Substance Abuse Counselor

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 included 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 insurance
• 80 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 required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This is an active, urgent search. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply promptly. The ideal candidate is not just clinically competent — they are mission-aligned. Our client serves individuals and communities who face real structural barriers to health and recovery. We are looking for a counselor who brings skill, compassion, and a genuine commitment to this work. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & ADA STATEMENT
Carter Isiaq Consulting is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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.