Substance Abuse Counselor

Maryland Wellness and Recovery (MDWAR); Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland Wellness and Recovery (MDWAR) in Rockville, MD is seeking a Substance Abuse Counselor for a full-time, on-site role. You will provide individual and group counseling in IOP/OP settings, develop treatment plans, monitor progress, and coordinate care with providers and community resources.

The role emphasizes evidence-based practices, relapse prevention, crisis intervention, and a client-centered, trauma-informed approach within a recovery-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills in Treatment Planning, including developing, implementing, and revising individualized care plans.
• Experience with Case Management, coordinating services, referrals, and community resources to support client recovery.
• Knowledge of Chemical Dependency, including substance use disorders, withdrawal, and evidence-based interventions.
• Proficiency in Relapse Prevention strategies, including education, coping skills training, and risk management.
• Background in Mental Health, with the ability to recognize and address co-occurring disorders in a holistic manner.
• Relevant licensure or certification (e.g., ADT, CAC, CSC-AD, LCPC, LCSW-C) in accordance with Maryland regulations.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field.
• Strong communication, documentation, and clinical interviewing skills, with a client-centered and trauma-informed approach.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards.
• Experience in outpatient or intensive outpatient settings and familiarity with culturally responsive care are highly beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and develop individualized treatment plans for clients in IOP and OP.
• Monitor client progress and coordinate care with other providers and community resources.
• Facilitate relapse prevention education and document clinical services in a timely manner.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to ensure cohesive, high-quality care.
• Engage family or natural supports when appropriate and support crisis intervention.
• Promote a recovery-oriented, respectful environment and maintain professional boundaries.

Skills

Treatment planning

Case management

Chemical dependency knowledge

Relapse prevention

Mental health integration

Communication & documentation

Team collaboration

Trauma-informed care

Outpatient experience

Cultural responsiveness

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Counseling/Social Work/Psychology

Job description

Company Description

Maryland Wellness and Recovery (MDWAR) provides 3.1 Residential , intensive outpatient (IOP) and outpatient (OP) services for individuals who need structured support without committing to inpatient care. The program is designed for people transitioning from higher levels of care or seeking a step-down option that maintains continuity in their recovery. MDWAR offers flexible scheduling that allows participants to balance treatment with work, family responsibilities, and other commitments. The organization focuses on evidence-based, person-centered therapy that supports long-term recovery and overall wellness.

Role Description

The Substance Abuse Counselor is a full-time, on-site role based in Rockville, MD. The counselor provides individual and group counseling for clients in IOP and OP levels of care, using evidence-based practices to address substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns. Daily responsibilities include conducting assessments, developing and updating individualized treatment plans, monitoring client progress, and coordinating care with other providers and community resources. The counselor facilitates relapse prevention education, documents clinical services in a timely and accurate manner, and participates in multidisciplinary team meetings to ensure cohesive, high-quality care. The role also involves engaging family or natural supports when appropriate, supporting crisis intervention, and promoting a recovery-oriented, respectful environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills in Treatment Planning, including developing, implementing, and revising individualized care plans.
• Experience with Case Management, such as coordinating services, referrals, and community resources to support client recovery.
• Knowledge of Chemical Dependency, including substance use disorders, withdrawal, and evidence-based interventions.
• Proficiency in Relapse Prevention strategies, including education, coping skills training, and risk management.
• Background in Mental Health, with the ability to recognize and address co-occurring disorders in a holistic manner.
• Relevant licensure or certification (e.g., ADT, CAC, CSC-AD, LCPC, LCSW-C, ) in accordance with Maryland regulations.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field.
• Strong communication, documentation, and clinical interviewing skills, with a client-centered and trauma-informed approach.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards.
• Experience in outpatient or intensive outpatient settings and familiarity with culturally responsive care are highly beneficial.