SUD Counselor
Listed compensation
$60K - $73K
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
- Job Location: Baltimore, MD 21215
- Position Type: Full Time
- Salary Range: $60,000.00 - $73,000.00 Salary
- Job Category: Regular
Position Summary The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor provides clinical substance use disorder treatment for HIV positive clients with co-occurring mental illness and/or homelessness.
The Substance Use Counselor is responsible for providing direct care services to adults with substance use disorders in an individual and group setting. The Substance Use Counselor ensures continuity of services across multiple program units providing direct care and services to clients.
Essential Functions Oversee the day-to-day operations of the substance use unit. Provide all services associated with substance use treatment and counseling. Provide rapid screening, assessment, intake, treatment plan, continuity of care, and discharge planning.
Track and report monthly performance measures and monitor annual goals. Evaluate the effectiveness of the unit and provide a monthly written narrative of outcomes, achievements, barriers, and networking opportunities.
Provide crisis interventions with clients including home visits and other interactions with emergency contacts. Ensure program compliance with service definitions and “best practice” guidelines.
Ensure substance use standards are followed and observed during quality of care reviews conducted by external auditors including Ryan White and Joint Commission. Engage in outreach efforts on behalf of the agency to reengage and recruit new clients.
Attend provider meetings with other substance use staff to discuss standards of care. Attend all staff, Clinical Care team, viral suppression meetings and required trainings. Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Qualifications College degree in substance use disorders with a CAC-AD or CSC-AD licensure Two years’ experience in a clinical environment; one year in an administrative capacity Relevant experience and sensitivity to HIV/AIDS; African Americans and other vulnerable populations and the issues faced.
An awareness of Ryan White standards of care and clinical quality management practices. Skills Motivated, organized, and detail-oriented. Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written). Ability to multi-task and handle several substance use components at one time.
Ability to meet deadlines and to function independently under dynamic circumstances is critical. Proficient computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office applications – specifically Excel, Word, and Outlook required.
Key Responsibilities
Provide clinical substance use disorder treatment and direct care services to HIV positive clients with co-occurring mental illness or homelessness. Oversee day-to-day operations of the substance use unit, including screening, intake, and ensuring compliance with Ryan White and Joint Commission standards.
Requirements
Requires a college degree in substance use disorders and CAC-AD or CSC-AD licensure. Candidates must have two years of clinical experience, including one year in an administrative capacity, and sensitivity to vulnerable populations.
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Substance Use Disorder — Counselor Career Context
The cost-of-living index for Maryland is 105.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$67k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $63k in an average-cost state. 62.9% of Maryland clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Of the 40 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 20% are remote, 55% have no call, 70% require no weekends.
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Work-life score | 6.6 / 10 · top 25% in substance use / addiction counselor | ranked against 1,008 Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listingslisting-based score, 0–10 |
| Listed pay | $60k–$73k | Substance Use / Addiction Counselor median $64k (middle half $59k–$67k)14 comparable listings, Nov 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$63k in purchasing power | Maryland index 105.0 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| All substance use / addiction counselor listings in Maryland | 393 active | 12,843 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 20% remote · 55% no call · 70% no weekends40 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | not stated | Maryland counselor listings (all specialties): 13% state a sign-on bonus (median $5k) · 8% offer loan repayment393 active listings, Nov 2026 |
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates SUD Counselor at Park West Health System a 6.6 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the top 25% in Substance Use / Addiction Counselor — ranked against 1,008 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings on WeekdayDoc.
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