Substance Use Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Free food & snacks
• Free uniforms
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Tuition assistance
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources

JOB DESCRIPTION – SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELOR
ASAM Level 3.1 Residential & ASAM Level 1.0 Outpatient Services

Education & Licensure Requirements (Maryland)
Candidate must meet one of the following Maryland licensing or certification requirements under the Health Occupations Article and COMAR 10.58 (Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists) :
Approved Substance Use Disorder Counseling Credentials:

• CAC-AD – Certified Associate Counselor–Alcohol and Drug 
• CAC-AD (Supervised Practice) – Certified Associate Counselor–Alcohol and Drug (under approved supervision) 
• LMSW / LCSW-C (with SUD training or experience) – Licensed Master Social Worker or Licensed Certified Social Worker–Clinical 
• LGPC / LCPC (with SUD competency/training) – Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor 
• LCMFT – Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (with SUD competency) 
• LCADC – Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (if applicable pathway is held/recognized) 
• Other Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists–approved SUD credentials or permits  

Trainee / Supervised Status (if applicable):

• ADT (Alcohol and Drug Trainee) status under approved Board supervision 
• Must be actively progressing toward full licensure or certification in good standing 

Preferred Licensure (Ideal Candidate Profile)
Preference is given to candidates who hold one of the following independent clinical licenses :

• LCPC – Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor 
• LCSW-C – Licensed Certified Social Worker–Clinical 
• LCMFT – Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist 
• LCADC – Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor 

These licenses allow for independent clinical practice and supervision eligibility , including supervision of ADTs and other clinical trainees when Board-approved.

Reports To
Clinical Supervisor

Position Summary
The Substance Use Counselor provides comprehensive, client-centered substance use disorder treatment services within ASAM Level 3.1 Residential and ASAM Level 1.0 Outpatient programs. The Counselor is responsible for clinical assessment, diagnosis support, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, documentation, and coordination of care in compliance with COMAR, ASAM Criteria, and The Joint Commission standards .

Core Duties and Responsibilities
1. Intake, Assessment & Clinical Evaluation

• Collect and evaluate information for admissions 
• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments 
• Apply ASAM Criteria for level of care determination 
• Screen clients for risk of harm to self or others 
• Identify co-occurring mental health needs and refer for psychiatric evaluation when indicated 

2. Treatment Planning & Clinical Documentation

• Develop individualized, measurable treatment plans (CTS.03.01.03) 
• Collaborate with clients to establish goals and objectives 
• Conduct treatment plan reviews per COMAR and ASAM standards 
• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation 
• Prepare discharge summaries in accordance with regulatory requirements 

3. Therapeutic Services

• Provide individual counseling services 
• Facilitate group therapy sessions 
• Provide family counseling when authorized 
• Implement evidence-based substance use disorder treatment interventions 
• Support trauma-informed and recovery-oriented care models 

4. Case Management & Care Coordination

• Coordinate referrals to mental health, medical, and community services 
• Maintain communication with external providers with proper consent 
• Support continuity of care through all levels of treatment 
• Participate in discharge and aftercare planning 

5. Clinical Programming & Milieu Support

• Implement addiction treatment programming 
• Participate in therapeutic milieu activities 
• Support client engagement and retention in care 
• Participate in recreational and recovery-oriented activities 

6. Documentation, Compliance & Utilization Review

• Maintain complete and accurate client records 
• Submit group documentation by next business day (9:00 AM) 
• Submit individual session notes by end of business day Thursday 
• Complete insurance authorizations (e.g., Carelon or other payers) to avoid coverage lapse 
• Ensure compliance with COMAR, ASAM, and Joint Commission documentation standards 

7. Team Participation & Communication

• Participate in weekly treatment team meetings 
• Communicate client status updates to clinical leadership 
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members 
• Participate in clinical supervision sessions as required 

8. Ethical & Professional Standards

• Maintain ethical conduct consistent with Maryland licensing boards 
• Ensure confidentiality and HIPAA compliance 
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times 
• Participate in continuing education and competency development 

9. Required Annual Competencies

• Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders 
• Trauma-Informed Care 
• De-escalation & Behavior Management 
• Suicide Risk Assessment 
• Ethics & Professional Boundaries 
• Clinical Documentation & Team Communication 

10. Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain active licensure or certification in good standing 
• Comply with Maryland Board renewal and supervision requirements 
• Support program operations as needed 
• Other duties as assigned by Executive Leadership or designee

Required Competencies

• Strong clinical assessment and diagnostic skills 
• Ability to provide individual, group, and family therapy 
• Knowledge of ASAM Criteria and SUD treatment standards 
• Strong documentation and organizational skills 
• Crisis awareness and de-escalation skills 
• Ability to function in a multidisciplinary treatment team 

  Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

  Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Flexible to accommodate group scheduling: 8:4:30, 9-5:30, 10-6:30.

This Job Is:

• A job for which military experienced candidates are encouraged to apply
• A “Fair Chance” job (you or the employer follow Fair Chance hiring practices when performing background checks)
• The Ranch is a “Recovery is Good Business” gold star certified employer.
• A good fit for applicants with gaps in their resume, or who have been out of the workforce for the past 6 months or more

COVID-19 considerations:

• Flu-shots and COVID-19 vaccines are highly recommended. All clients are pre-screened and negative prior to full admission. All clients are recommended to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

  Work Location:

•   In person