Option 1: 1099 Independent Contractor
Scope of Service: Co-Occurring Disorder Counselor – Independent Contractor
Multi-Entity Role: Responsibilities span across Lighthouse Behavioral Health Center and Community Wellness Outpatient Mental Health Center. Separate contractual agreements and invoicing with each entity.
Overview: Provide outpatient substance use disorder and co‑occurring mental health treatment services on an independent contractor basis. Schedule and facilitate group and individual counseling sessions, conduct assessments, and complete client documentation within the designated service period.
Service Expectations & Deliverables
- Facilitate individual, family, and group counseling sessions; diagnostic evaluations; assessment; and treatment planning sessions as scheduled.
- Provide make‑up sessions for missed appointments.
- Allocate time for documentation and session note writing within ICANotes before the end of the service window.
- Address individual client needs within the service timeframe.
- Coordinate independently with the program coordinator to ensure client care needs are met.
- Maintain compliance with COMAR regulations, professional licensing requirements, and ethical standards.
- Use the approved treatment curriculum or integrate own approaches that align with best practices and regulatory requirements.
- Utilize and maintain fidelity to the agency’s designated clinical treatment models.
- Apply trauma‑informed, person‑centered practices at every stage of the clinical relationship.
- Complete initial treatment plans within the first 7 days of admission.
- Conduct monthly treatment‑plan reviews to assess goal progress, revise interventions, and document outcomes.
- Perform comprehensive reassessments and updated diagnostic evaluations every 6 months.
- Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic health record system in accordance with CARF, Medicaid, and COMAR standards.
- Provide routine case coordination with internal staff and external service providers, including PCPs, housing, probation, or substance‑use programs.
- Maintain awareness of client barriers and address social determinants of health in treatment planning.
- Ensure crisis intervention and safety planning are provided as needed.
Service Schedule & Session Structure
- Render services for which the contractor is credentialed.
- Services must be rendered on‑site as specified. Telehealth may be used when the contractor is on site and the client is not.
- Services must be scheduled at least 7 days in advance and aligned with client availability and program guidelines.
Documentation & Compliance
- Submit detailed invoices reflecting services performed, including dates, locations, and nature of work.
- Participate in fidelity reviews, clinical audits, and supervision designed to improve quality and consistency of care.
- Track treatment outcomes and client satisfaction as part of ongoing quality assurance.
- Attend required clinical training and CEUs to maintain licensure and model proficiency.
- Comply with company policies and regulatory bodies such as COMAR, CARF, and CSA.
- Complete and maintain all required documentation for audits, quality assurance, and service delivery verification.
- Submit session documentation in ICANotes before the contractor’s service window ends each day.
Qualifications & Licensing Requirements
- Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LCADC)
- Licensed Graduate Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LGADC)
- Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor – Addictions Counselor (CAC-AD)
- Certified Supervised Counselor Alcohol & Drug (CSCAD)
- Approved Alcohol & Drug Trainee (ADT)
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
- Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC)
- Licensed Certified Social Worker – Clinical (LCSW‑C)
- Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
- Licensed Clinical Marriage & Family Therapist (LCMFT)
- Licensed Graduate Marriage & Family Therapist (LGMF)
- Licensed Psychologist
- Registered Psychology Associate
- Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner – Psychiatric Mental Health (CRNP‑PMH)
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse – Psychiatric Mental Health (APRN‑PMH)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist – Psychiatric Mental Health (CNS‑PMH)
- A student intern in one of the above disciplines
Compensation, Invoicing & Payment Terms
- Compensated per service rendered (e.g., per session, per group, or per client contact).
- Payments made based on submitted invoices reflecting the services provided.
- Invoices covering services from Sunday through Saturday must be submitted to the Contract Administrator by Saturday at midnight to be included in the scheduled check run.
- Invoices submitted after this deadline may be processed in the following check run.
- Contractor responsible for all taxes, insurance, and licensing costs associated with their work.
Independent Contractor Status
- Retains full discretion over how services are performed, provided they meet program requirements.
- Not an employee and not entitled to benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, or unemployment insurance.
- Must maintain appropriate professional liability insurance and provide proof upon request.
Option 2: W‑2 Employment
Division: Operations
Unit: n/a
Classification: Full‑time, W‑2 employee with fee‑for‑service compensation. Total 40 hours per week, divided approximately 20 hours per week between Lighthouse Behavioral Health Center and Community Wellness Outpatient Mental Health Center.
Accountable To
Operations Manager 2
Benefits Package
- Paid time off
- Health, dental, and vision insurance reimbursement
- Professional development support
- Retirement savings plan
- Supplemental disability insurance
Work Schedule
4–5 eight‑hour days each week, preferably Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Compensation
Range between $50,000 and $167,560 per year, paid on a fee‑for‑service basis for servicing assigned clients as scheduled. Commensurate with credentials and experience.
Anticipated Travel
Up to 10% of the time (inter‑office and site‑based).
Work Conditions
- Community‑based offices or hybrid setting, with in‑person responsibilities based on client needs.
- Possible exposure to emotional or crisis situations with clients.
- Collaborative and team‑oriented clinical environment.
Unscheduled Duties & Responsibilities
- Assist supervisor with work‑related requests.
- Collaborate with and serve as program point of contact for external treatment providers and outside agencies as needed.
- Follow regulations of COMAR, CARF, and company policies related to service delivery and documentation; co‑facilitate orientation of new hires.
- Support safe environment by participating in training and drills as requested.
- Maintain confidentiality of records related to client treatment.
- Participate in external and internal audits/surveys (CARF/CSA/OHCQ) as directed.
- Engage in quality assurance and performance improvement plans.
- Ensure medical director or clinical supervisor reviews and co‑signs documents as required.
Physical Demands
Regularly walk, stand, or stoop; occasionally lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects weighing up to 10 pounds; and regularly drive a motor vehicle.
Working Conditions
Work performed in an office; exposure to contagious or infectious diseases; potential exposure to dangerous and volatile situations that could result in bodily injury.
Competencies and Skills
- Minimum 1–2 years of experience working with dual diagnosis or high‑acuity populations.
- Must pass background and reference checks.
- Familiarity with Medicaid documentation, CARF standards, and trauma‑informed care.
- Strong understanding of mental health and substance use diagnoses (DSM‑5‑TR).
- Proficiency in developing recovery‑oriented, measurable treatment goals.
- Ability to maintain timely documentation and clinical billing compliance.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Team‑oriented with the ability to work independently and prioritize tasks.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive care.
Education, Training, and Qualifications
At least a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
Licensure/Certification
- Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LCADC)
- Licensed Graduate Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LGADC)
- Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor – Addictions Counselor (CAC-AD)
- Certified Supervised Counselor Alcohol & Drug (CSCAD)
- Approved Alcohol & Drug Trainee (ADT)
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
- Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC)
- Licensed Certified Social Worker – Clinical (LCSW‑C)
- Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
- Licensed Clinical Marriage & Family Therapist (LCMFT)
- Licensed Graduate Marriage & Family Therapist (LGMF)
- Licensed Psychologist
- Registered Psychology Associate
- Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner – Psychiatric Mental Health (CRNP‑PMH)
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse – Psychiatric Mental Health (APRN‑PMH)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist – Psychiatric Mental Health (CNS‑PMH)
- A student intern in one of the above disciplines.