Not specified
Posted 4h ago · Verified live

Job Description

Essential Functions

  • Coordinate and facilitate person-centered respite services, ensuring individualized support plans align with participant goals and comply with Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) regulations and funding requirements.
  • Provide comprehensive case management for Respite and State-Funded Services, including developing, implementing, and monitoring Person-Centered Plans while serving as a primary point of contact for participants, families, caregivers, and community partners.
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation in the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) system, ensuring service records, case files, and program data support quality service delivery and compliance.
  • Exercise sound judgment and organizational skills to manage documentation, meet deadlines, develop annual plans and goals, maintain communication records, and support staff training on person-centered service implementation.
  • Build and maintain collaborative relationships with state and local agencies, schools, and community organizations throughout Maryland and Virginia to support participant referrals, outreach, and service coordination.
  • Represent the organization at community events, resource fairs, and stakeholder meetings to promote services, strengthen partnerships, and support program growth.
  • Foster strong relationships with stakeholders to ensure services remain responsive to participant needs and aligned with the organization's mission.
  • Conduct participant meetings, program tours, and other communications using a person-centered approach, prioritizing in-person engagement whenever possible.
  • Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned to support the Support Services team and organizational objectives.

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.
  • Minimum of one (1) year of experience in case management, human services, or a related field.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
  • Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout Maryland and Virginia, as needed.

Key Responsibilities

The Advocate Counselor coordinates person-centered respite services and provides comprehensive case management for participants. They are responsible for maintaining accurate documentation, building community partnerships, and ensuring service delivery aligns with DDA regulations.

Qualifications

Education
Bachelor degree

Key Skills

Person-centered planningStakeholder managementData entryRelationship building

Counseling Psychology — Counselor Career Context

Of the 50 active Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 48% are remote, 14% have no call, 60% require no weekends.

Counselor pay on WeekdayDoc is up 2.8% vs. the prior quarter (through Aug 2026).

The cost-of-living index for Maryland is 105.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 62.9% of Maryland clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Counselor Jobs

50 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution50 jobs · 39 employers

18
<$90k
13
$90k-110k
10
$110k-130k
9
$130k-150k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks34 jobs

401k / retirement match
85%
CME allowance
53%
Loan repayment
15%
Sign-on bonus
9%
PSLF eligible
9%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

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$66/hr
#2

Virtual School-based CounselorContract

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$66 per hour
#3

Licensed Therapist (LCSW or LPC)

#4

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Bilingual)

$65/hr
+ 48 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

3.0/ 10
Listing-based score

Living in Upper Marlboro

Typical market rent
$2,406/mo
Residents’ average commute
28 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
108.9
State income tax
Up to 5.8%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

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About Melwood

Individual and Family Services
Upper Marlboro, MD
501-1,000 employees