PSCS A/ D Associate Counselor

State of Maryland; Cumberland (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Pension plan

Tuition reimbursement

CEU training reimbursement

Job summary

The State of Maryland’s Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) seeks a Certified Associate Counselor to assess incarcerated individuals for substance use concerns and provide counseling, treatment, and aftercare services in a correctional setting. The role includes individual and group sessions, case management collaboration, and ongoing professional development.

Ideal candidates will have CAC certification, knowledge of screening tools, and strong communication skills to

Qualifications

• CAC certification required by Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists.
• Experience with substance use treatment and counseling in confined or community settings.
• Ability to conduct individual and group sessions and maintain treatment documentation.

Responsibilities

• Screen incarcerated individuals using the Drug Screen 5 and document results for case management.
• Assess using TAP and maintain testing results in treatment files.
• Provide individual and group substance abuse treatment and aftercare services.
• Maintain group and individual progress notes including treatment plans and discharge summaries.
• Coordinate with community-based providers for aftercare and resources.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and complete monthly activity statistics.

Skills

Counseling

Assessment

Group therapy

Documentation

Communication

Education

Certified Associate Counselor (CAC)

Job description

Introduction

If you are looking for an exciting career with great benefits, pension, generous leave, competitive salary, and the opportunity for advancement and professional growth, apply to join the DPSCS team today!

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is seeking dedicated candidates to fill important roles within our department. We are one of the largest departments in Maryland with nearly 12,000 employees and a budget of more than $1 billion. In order to fulfill our mission of promoting safety, we have increased security at our institutions while leading the way in innovative restorative justice projects that will help offenders reintegrate into society upon release.

As a member of the DPSCS team, you can have a fulfilling career, while also enjoying a wide range of benefits such as medical and dental coverage, paid time off (i.e. vacation, sick leave), becoming vested in the State pension, supplemental retirement options, and even joining the Maryland State Employees Credit Union.

GRADE

16

LOCATION OF POSITION

This recruitment will be used to fill current and future vacancies across the state of Maryland. When completing the application, select all locations you are willing to work.

Current vacancies are located in:

• Allegany County
• North Branch Correctional Institution (NBCI), 14100 McMullen Highway, S.W., Cumberland, MD 21502

POSITION DUTIES

To assess all incoming incarcerated individuals in a designated institution for substance use concerns and provide counseling, intervention, intensive treatment and rehabilitation services to those incarcerated individuals with substance abuse disorder(s) which may also include incarcerated individuals that are dually diagnosed.

• Perform screening as needed on incarcerated individuals entering the institution utilizing the TCU Drug Screen 5. Score the instrument and complete the Screening and Assessment Result form documenting the results and provide the form to case management. Maintain original testing instrument in treatment files.
• Assess incarcerated individuals as needed using the TAP to identify incarcerated individuals needing substance abuse treatment services. Score and add the results of the TAP to the Screening Assessment Result form and provide to case management. Develop incarcerated individuals files to maintain original testing instruments.
• Provide substance abuse treatment on an individual basis twice monthly and two group sessions a week for two groups with approximately 15 members. Facilitate one aftercare services group weekly.
• Documentation of all group and individual notes to include treatment plans and discharge summaries in incarcerated individuals files.
• Maintain contact with internal and external resources such as community based addiction providers in support of providing aftercare services.
• Participation in continued professional development through educational training.
• Completion of monthly statistics on substance abuse treatment activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet all minimum (and selective) qualifications to be considered.

• Education: Determined by the Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists under the requirements for Certified Associate Counselors.
• Experience: Determined by the Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists under the certification requirements for Certified Associate Counselors.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

• In accordance with Health Occupations Title 17 and Code of Maryland Regulations 10.58.07, candidates must be certified by the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists as a Certified Associate Counselor.
• Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• The ideal candidate must be fluent in spoken and written English. The ideal candidate must effectively and respectfully communicate with diverse populations, providing services to individuals with different beliefs, behaviors, and interpersonal styles in confinement or community settings. Professional working fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, or any other language is a plus.
• Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.

BENEFITS

• Health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.
• Personal Leave – new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).
• Annual Leave – ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.
• Sick Leave – fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.
• Parental Leave – up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.
• Holidays – State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year.
• Pension – State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension.
• Release time for job‑related CEU training.
• Reimbursement of costs of licensure or certification as required by clinical specialty.
• Tuition reimbursement available through the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

EEO STATEMENTS

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.