• CAC-AD (Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) , CSC-AD .

Job Description

Job Description:\n\nJOB DESCRIPTION 1: Certified Associate Counselor – Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD) Position Title: Substance Use Disorder Counselor – CAC-ADDepartment: Clinical ServicesReports To: Clinical Director, Program Director, or Board-Approved Clinical SupervisorEmployment Status: Full-Time or Part-TimeWork Location: Residential SUD Treatment Facility and/or Outpatient ProgramProgram Levels: ASAM 3.1, ASAM 3.5, and other authorized SUD services, as applicable Position Summary The Certified Associate Counselor – Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD) provides substance use disorder assessment, counseling, treatment planning, psychoeducation, relapse-prevention services, and recovery support to individuals experiencing substance use disorders and related psychosocial challenges. The CAC-AD works collaboratively with the clinical team to deliver evidence-informed, person-centered services that support recovery, improve functioning, reduce relapse risk, and promote successful community reintegration. The counselor maintains accurate clinical documentation and complies with applicable Maryland regulations, agency policies, confidentiality requirements, and payer standards. Essential Duties and Responsibilities 1. Assessment and Treatment PlanningConduct substance use disorder assessments and gather relevant psychosocial, substance use, treatment, and recovery history within the counselor's authorized scope.Identify client strengths, needs, barriers to recovery, and relapse risk factors.Participate in the development and periodic review of individualized treatment plans.Establish measurable treatment goals and objectives with clients.Identify situations requiring referral for psychiatric, medical, psychological, or higher-level-of-care evaluation.Contribute to discharge planning and continuing-care recommendations. 2. Individual and Group CounselingProvide individual substance use disorder counseling within authorized practice and program requirements.Facilitate psychoeducational and therapeutic groups addressing addiction, relapse prevention, coping skills, emotional regulation, and recovery maintenance.Use evidence-informed approaches, such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral strategies, and stages-of-change interventions, when appropriately trained.Assist clients in identifying triggers, developing coping strategies, and strengthening recovery skills.Promote accountability, treatment engagement, and healthy decision-making.Address barriers to attendance, participation, and treatment progress. 3. Residential Treatment ServicesSupport implementation of individualized treatment plans for residents in ASAM 3.1 and 3.5 programs, when assigned and qualified.Conduct scheduled counseling sessions and facilitate assigned treatment groups.Reinforce recovery-oriented daily routines, community living skills, and relapse-prevention strategies.Participate in interdisciplinary treatment-team meetings and case conferences.Monitor and document changes in client engagement, functioning, and treatment progress.Communicate clinical concerns promptly to the appropriate supervisor or medical professional. 4. Clinical DocumentationComplete assessments, progress notes, treatment-plan reviews, group notes, discharge summaries, and referrals accurately and within agency deadlines.Document services in accordance with applicable COMAR requirements, medical necessity standards, and payer documentation rules.Maintain complete and timely electronic or paper health records.Document client participation, interventions, response to treatment, and progress toward established goals.Support utilization review, quality assurance, audits, and record requests consistent with applicable law and authorization requirements. 5. Care Coordination and Recovery SupportCoordinate with authorized members of the interdisciplinary treatment team.Assist clients with referrals for housing, employment, education, transportation, peer support, and community recovery resources.Participate in discharge planning and continuity-of-care coordination.Support communication with external providers when appropriate releases and other legal requirements are satisfied.Encourage participation in appropriate community recovery supports. 6. Ethics, Compliance, and SafetyMaintain professional boundaries and comply with applicable ethical standards.Protect confidential client information under HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and other applicable requirements.Follow agency policies regarding incident reporting, client rights, grievances, and emergency response.Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other reportable events as required by law and agency policy.Participate in required staff training, clinical supervision, and quality improvement activities.Perform other related duties consistent with the employee's qualifications and authorized scope of practice. Minimum QualificationsCurrent, active Maryland CAC-AD certification issued by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists.Education and training meeting the Board's applicable certification requirements.Knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery principles, relapse prevention, and counseling ethics.Ability to maintain accurate clinical records and communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.Ability to work with culturally diverse populations and individuals with co-occurring behavioral health needs.Current CPR/first aid certification or other training if required by the position or facility. Preferred QualificationsExperience in residential SUD treatment, outpatient counseling, or community-based recovery services.Familiarity with ASAM placement and continued-stay principles.Experience with electronic health records, treatment-plan development, and Medicaid documentation.Training in motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and evidence-informed counseling methods. Performance Expectations The CAC-AD is expected to:Complete assigned documentation accurately and on time.Maintain appropriate caseload management and appointment attendance.Deliver services consistent with individualized treatment plans.Demonstrate professional conduct and protect client confidentiality.Participate in required clinical meetings and continuing education.Support positive client engagement, treatment completion, and continuity of care. Work Environment The position may require work in residential treatment facilities, outpatient clinics, and community settings. Evening, weekend, or holiday hours may be required based on program operations. JOB DESCRIPTION 2: Certified Supervised Counselor – Alcohol and Drug (CSC-AD) Position Title: Supervised Substance Use Disorder Counselor – CSC-ADDepartment: Clinical ServicesReports To: Board-Approved Alcohol and Drug Counselor Supervisor and/or Clinical DirectorEmployment Status: Full-Time or Part-TimeWork Location: Residential SUD Treatment Facility and/or Outpatient ProgramProgram Levels: ASAM 3.1, ASAM 3.5, and other authorized SUD services, as applicable Position Summary The Certified Supervised Counselor – Alcohol and Drug (CSC-AD) provides substance use disorder counseling services as an employee of a state-certified or state-licensed agency or facility, under the close supervision of a Board-approved supervisor. The CSC-AD assists clients in understanding addiction, strengthening recovery skills, preventing relapse, and improving treatment engagement. The counselor implements assigned interventions, documents services, participates in treatment planning, and communicates clinical concerns to the supervisor. This position is subject to Maryland's supervision requirements. A CSC-AD may not practice independently or provide clinical supervision. All assigned activities must remain within the counselor's authorized scope and applicable Board requirements. Essential Duties and Responsibilities 1. Client Engagement and Counseling SupportEstablish professional, respectful, and recovery-oriented relationships with assigned clients.Assist with gathering information about substance use history, recovery goals, psychosocial needs, and treatment barriers.Conduct assigned counseling activities under the required close supervision.Help clients identify triggers, high-risk situations, and behaviors associated with relapse.Reinforce coping skills, recovery strategies, healthy routines, and treatment participation.Refer clinical questions or concerns beyond the counselor's authorized role to the supervisor. 2. Individual and Group CounselingProvide assigned substance use disorder counseling services under the required supervision.Co-facilitate or facilitate approved psychoeducational and recovery groups within demonstrated competency and program authorization.Assist with groups covering addiction education, relapse prevention, emotional regulation, communication skills, decision-making, and recovery planning.Use approved counseling interventions consistent with the treatment plan and supervisory direction.Monitor client participation and report concerns regarding clinical progress.Seek supervisory guidance when a client presents with complex needs or a change in clinical status. 3. Residential Program ResponsibilitiesSupport implementation of client treatment plans in ASAM 3.1 and 3.5 residential programs, when assigned and qualified.Assist clients with understanding program expectations, treatment schedules, and recovery-oriented activities.Reinforce coping skills and community reintegration goals.Observe and report changes in behavior, participation, or functioning to the supervisor.Participate in assigned treatment-team meetings and case reviews.Follow facility procedures for safety, emergencies, and incident reporting. 4. Documentation and RecordkeepingPrepare timely progress notes, group notes, service records, and other assigned documentation.Document the counseling intervention, client response, participation, and progress toward treatment goals.Complete records in accordance with supervisory direction, agency procedures, and applicable regulatory and payer requirements.Submit documentation for supervisory review when required.Maintain confidentiality and accurate records in the agency's approved documentation system. 5. Treatment Planning and Care CoordinationAssist the supervisor and treatment team in developing and reviewing individualized treatment plans.Provide information about client participation, strengths, barriers, and progress.Assist with identifying community resources for housing, employment, transportation, and recovery support.Support discharge and continuing-care planning under supervisory direction.Coordinate with authorized treatment-team members in accordance with confidentiality requirements. 6. Professional Development and SupervisionParticipate in close supervision with a Board-approved alcohol and drug counselor supervisor.Follow supervisory instructions and incorporate feedback into clinical practice.Maintain supervision records and complete required training.Identify situations that exceed current knowledge, training, or authorized practice and seek assistance.Maintain professional boundaries and comply with ethical standards.Perform other duties consistent with certification, competency, supervision, and agency policy. 7. Ethics, Compliance, and SafetyComply with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, Maryland regulations, and agency confidentiality policies.Respect client rights, dignity, and informed participation in treatment.Follow incident-reporting procedures and applicable mandatory reporting requirements.Maintain accurate documentation and cooperate with quality assurance reviews.Follow emergency procedures and promptly notify the appropriate supervisor of safety concerns. Minimum QualificationsCurrent, active Maryland CSC-AD certification issued by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists.Education and training meeting the Board's applicable certification requirements.Employment by an agency or facility certified or licensed by the State, as required for CSC-AD practice.Ability to provide substance use disorder counseling under close supervision by a Board-approved supervisor.Basic knowledge of addiction, recovery principles, relapse prevention, confidentiality, and counseling ethics.Ability to document services accurately and communicate effectively with clients and treatment-team members. Preferred QualificationsExperience in residential SUD treatment, outpatient services, or recovery support settings.Familiarity with individualized treatment plans, progress notes, and clinical documentation.Training in motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and relapse prevention.Experience working with adults experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring behavioral health concerns. Performance Expectations The CSC-AD is expected to:Provide services only within the authorized scope of practice and required supervision.Participate in and comply with scheduled supervision.Complete assigned documentation within agency deadlines.Follow individualized treatment plans and supervisory direction.Demonstrate professional boundaries and protect client confidentiality.Communicate client progress, safety concerns, and clinical questions promptly.Participate in staff meetings, training, and quality improvement activities. Work Environment The position may require work in residential treatment facilities, outpatient clinics, and community settings. Evening, weekend, or holiday hours may be required depending on program needs.