DISCLOSURE

This role can be fulfilled either as a W-2 employee or by providing services as an independent contractor (1099). Candidates must select their preferred engagement type upon applying. The details below outline both the 1099 independent contractor and W-2 employee versions of this opportunity. Please review carefully and determine which arrangement aligns best with your professional and financial goals.

Important Note: If choosing the 1099 independent contractor option, the company will assess whether all prerequisites to satisfy independent contractor classification tests have been met before finalizing engagement under this structure.

How to Apply: When applying, please specify whether you wish to be considered as a W-2 employee or 1099 independent contractor. Our team will review your application and, if selecting the 1099 option, confirm that all independent contractor classification requirements are met before finalizing the engagement.

DIVISION: Operations

UNIT: n/a

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Operations Manager 2

COMPANY WEBSITE:

COMPANY PHONE NUMBER:

ALTERNATE TITLE(S): School-Based Mental Health Counselor, Behavioral Health Support Counselor

ACCOUNTABLE FOR: Delivering school-based mental health services to middle school students, including counseling, assessments, treatment planning, and documentation, while maintaining compliance with clinical, ethical, and school system standards across assigned sites.

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.

Client Service Location Expectations:

The School-Based Mental Health Counselor will provide services on-site at one to five assigned The Seed School, as determined by program needs. Services must be delivered during school hours, Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, in alignment with the The Seed School calendar.

All services are expected to be delivered within the school building, in a designated confidential space provided by the school. Counselors may travel between school sites as scheduled and will coordinate service times in collaboration with school staff to minimize disruption to academic instruction. Remote or telehealth services may only be provided if pre-approved by the program supervisor and in accordance with school system policy.

Caseload Makeup:

• 10-30 Category Q clients assigned for services in the school-based meeting room located at The Seed School in Baltimore, MD.

OPTION 1: 1099 INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR VERSION

(For individuals or businesses offering services independently)

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR PHONE NUMBER: EXT 10

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR EMAIL ADDRESS:

Scope of Service: Mental Health Counselor - Independent Contractor

Reports to: Operations Manager 2 (as needed)

CLASSIFICATION: Contract Position (1099)

Overview

We are seeking a licensed Mental Health Counselor to serve as an independent contractor (1099) providing school-based mental health services to middle school students within The Seed School. The contractor will deliver services on-site at the school, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, following the school calendar.

The counselor will be responsible for providing individual and group counseling, conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and maintaining timely and compliant documentation. All services must be delivered in accordance with clinical, ethical, and school system standards, in collaboration with school staff and the company's administrative team.

Service Expectations & Deliverables:

The contractor is responsible for providing structured, school-based mental health services to middle school students at one or more assigned The Seed School, including but not limited to:

• Providing individual and group counseling sessions during school hours (7:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday)
• Conducting initial mental health screenings and assessments as assigned
• Developing and updating treatment plans in accordance with clinical timelines and student needs
• Maintaining accurate, timely documentation in the electronic health record system in accordance with COMAR, Medicaid, and company standards
• Collaborating with school staff, student support teams, and families as appropriate to support student success
• Participating in student support meetings, IEP/504 meetings, and school-based behavioral health initiatives when requested
• Responding to mental health crises and providing de-escalation and safety planning support
• Ensuring services are delivered in a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate manner
• Following the school calendar and adjusting services based on school closures, testing schedules, or other school-related changes
• Complying with all company policies, licensing board requirements, and relevant state and federal regulations

Service Schedule & Session Structure

• The contractor is expected to provide services on-site at assigned The Seed School, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, in alignment with the school system calendar.
• Contractors may be assigned to 1 to 5 schools, based on program needs and contractor availability.
• Counseling sessions should be scheduled in collaboration with school staff and aligned with student academic schedules to minimize disruption to instruction.
• Sessions may include individual, group, or crisis intervention services, depending on student needs and school priorities.
• All services must be delivered in accordance with clinical best practices and agency guidelines, including time-based service codes and documentation requirements.
• In the event of school closures, early dismissals, or testing days, contractors are expected to adjust their schedule accordingly and coordinate with the program supervisor.

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 to improve service quality and consistency.
• Track treatment outcomes and client satisfaction as part of ongoing quality assurance.
• Attend required clinical training and CEUs to maintain licensure and model proficiency.
• Maintain compliance with company policies and regulatory bodies, including COMAR, CARF, and CSA.
• Complete and maintain all required documentation to support audit readiness, quality assurance, and service delivery verification.
• Session documentation must be completed and submitted in ICANotes before the contractor's service window ends each day.

Required Documentation Includes, but Is Not Limited To:

• H0005 - Substance use disorder-focused group therapy notes
• H0004 - Substance use disorder-focused individual progress notes and treatment planning (15-minute units)
• H0001 - Substance use disorder-focused diagnostic biopsychosocial assessments
• 90853 - Mental health-focused group therapy notes
• 90832 / 90834 - Mental health-focused individual session notes
• 90846 / 90847 - Mental health-focused family session notes
• H0032 - Mental health-focused individual treatment planning sessions
• 90791 - Mental health-focused diagnostic biopsychosocial assessments
• Treatment plan updates - As clinically 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:
   • Full Name / Business Name
   • Contact Information
   • Business License (if applicable)
2. Qualifications & Licensing:
   • Applicants must hold valid licensure in the State of Maryland in one of the following disciplines: Alcohol & Drug Counseling (LCADC, LGADC, CAC-AD, CSCAD, ADT), Professional Counseling (LCPC, LGPC), Social Work (LCSW-C, LCSW, LMSW, LBSW), Marriage & Family Therapy (LCMFT, LGMFT), Psychology (Licensed Psychologist, Registered Psychology Associate), or Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (CRNP-PMH, APRN-PMH, CNS-PMH). Student interns actively enrolled in a program leading to licensure in one of these fields may also be considered.
3. Experience & Approach:
   • Summary of relevant experience in mental health counseling
   • Proposed approach to service delivery, including experience with ICANotes documentation
4. Proposed Rate & Compensation Structure:
   • Per service rate (e.g., per session, per group, per client contact)
   • Any additional cost considerations
5. Availability & Service Delivery Plan:
   • Days and times the contractor is available for 7:00am - 3:00pm
   • 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%)
  • Valid licensure in Maryland as specified in the Qualifications & Licensing section.
  • Compliance with professional and regulatory standards.
• Relevant Experience in Mental Health Counseling (25%)
  • Demonstrated experience in mental health counseling or a similar setting.
  • Experience with ICANotes or comparable electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Competitive Rate Proposal (20%)
  • Cost-effectiveness of the proposed per-service compensation.
  • Alignment with industry standards and budget considerations.
• Availability & Service Alignment with Program Needs (15%)
  • Contractor's ability to provide consistent 5-hour and 45-minute service periods.
  • Willingness to offer in-person services.
• Proposal Completeness & Professionalism (10%)
  • Clarity, organization, and thoroughness of the proposal.
  • 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 EXT 10.

OPTION 2: W-2 EMPLOYMENT VERSION

(For those seeking a traditional employment arrangement)

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT PHONE NUMBER: EXT 10

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT EMAIL ADDRESS:

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Operations Manager 2

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time (W2).

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM

COMPENSATION RANGE: Ranges between $45.00 per hour to $20.00 per hour paid on an hourly bi-weekly basis for servicing assigned clients as scheduled. Commensurate based on credentials and experience. W2 employees are eligible for benefits: health insurance, professional development opportunities, and paid time off. Mileage reimbursement for preapproved mileage.

ANTICIPATED TRAVEL: 0% of the time.

SUMMARY OF POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

The School-Based Mental Health Counselor is a W-2 employee responsible for delivering direct mental health services to middle school students within The Seed School. The counselor will work on-site at one to five assigned school locations, following the school calendar, and will provide individual and group counseling, assessments, treatment planning, and crisis support during the school day (Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM).

This position plays a vital role in supporting student well-being, academic success, and behavioral health stabilization through trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and evidence-based interventions. The counselor will collaborate with school personnel, families, and interdisciplinary teams to coordinate care and ensure service alignment with educational and clinical goals.

SCHEDULED DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide on-site individual and group counseling services to middle school students during school hours
• Conduct initial mental health screenings and assessments for referred students
• Develop and update individualized treatment plans in accordance with clinical and regulatory standards
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record system, in alignment with Medicaid, COMAR, and organizational guidelines
• Collaborate with school staff, student support teams, and families to develop effective behavioral and mental health strategies
• Participate in school-based meetings including IEP/504 plans, behavior intervention plans, and student support team discussions as requested
• Provide crisis intervention and safety planning support as needed
• Assist with referrals to internal and external providers, including psychiatric services, case management, and community-based supports
• Maintain compliance with professional licensure requirements, ethical standards, and applicable school district and agency policies
• Attend required trainings, CEUs, and supervision sessions to maintain clinical competence and licensure

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 25 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.

DISCLOSURES: The specific statements shown in each section of this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully. The job's responsibilities/tasks may be modified and/or expanded over time. The company will inform the personnel member when changes in the respective job description are made.

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

Proven working experience in counseling, including as a nurse, medical, mental health care manager, or a related job

• Excellent knowledge of psychotherapeutic principles, healthcare management, and reimbursement
• Previous experience with psychological aspects of care
• Effective communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Familiarity with professional and technical emerging knowledge
• Problem-solving skills and ability to multitask
• Compassionate with teamwork skills
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in mental health counseling

LEVEL OF EDUCATION / TRAINING / QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

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.

Experience:

Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in mental health counseling, preferably in a clinical setting.

Skills:

Strong organizational skills, excellent communication, and a commitment to ethical practice.