Substance Use Counselor

Key Role Responsibilities

• Provides substance use and behavioral health assessments and interventions that support the client’s overall health and well-being, using a harm reduction, trauma-informed, and non-judgmental approach that respects client autonomy and lived experience.
• Engages and re-engages clients in services across clinic, mobile, and community settings, helping to reduce barriers to care and support ongoing connection to treatment.
• Provides individual counseling and group counseling, supporting clients in identifying goals related to safer substance use, treatment, or recovery based on their readiness for change.
• Counsels on substance use resources, harm reduction strategies, and referrals to higher levels of care.
• Participates actively on an integrated, multidisciplinary care team to develop and implement individualized treatment plans using SMART goals that reflect client priorities and needs.
• Contributes to interdisciplinary case conferences and care coordination to support holistic care for clients.
• Works closely with Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) prescribers and medical staff to support clients receiving medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) such as Suboxone.
• Serves as a liaison between the Behavioral Health and MAT teams.
• Supports the Behavioral Health and MAT teams by providing consultation on substance use resources, harm reduction strategies, and referrals to higher levels of care.
• Administers the contingency management program.
• Completes documentation of services in accordance with established forms, formats, and required timeframes within the electronic health record.
• Completes required documentation and authorizations necessary for reimbursement for behavioral health services.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in a human services related field required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Licensed or certified by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors in substance abuse counseling (CSC-AD, CAC-AD, or LCADC) required.
• Minimum two years of experience working with individuals with substance use disorders.
• Experience working with underserved populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, preferred.