Substance Abuse Counselor

THE OPPORTUNITY

Carter Isiaq Consulting (CIC) is a Washington, DC-based human capital and organizational design firm serving small businesses, nonprofits, mission‑driven enterprises, and government clients. We specialize in talent acquisition, HR strategy, organizational design, and professional development — bringing enterprise‑level rigor to organizations at every stage of growth. 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 and actively building clinical expertise to match. SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR – INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM (IOP) 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. The 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 in a regulated behavioral health environment, and motivated by making a direct difference.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide individual and group counseling sessions to patients with substance use disorders, building coping skills, exploring underlying 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 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 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. 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 field of substance use disorder. 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 includes a benefits package that reflects the dedication required by the role. 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 non‑negotiable. Travel: Local travel may be required for community‑based service delivery; valid driver’s license required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Carter Isiaq Consulting is managing this search on behalf of our client. Candidates should direct inquiries and applications through CIC. This is an active, urgent search. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply promptly.

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 should notify CIC at the time of inquiry. This employer participates in E‑Verify. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. #J-18808-Ljbffr Carter Isiaq Consulting