Substance Abuse Counselor
Carter Isiaq Consulting, Burtonsville, MD, United States
ABOUT THE CLIENT
Our client is a community-based behavioral health organization operating across Maryland and the Washington, DC metro area. With a mission centered on delivering clinical and wraparound services to underserved and high-need populations — including individuals re-entering society post-incarceration and at-risk youth — they sit at the intersection of behavioral health, community wellness, and social impact.
The organization provides a comprehensive range of services, including individual and group therapy, psychiatric rehabilitation, and community-based counseling. They are experiencing robust growth across their markets and actively building the clinical expertise to match, and creating real opportunities for mission-aligned professionals ready to make a lasting impact in communities that need it most.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The
Substance Abuse Counselor
is a direct care clinical role responsible for delivering high-quality counseling and therapeutic support to individuals navigating substance use disorders across varying levels of addiction severity. Working within the organization's Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), this counselor will serve individuals with complex, co-occurring needs, providing structured support that meets patients where they are and guides them toward sustainable recovery.
This role is ideal for a compassionate, credentialed counseling professional who is committed to person-centered care, comfortable working within a regulated behavioral health environment, and motivated by the opportunity to make a direct difference in the lives of individuals and families in the community.
The Substance Abuse Counselor reports to the Clinical Director and works as part of a multidisciplinary clinical team. The duties and responsibilities below are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this role.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide individual and group counseling sessions to patients with substance use disorders, with a focus on building coping skills, exploring underlying contributing factors, and developing realistic recovery goals
Conduct thorough patient intakes, including psychosocial assessments and level-of-care evaluations using evidence-based tools (e.g., ASAM criteria)
Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized treatment plans that reflect each patient's clinical needs, strengths, and recovery goals
Educate patients and their support systems on treatment options, program expectations, and recovery resources
Coordinate with the multidisciplinary clinical team to ensure continuity and appropriateness of care, including referrals to higher or lower levels of care as clinically indicated
Maintain complete, accurate, and timely clinical documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries, in compliance with HIPAA, payer requirements, and organizational standards
Monitor patient progress and drug dependency status through ongoing assessment, including review of urine and blood screening results as appropriate
Advise and support family members and support persons in understanding the patient's treatment process and how best to be part of the recovery journey
Mediate and advocate for patients in the event of clinical emergencies, coordinating with appropriate resources
Participate in team meetings, case consultations, and required trainings in accordance with clinical program standards
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all applicable ethical guidelines, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies as outlined in the employee handbook
Assist with general program monitoring and ad hoc clinical needs as required by staffing and patient care needs
Stay current on emerging research, treatment modalities, and regulatory changes within the substance use disorder field
Perform other duties as assigned by the Clinical Director
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field
Active Maryland credential permitting practice in alcohol and drug counseling — at minimum, one of the following: Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT), Certified Supervised Counselor – Alcohol and Drug (CSC-AD), or Certified Associate Counselor – Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD)
Experience providing individual and group counseling in a behavioral health or substance use disorder setting
Demonstrated knowledge of HIPAA compliance requirements and patient confidentiality standards
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document clinical work clearly and thoroughly
Proficiency in standard business software (Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, etc.) and ability to navigate electronic health record systems
Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to manage a caseload effectively
Valid driver's license and current automobile insurance
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and manage the emotional demands of direct clinical work
Flexible availability, including potential evening and/or weekend hours to meet IOP scheduling needs
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree in counseling, social work, clinical psychology, or a related field
Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) or Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) / Licensed Certified Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland
Prior experience working in an IOP, PHP, or outpatient substance use disorder treatment setting
Experience serving returning citizens (individuals re-entering society post-incarceration) and/or at-risk youth populations
Knowledge of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) protocols and co-occurring disorder frameworks
Familiarity with ASAM placement criteria and use of standardized assessment tools
Bilingual language skills (Spanish or other languages spoken in the service community) are a plus
Experience with electronic health record (EHR) documentation in a behavioral health setting
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary Range:
$52,000 – $72,000 annually, commensurate with education, credential level, and experience
Compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including education, credential level, licensure, experience, and role-specific requirements. The range displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is one component of the total compensation package offered to employees.
Our client recognizes the dedication this work requires and supports their team with a benefits package that reflects that commitment. Full-time employees are eligible for:
Medical and dental insurance through CareFirst
Aflac supplemental insurance at group rates
Short-term and long-term disability coverage
Life insurance80 hours of paid time off annually
WORK MODEL & SCHEDULE
Work Model:
On-Site
Location:
Burtonsville, Maryland
Schedule:
Full-time; Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday availability is required. Shifts are scheduled during afternoon and evening hours, with Saturday daytime hours. This schedule is designed to meet the accessibility needs of IOP participants and is a non-negotiable component of the role.
Travel:
Local travel may be required for community-based service delivery; valid driver's license is required.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & ADA STATEMENT
Carter Isiaq Consulting and our client organization are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state law, reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process should notify Carter Isiaq Consulting at the time of inquiry.
This employer participates in E-Verify. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
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Our client is a community-based behavioral health organization operating across Maryland and the Washington, DC metro area. With a mission centered on delivering clinical and wraparound services to underserved and high-need populations — including individuals re-entering society post-incarceration and at-risk youth — they sit at the intersection of behavioral health, community wellness, and social impact.
The organization provides a comprehensive range of services, including individual and group therapy, psychiatric rehabilitation, and community-based counseling. They are experiencing robust growth across their markets and actively building the clinical expertise to match, and creating real opportunities for mission-aligned professionals ready to make a lasting impact in communities that need it most.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The
Substance Abuse Counselor
is a direct care clinical role responsible for delivering high-quality counseling and therapeutic support to individuals navigating substance use disorders across varying levels of addiction severity. Working within the organization's Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), this counselor will serve individuals with complex, co-occurring needs, providing structured support that meets patients where they are and guides them toward sustainable recovery.
This role is ideal for a compassionate, credentialed counseling professional who is committed to person-centered care, comfortable working within a regulated behavioral health environment, and motivated by the opportunity to make a direct difference in the lives of individuals and families in the community.
The Substance Abuse Counselor reports to the Clinical Director and works as part of a multidisciplinary clinical team. The duties and responsibilities below are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this role.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide individual and group counseling sessions to patients with substance use disorders, with a focus on building coping skills, exploring underlying contributing factors, and developing realistic recovery goals
Conduct thorough patient intakes, including psychosocial assessments and level-of-care evaluations using evidence-based tools (e.g., ASAM criteria)
Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized treatment plans that reflect each patient's clinical needs, strengths, and recovery goals
Educate patients and their support systems on treatment options, program expectations, and recovery resources
Coordinate with the multidisciplinary clinical team to ensure continuity and appropriateness of care, including referrals to higher or lower levels of care as clinically indicated
Maintain complete, accurate, and timely clinical documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries, in compliance with HIPAA, payer requirements, and organizational standards
Monitor patient progress and drug dependency status through ongoing assessment, including review of urine and blood screening results as appropriate
Advise and support family members and support persons in understanding the patient's treatment process and how best to be part of the recovery journey
Mediate and advocate for patients in the event of clinical emergencies, coordinating with appropriate resources
Participate in team meetings, case consultations, and required trainings in accordance with clinical program standards
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all applicable ethical guidelines, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies as outlined in the employee handbook
Assist with general program monitoring and ad hoc clinical needs as required by staffing and patient care needs
Stay current on emerging research, treatment modalities, and regulatory changes within the substance use disorder field
Perform other duties as assigned by the Clinical Director
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field
Active Maryland credential permitting practice in alcohol and drug counseling — at minimum, one of the following: Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT), Certified Supervised Counselor – Alcohol and Drug (CSC-AD), or Certified Associate Counselor – Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD)
Experience providing individual and group counseling in a behavioral health or substance use disorder setting
Demonstrated knowledge of HIPAA compliance requirements and patient confidentiality standards
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document clinical work clearly and thoroughly
Proficiency in standard business software (Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, etc.) and ability to navigate electronic health record systems
Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to manage a caseload effectively
Valid driver's license and current automobile insurance
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and manage the emotional demands of direct clinical work
Flexible availability, including potential evening and/or weekend hours to meet IOP scheduling needs
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree in counseling, social work, clinical psychology, or a related field
Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) or Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) / Licensed Certified Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland
Prior experience working in an IOP, PHP, or outpatient substance use disorder treatment setting
Experience serving returning citizens (individuals re-entering society post-incarceration) and/or at-risk youth populations
Knowledge of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) protocols and co-occurring disorder frameworks
Familiarity with ASAM placement criteria and use of standardized assessment tools
Bilingual language skills (Spanish or other languages spoken in the service community) are a plus
Experience with electronic health record (EHR) documentation in a behavioral health setting
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary Range:
$52,000 – $72,000 annually, commensurate with education, credential level, and experience
Compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including education, credential level, licensure, experience, and role-specific requirements. The range displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is one component of the total compensation package offered to employees.
Our client recognizes the dedication this work requires and supports their team with a benefits package that reflects that commitment. Full-time employees are eligible for:
Medical and dental insurance through CareFirst
Aflac supplemental insurance at group rates
Short-term and long-term disability coverage
Life insurance80 hours of paid time off annually
WORK MODEL & SCHEDULE
Work Model:
On-Site
Location:
Burtonsville, Maryland
Schedule:
Full-time; Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday availability is required. Shifts are scheduled during afternoon and evening hours, with Saturday daytime hours. This schedule is designed to meet the accessibility needs of IOP participants and is a non-negotiable component of the role.
Travel:
Local travel may be required for community-based service delivery; valid driver's license is required.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & ADA STATEMENT
Carter Isiaq Consulting and our client organization are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state law, reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process should notify Carter Isiaq Consulting at the time of inquiry.
This employer participates in E-Verify. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
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