Substance Use Counselor

Hchmd; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 66,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Health Care for the Homeless seeks a Substance Use Counselor to deliver outpatient SUD treatment and recovery support for youth and adults experiencing homelessness. You will operate from the Main Clinic, with services provided in fixed-site clinics, mobile clinics, and community settings, using a trauma-informed, client-centered approach.

The role emphasizes harm reduction, collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, and coordination of care across MOUD and behavioral health services.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in a human services field is required; bachelor’s preferred.
• Maryland licensure as CSC-AD, CAC-AD, or LCADC required.
• Minimum two years of experience with substance use disorders.
• Experience serving underserved populations, including homelessness.
• Harm reduction philosophy and client-centered approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide substance use and behavioral health assessments and interventions.
• Offer individual and group counseling with harm reduction approach.
• Coordinate referrals to detox, residential, outpatient, or recovery supports.
• Facilitate groups to engage clients and support change.
• Document services in the electronic health record accurately.
• Collaborate with MAT team and MOUD providers.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Team collaboration

Education

Associates degree in human services

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Substance Use Counselor# Substance Use Counselor421 Fallsway - Baltimore, MD 21202## OverviewSalary Range$66,379.00 - $77,442.00 SalaryPosition TypeFull Time## Substance Use Counselor**Reports To:** Director of Recovery Services**Job Family:** Behavioral Health Providers**FLSA Status:** Exempt**Supervisor:** No**Hours:**8:00am - 4:30pm, M-F**Location:**Main Clinic, In-Person and On-Site**Overview**Working as part of the Behavioral Health team, the **Substance Use Counselor** provides outpatient substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery support services to youth and adults experiencing homelessness. This role engages individuals who use substances with a **trauma-informed, client-centered approach** that prioritizes dignity, autonomy, and practical strategies to improve health and safety. Services are delivered across **multiple Health Care for the Homeless locations**, including **fixed-site clinics, mobile clinics, and community-based settings**, to meet clients where they are and reduce barriers to care.**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.* Conducts **screening, triage, intake, assessment, and referrals** to appropriate levels of care including detoxification, residential treatment, outpatient services, and recovery support when desired by the client.* Facilitates groups designed to **engage clients with substance use or co-occurring disorders**, promote health and safety, and support movement along the continuum of change.* 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.* Supports the Behavioral Health and MAT teams by providing **consultation on substance use resources, harm reduction strategies, and referrals to higher levels of care**.* Partners with behavioral health leadership to administer 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**Formal Education and Training*** 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**Experience*** Minimum two years of experience working with individuals with substance use disorders* Knowledge of harm reduction and commitment to translate harm reduction philosophy into practice* Experience working with underserved populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, preferred**Skills*** Well-developed interpersonal skills necessary to build trusting relationships with clients and community partners* Able to work in an interdisciplinary team and collaborate with others across various disciplines and service locations* Excellent verbal and written communication skills* Able to work with individuals who may be ill, disabled, emotionally distressed, or experiencing crisis