Counseling Assistant

Position Summary

The Counseling Assistant provides administrative and clinical support to the counseling team to promote quality service delivery, regulatory compliance, and efficient program operations. This role is ideal for an Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT) or an individual pursuing a career in behavioral health who is interested in gaining experience with clinical documentation, chart compliance, program operations, and direct client support. The Counseling Assistant works closely with counselors and supervisors to ensure documentation standards are met while providing backup support for clinical programming as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Clinical Documentation & Compliance Support

• Conduct routine chart audits to ensure documentation completeness and compliance with agency, licensing, and payer requirements.
• Review client records for missing signatures, treatment plan updates, assessments, progress notes, and other required documentation.
• Track documentation deficiencies and follow up with counselors regarding outstanding items.
• Assist with preparation of charts for audits, accreditation reviews, and quality assurance activities.
• Maintain audit logs and compliance tracking reports.

Counselor Support

• Assist counselors with administrative aspects of documentation, paperwork collection, and record organization.
• Monitor deadlines for treatment plans, assessments, counseling sessions, discharge documentation, and other required clinical tasks.
• Prepare forms, packets, and materials needed for individual and group counseling services.
• Assist with client scheduling, appointment reminders, and coordination of services as assigned.

Group & Client Support

• Provide backup support for group counseling services as needed, including facilitating educational activities within scope and qualifications.
• Assist with client check-in procedures and attendance tracking.
• Help maintain a therapeutic and professional environment in clinical and group settings.
• Support counselors with client engagement activities and recovery-oriented programming.

Administrative Support

• Enter and update information in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Track program data and generate reports as requested.
• Maintain confidentiality and secure handling of protected health information.
• Perform other administrative and program support duties as assigned.

Qualifications Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT) status or eligible to obtain ADT registration.
• Interest in behavioral health, substance use treatment, or counseling services.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience working in behavioral health, substance use treatment, healthcare, or social services.
• Familiarity with Maryland behavioral health documentation and compliance requirements.
• Experience with electronic health records.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or a related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify documentation deficiencies.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to helping clients achieve recovery and wellness goals.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and provide support across multiple programs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout the facility as needed.
• Ability to use a computer and standard office equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally transport files, supplies, or program materials.

Position Growth Opportunity

This position provides valuable experience for individuals pursuing professional advancement within the behavioral health field, including progression toward counselor certification and clinical service roles. Employees will gain exposure to documentation standards, compliance practices, quality assurance processes, and direct support of substance use and mental health treatment services.

Ideal Candidate: An ADT who enjoys both clinical and administrative work, is highly organized, detail-oriented, and interested in developing expertise in documentation compliance, quality assurance, and behavioral health operations while maintaining involvement in client services.

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $70,000