Co-Occurring Disorder Counselor 19

DIVISION: Operations

UNIT: n/a

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Operations Manager 2

Client Service Location Expectations:
Regardless of which option you choose below, the majority of assigned clients will reside in community-based group homes. Clients who do not reside in a group home may be seen in your assigned community-based office, at the company’s main office, or via telehealth—provided that either you or the client is physically located at one of these approved sites during the service.

Caseload Makeup:
• 5 Category A clients to be serviced at community based meeting room 1620 Druid Hill Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21217
• 2 other than Category A clients to be serviced in the community or at 3310 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224

OPTION 1: 1099 INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR VERSION
(For individuals or businesses offering services independently)

Scope of Service: Co-Occurring Disorder Counselor – Independent Contractor

CLASSIFICATION: Contract Position (1099). Fee-for-service.

DISCLOSURE – MULTI-ENTITY CONTRACTOR ROLE:
This 1099 Independent Contractor role for a Co-Occurring Disorder Counselor includes responsibilities that span across the following two organizations, all operating under shared leadership:

• FOCUS #1: Lighthouse Behavioral Health Center
• FOCUS #2: Community Wellness Outpatient Mental Health Center

As an independent contractor, you will maintain separate contractual agreements with each organization. You will invoice and receive compensation separately from each entity based on the time worked and services delivered for their respective programs. This means you are not an employee of any of the entities and are instead engaged as a self-employed contractor for each.

Though the contactor is paid on a fee for service basis and not an hourly basis, the services will require approximately 40 hours per week in to render assigned services as scheduled over 5 days, with an estimated one-half of the services rendered allocated to each organization. While day-to-day scheduling and care coordination may be managed collaboratively to support continuity across programs, each organization retains responsibility for its own scope of work, compliance requirements, and payment processes.

As a 1099 contractor, you are responsible for your own taxes, benefits, and liability coverage, and you must adhere to all contractual terms and professional licensing requirements relevant to each organization.

Overview

Generally, assigned clients will reside in community based group homes. Assigned clients who do not reside in group homes may receive services in your assigned community based office, at the company’s main office, or via telehealth if you or the client are in one of these locations. We are seeking a qualified and licensed Co-Occurring Disorder Counselor to provide outpatient substance use disorder treatment services on an independent contractor basis. The contractor will schedule and facilitate group and individual counseling sessions, conduct assessments, and complete client documentation within the designated service period.

Scope of Work

FOCUS #1:
The company will credential the counselor to provide the above-listed services with a focus on outpatient substance use disorder treatment. These services will be delivered under the counselor’s independent contractor agreement with Lighthouse Behavioral Health Center, as outlined below.

ACCOUNTABLE FOR: Delivering evidence-based substance disorder abuse focused treatment services to individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in compliance with clinical model fidelity and documentation timelines

DEPARTMENT: Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program (OP SUD)

COMPANY WEBSITE:

COMPANY PHONE NUMBER: (667) 400-6206

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR PHONE NUMBER: (667) 400-6206 EXT 10

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]

ALTERNATE TITLE(S): Substance Abuse Counselor, Drug and Alcohol Counselor

COMPANY: Lighthouse Behavioral Health Center

ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER:

FOCUS #2:
The company will credential the counselor to provide the above-listed services with a focus on outpatient mental health disorder treatment. These services will be delivered under the counselor’s independent contractor agreement with Community Wellness Outpatient Mental Health Center, as outlined below.

ACCOUNTABLE FOR: Delivering evidence-based mental health disorder focused treatment services to individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in compliance with clinical model fidelity and documentation timelines

DEPARTMENT: Outpatient Mental Health Treatment Program (OP MH)

COMPANY WEBSITE:

COMPANY PHONE NUMBER: (667) 309-9920

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR PHONE NUMBER: (667) 309-9920 EXT 10

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]

ALTERNATE TITLE(S): Mental Health Counselor

COMPANY: Community Wellness Outpatient Mental Health Center

ABOUT COMMUNITY WELLNESS OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH CENTER:

Service Expectations & Deliverables:
The contractor is responsible for providing structured co-occurring treatment services to clients assigned to the contractor by the company's scheduling department in alignment with program needs, including:
• Facilitating individual, family, and group focused counseling sessions, diagnostic evaluations, assessments and treatment planning sessions as scheduled.
• Providing make-up sessions for clients who missed their originally scheduled session.
• Allocating time for documentation and session note writing within ICANotes before the conclusion of the service period.
• Addressing individual client needs, if requested, within the service timeframe.
• Coordinating independently with the program coordinator to ensure client care needs are met.
• Maintaining compliance with COMAR regulations, professional licensing requirements, and ethical standards.
• The company provides an approved treatment curriculum, which the contractor may use at their discretion. Contractors may also integrate their own approaches as long as they 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 to every stage of the clinical relationship
• Complete initial treatment plans within the required timeframe (e.g., first 7 days of admission)
• Conduct monthly treatment plan reviews to assess goal progress, revise interventions, and document outcomes
• Complete initial diagnostic assessments and evaluations at the start of services
• 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:
• The contractor agrees to render services for which the contractor is credentialed.
• Services must be rendered on-site, as specified in the agreement. If you are on site and your client is not on site, you may render the service to the client via telehealth while you are on-site.
• Services must be scheduled at least 7 days in advance and aligned with client availability, client individual needs, industry standards and program model guidelines.

Documentation & Compliance:
• Contractor must submit detailed invoices reflecting services performed, including dates, locations, and nature of work.
Follow fidelity guidelines for integrated co-occurring treatment approaches
• 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
• Must 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.
• Session documentation must be completed and submitted in ICANotes before the contractor’s service window ends each day.
• Documentation includes, but is not limited to:
o Substance use disorder focused group therapy notes coded as H0005
o Substance use disorder focused individual session progress notes and treatment planning sessions coded as H0004 (with units in 15-minute increments)
o Substance use disorder focused diagnostic biopsychosocial assessments coded as H0001
o Mental health disorder focused group therapy notes coded as 90853
o Mental health disorder focused individual session progress notes coded as 90832 or 90834
o Mental health disorder focused family session notes coded as 90846 or 90847
o Mental health disorder focused individual treatment planning sessions coded as H0032
o Mental health focused diagnostic biopsychosocial assessments coded as 90791
o Treatment plan updates as necessary

Qualifications & Licensing Requirements:
To be eligible for this contract, the contractor must hold valid Maryland licensure, including one of the following:
• 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:
• Contractors will be compensated per service rendered (e.g., per session, per group, or per client contact), rather than by hourly wages.
• Payments will be 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.
• The contractor is responsible for all taxes, insurance, and licensing costs associated with their work.

Independent Contractor Status:
• The contractor retains full discretion over how services are performed, provided they meet program requirements.
• The contractor is not an employee and is not entitled to benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, or unemployment insurance.
• The contractor must maintain appropriate professional liability insurance and provide proof upon request.

Proposal Submission Process
Interested contractors are invited to submit a competitive proposal for providing addiction counseling services under this contract. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis. To be considered, please complete and submit responses to the questions in the fields below.

Proposal Requirements:

Each proposal should include:
1. Contractor Information:
o Full Name / Business Name
o Contact Information
o Business License (if applicable)

2. Qualifications & Licensing:
o Applicants must hold valid licensure in the State of Maryland in one of the disciplines indicated above.

3. Experience & Approach:
o Summary of relevant experience in outpatient substance use disorder treatment settings
o Proposed approach to service delivery, including experience with ICANotes documentation

4. Proposed Rate & Compensation Structure:
o Per service rate (e.g., per session, per group, per client contact)
o Any additional cost considerations

5. Availability & Service Delivery Plan:
o Days and times the contractor is available to render services
o Confirmation that the contractor can provide in-person sessions only

Proposal Evaluation & Selection Process:
• Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and contracts may be awarded as qualified proposals are received.
• Proposals will be evaluated based on the following weighted criteria, with a total possible score of 100 points:

• Qualifications & Licensure Compliance (30%)
o Valid licensure in Maryland as specified in the Qualifications & Licensing section.
o Compliance with professional and regulatory standards.

• Relevant Experience in Co-Occurring Disorder Counseling (25%)
o Demonstrated experience in outpatient substance use disorder treatment settings or a similar setting.
o Experience with ICANotes or comparable electronic health record (EHR) systems.

• Competitive Rate Proposal (20%)
o Cost-effectiveness of the proposed per-service compensation.
o Alignment with industry standards and budget considerations.

• Availability & Service Alignment with Program Needs (15%)
o Contractor’s ability to provide consistent days / service periods.
o Willingness to offer telehealth in addition to in-person services.

• Proposal Completeness & Professionalism (10%)
o Clarity, organization, and thoroughness of the proposal.
o Responsiveness to all required fields and criteria.

Each proposal will be scored based on these weighted factors, and the highest-scoring candidates will be invited for further discussions or contract negotiation.

Selected contractors will be contacted for further discussions or contract negotiation.

Questions & Clarifications:
For any questions regarding this RFP process, please contact Contract Administrator at (667) 400-6206 EXT 10.

OPTION 2: W-2 EMPLOYMENT VERSION
(For those seeking a traditional employment arrangement)

DISCLOSURE - MULTI-EMPLOYER ROLE:
This W-2 fee-for-service Co-Occurring Disorder Counselor position includes responsibilities that span across the following three organizations, all under shared leadership:

FOCUS #1 Community Wellness Outpatient Mental Health Center
FOCUS #2 Lighthouse Behavioral Health Center

You will maintain separate W-2 employment relationships with each organization and will receive individual payroll compensation from each entity based on the time worked and services provided for their respective programs. This means you will be an official employee of all two companies, with service documents, responsibilities, and compliance obligations tracked separately for each.

Though the employee is paid on a fee for service basis and not an hourly basis, the services will require approximately 40 hours per week in to render assigned services as scheduled over 5 days, with an estimated one-half of the services rendered allocated to each organization. While day-to-day supervision and scheduling will be coordinated centrally to support integrated care, each employer will manage its own onboarding, HR, and compliance processes in accordance with applicable laws and organizational policies.

DIVISION: Operations

UNIT: n/a

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time (W2). Fee-for-service.

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: Ranges between $167,560 per year to $50,000 per year paid on a fee-for-service basis for servicing assigned clients as scheduled. Commensurate based on credentials and experience.

ANTICIPATED TRAVEL: Up to 10% of the time (interoffice 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 POC for external treatment providers and outside agencies as needed.
• Responsible for following regulations of COMAR, CARF, any other regulatory body, and company policies/ procedures related to service delivery and documentation and co-facilitating orientation of all new hires to these as well.
• Support the maintenance of a safe environment by participating in training and drills as requested.
• Maintain confidentiality of records relating to client’s treatment.
• Participate in external and internal audits/surveys (CARF/CSA/OHCQ) as directed by the supervisor.
• Participates in quality assurance and performance improvement plans by completing periodic audits or other activities to ensure regulatory compliance and/or improve service delivery.
• Ensure the 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 drives a motor vehicle.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in an office, Work exposes incumbent to contagious or infectious diseases; Work may expose incumbent to dangerous and volatile situations; which could result in bodily injury.

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:
• Minimum 1–2 years experience working with dual diagnosis or high-acuity populations preferred
• Must pass background and reference checks
• Familiarity with Medicaid documentation, CARF standards, and trauma-informed care required
• 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

LEVEL OF EDUCATION / TRAINING / QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
At least a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Licensure/Certification:
To be eligible for this contract, the contractor must hold valid Maryland licensure, including one of the following:
• 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.

FOCUS #1
The company will credential the counselor to provide the above-listed services with a focus on outpatient substance use disorder treatment. These services will be delivered under the counselor’s independent contractor agreement with Lighthouse Behavioral Health Center, as outlined below.

ACCOUNTABLE FOR: Delivering evidence-based substance abuse disorder focused treatment services to individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in compliance with clinical model fidelity and documentation timelines

DEPARTMENT: Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program (OP SUD)

COMPANY WEBSITE:

COMPANY PHONE NUMBER: (667) 400-6206

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT PHONE NUMBER: (667) 400-6206 EXT 10

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]

POSITION TITLE: Co-Occurring Disorder Counselor

ALTERNATE TITLE(S): Substance Abuse Counselor, Substance Use Disorder Counselor, Drug and Alcohol Counselor

COMPANY: Lighthouse Behavioral Health Center

ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER:
Lighthouse Behavioral Health Center is a community-based behavioral health organization dedicated to providing high-quality, person-centered care to individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use challenges. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including outpatient therapy, psychiatric care, intensive in-home services, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), and case management.

Our team is committed to delivering trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and evidence-based care that promotes healing, empowerment, and long-term wellness. With a strong focus on accessibility and compassion, Lighthouse Behavioral Health Center serves clients across all ages and backgrounds—helping them navigate recovery, build resilience, and achieve greater stability in their lives.

SUMMARY OF POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Co-Occurring Disorder Counselor is responsible for the substance use disorder treatment focused assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals experiencing both mental health and substance use disorders. This role provides therapeutic interventions that align with evidence-based models of care (e.g., Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT, Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment) and maintains fidelity to program-specific requirements.

The counselor is responsible for developing and reviewing treatment plans, maintaining clinical documentation, and ensuring that all services reflect model-aligned, recovery-oriented care.

SCHEDULED DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical Service Delivery
• Provide substance use disorder focused individual, group, and family counseling for clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders as scheduled
• Utilize and maintain fidelity to the agency’s designated clinical treatment models
• Apply trauma-informed, person-centered practices to every stage of the clinical relationship

Treatment Planning & Documentation
• Complete initial treatment plans within the required timeframe (e.g., first 7 days of admission)
• Conduct monthly treatment plan reviews to assess goal progress, revise interventions, and document outcomes
• Complete initial diagnostic assessments and evaluations at the start of services
• 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

Caseload & Case Management
• Manage a clinical caseload assigned by the scheduling department
• 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

Model Fidelity & Quality Monitoring
• Follow fidelity guidelines for integrated co-occurring treatment approaches
• 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

FOCUS #2
The company will credential the counselor to provide the above-listed services with a focus on outpatient mental health disorder treatment. These services will be delivered under the counselor’s independent contractor agreement with Community Wellness Outpatient Mental Health Center, as outlined below.

ACCOUNTABLE FOR: Delivering evidence-based mental health disorder focused treatment services to individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in compliance with clinical model fidelity and documentation timelines

DEPARTMENT: Outpatient Mental Health Disorder Treatment Program (OP MH)

COMPANY WEBSITE: https://cwomhc.org

COMPANY PHONE NUMBER: (667) 309-9920

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT PHONE NUMBER: (667) 309-9920 EXT 10

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]

POSITION TITLE: Co-Occurring Disorder Counselor

ALTERNATE TITLE(S): Mental Health Counselor, Mental Health Disorder Counselor

COMPANY: Community Wellness Outpatient Mental Health Center

ABOUT COMMUNITY WELLNESS OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH CENTER:
Community Wellness Outpatient Mental Health Center (CWOMHC) is a person-centered behavioral health organization committed to improving the mental and emotional well-being of individuals and families across our community. We offer a full continuum of outpatient services—including therapy, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and care coordination—designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients in a compassionate and culturally responsive environment.

CWOMHC supports holistic recovery by integrating somatic, behavioral, and rehabilitative care. Our interdisciplinary team is dedicated to fostering resilience, dignity, and empowerment through trauma-informed, evidence-based practices. We serve children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of behavioral health conditions, always with a focus on accessibility, community connection, and client choice.

SUMMARY OF POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Co-Occurring Disorder Counselor is responsible for the mental health disorder treatment focused assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals experiencing both mental health and substance use disorders. This role provides therapeutic interventions that align with evidence-based models of care (e.g., Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT, Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment) and maintains fidelity to program-specific requirements.

The counselor is responsible for developing and reviewing treatment plans, maintaining clinical documentation, and ensuring that all services reflect model-aligned, recovery-oriented care.

SCHEDULED DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical Service Delivery
• Provide mental health disorder focused individual, group, and family counseling for clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders as scheduled
• Utilize and maintain fidelity to the agency’s designated clinical treatment models
• Apply trauma-informed, person-centered practices to every stage of the clinical relationship

Treatment Planning & Documentation
• Complete initial treatment plans within the required timeframe (e.g., first 7 days of admission)
• Conduct monthly treatment plan reviews to assess goal progress, revise interventions, and document outcomes
• Complete initial diagnostic assessments and evaluations at the start of services
• 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

Caseload & Case Management
• Manage a clinical caseload assigned by the scheduling department
• 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

Model Fidelity & Quality Monitoring
• Follow fidelity guidelines for integrated co-occurring treatment approaches
• 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