Co-Occurring Disorder Counselor 9

ems; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 50,000 - 167,560; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health, dental, and vision insurance reimbursement

Professional development support

Retirement savings plan

Supplemental disability insurance

Job summary

ems is seeking a Co-Occurring Disorder Counselor to provide outpatient services addressing substance use and mental health. The role involves a 40-hour work week, split between two organizations, with options for independent contractor or full-time employee status.

Main responsibilities include facilitating counseling sessions, conducting evaluations, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The position offers a competitive salary from $50,000 to $167,560 annually, with full benefits for W-2 employees.

Qualifications

• Hold valid Maryland licensure.
• 1-2 years experience with dual diagnosis or high-acuity populations preferred.
• Background and reference checks must pass.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate individual, family, and group counseling.
• Conduct diagnostic evaluations and treatment planning.
• Maintain accurate documentation meeting all standards.

Skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of DSM-5-TR

Team-oriented

Prioritization skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or related field

Tools

ICANotes

Job description

Position Overview

The Co‑Occurring Disorder Counselor provides outpatient substance use disorder and mental health services as an independent contractor or full‑time W‑2 employee with Lighthouse Behavioral Health Center and Community Wellness Outpatient Mental Health Center (CWOMHC). The role involves a split 40‑hour work week, with 50% of services performed at each organization.

Employment Type

Option 1: 1099 Independent Contractor – Fee‑for‑service with separate invoices to each organization. The contractor is responsible for taxes, benefits, and professional liability coverage.

Option 2: W‑2 Employee – Full‑time 40‑hour week, split 20 hours per week with each organization. Benefits include paid leave, health/dental/vision reimbursement, retirement savings plan, and supplemental disability insurance.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate individual, family, and group counseling for clients with co‑occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Conduct diagnostic evaluations, treatment planning, and periodic reassessments (every 6 months).
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in ICANotes, meeting CARF, Medicaid, COMAR, and agency standards.
• Provide make‑up sessions for missed appointments and coordinate with program staff and external providers (PCPs, housing, probation).
• Apply evidence‑based treatment models (e.g., Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT, Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment) and trauma‑informed, person‑centered practices.
• Ensure crisis intervention and safety planning as needed.
• Participate in fidelity reviews, clinical audits, supervision, and required CEU training to maintain licensure.
• Collaborate with the scheduling department to maintain a 7‑day advance schedule and align services with client availability.
• Track treatment outcomes, client satisfaction, and quality metrics for ongoing improvement.
• Maintain confidentiality of client records and adhere to COMAR and other regulatory requirements.

Qualifications & Licensing

• Hold valid Maryland licensure, including but not limited to:
  
  1. Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LCADC)
  2. Licensed Graduate Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LGADC)
  3. Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor – Addictions Counselor (CAC‑AD)
  4. Certified Supervised Counselor Alcohol & Drug (CSCAD)
  5. Approved Alcohol & Drug Trainee (ADT)
  6. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
  7. Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC)
  8. Licensed Certified Social Worker – Clinical (LCSW‑C)
  9. Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)
  10. Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
  11. Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
  12. Licensed Clinical Marriage & Family Therapist (LCMFT)
  13. Licensed Graduate Marriage & Family Therapist (LGMF)
  14. Licensed Psychologist
  15. Registered Psychology Associate
  16. Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner – Psychiatric Mental Health (CRNP‑PMH)
  17. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse – Psychiatric Mental Health (APRN‑PMH)
  18. Clinical Nurse Specialist – Psychiatric Mental Health (CNS‑PMH)
  19. Student intern in an approved discipline

Compensation & Payment

• Fee‑for‑service: per session, per group, or per client contact, invoiced monthly.
• Invoices must detail dates, locations, and nature of services; submission deadline is Saturday midnight for services rendered Sunday‑Saturday.
• Independent contractor status requires invoices in each organization’s format; W‑2 employees receive monthly paid checks.
• Compensation ranges for W‑2 employees: $50,000 to $167,560 per year, commensurate with credentials.

Benefits (W‑2 Only)

• Paid time off
• Health, dental, and vision insurance reimbursement
• Professional development support
• Retirement savings plan
• Supplemental disability insurance

Work Schedule & Conditions

• 4–5 eight‑hour days, Monday‑Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (W‑2); 40‑hour weekly split across organizations (1099).
• Possible exposure to emotional or crisis situations.
• Community‑based offices or hybrid setting; in‑person services preferred.
• Up to 10% travel interoffice and site‑based.
• Works in an environment with potential exposure to contagious diseases and volatile situations.
• Physical demands include walking, standing, stooping, carrying up to 10 lb, and driving.

Competencies & Skills

• 1–2 years experience with dual diagnosis or high‑acuity populations preferred.
• Passes background and reference checks.
• Familiarity with Medicaid documentation, CARF standards, and trauma‑informed care.
• Strong knowledge of DSM‑5‑TR mental health and substance use diagnoses.
• Proficient in developing recovery‑oriented treatment goals, timely documentation, and billing compliance.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; team‑oriented and independent with prioritization skills.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive care.

Educational Requirements

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or related field (master’s preferred).

EEO Statement

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Access (EDIA) Applicant Verification Post. Application is available to qualified individuals who identify as a minority, veteran, or disabled person. All corporate offices are located in the State of Maryland.