Overview The Substance Use Disorder Counselor provides assessment, treatment planning, individual counseling, and group facilitation for adults with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. This position carries primary clinical responsibility for an assigned caseload across the partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient levels of care, delivers the program's cognitive-behavioral curriculum, and produces the clinical record that supports medical necessity and continued stay. Responsibilities Completes comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments addressing substance use, mental health, trauma, medical status, family, legal involvement, employment, and recovery environment. Applies ASAM Criteria across all six dimensions to determine and document the appropriate level of care at admission, at continued stay review, and at transfer or discharge. Screens for co-occurring mental health conditions and coordinates referral for psychiatric evaluation where indicated. Assesses suicide and overdose risk at admission and whenever clinically indicated, and develops safety plans collaboratively with the client. Documents diagnostic impressions within the scope of the counselor's credential and applicable Iowa law. Develops an individualized, integrated treatment plan that addresses substance use and mental health needs in a single plan rather than parallel plans. Writes measurable, client-specific goals and objectives with target dates, in language the client understands and has participated in setting. Reviews and revises the treatment plan at required intervals and whenever there is a significant change in client status. Obtains and documents client participation in and agreement with the plan. Direct Clinical Services Provides individual counseling sessions at the frequency required by the level of care and the treatment plan. Facilitates process and psychoeducational groups, including delivery of the program's core curriculum modules. Provides family sessions and family education consistent with client consent. Applies evidence-based practices including cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care. Responds to client crises, conducts risk assessment, and arranges a higher level of care when clinically indicated. Coordination of Care Coordinates with the prescribing provider regarding medication for addiction treatment, psychiatric medication, and medical concerns. Supports client access to and continuation of medication for opioid use disorder, and does not condition treatment participation on discontinuation of prescribed medication. Collaborates with the Case Manager on benefits, housing, employment, and external system obligations. Communicates with referral sources, courts, and supervising officers only within the scope of a valid written consent. Documentation and Utilization Review Completes assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries within required timeframes. Documents the clinical justification for admission, continued stay, and discharge in terms that reflect the client's presentation against ASAM criteria. Provides clinical information to support prior authorization and continued stay review. Prepares discharge summaries that include the aftercare plan, medication status, and the first scheduled post-discharge appointment. Professional Practice Practices within the scope of the counselor's credential and seeks supervision when a client's needs exceed that scope. Participates in clinical supervision, treatment team meetings, case staffings, and utilization review. Maintains credential in good standing and completes continuing education requirements. Participates in performance improvement activity, chart audits, and accreditation readiness. Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to develop integrated care plans. Proven experience working with individuals with substance use disorders, including intake assessments, diagnostic evaluations, and treatment planning. Strong background in psychotherapy modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral health counseling, and addiction medicine. Demonstrated ability in crisis intervention, crisis management, and emergency response within clinical or hospital settings. Familiarity with medical terminology, ICD coding (ICD-9/ICD-10), CPT coding, and medical records management in compliance with HIPAA standards. Experience working with clients who have co-occurring mental health conditions like PTSD or other behavioral health issues; familiarity with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria is essential. Knowledge of applied behavior analysis (ABA), social work principles, and evidence-based practices for addiction counseling. Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams while maintaining high standards of confidentiality and patient care excellence.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Certification through the Iowa Board of Certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or higher; OR licensure in Iowa as an LMHC, LISW, LMFT, or LMSW; OR active status toward one of these credentials with a written supervision plan meeting Iowa requirements. Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, addiction studies, or a related field; master's degree required for licensed clinical roles. Demonstrated working knowledge of ASAM Criteria and their application to documentation. Demonstrated working knowledge of 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA. Ability to pass required background checks, including Iowa child and dependent adult abuse registry checks and criminal history checks. Proficiency documenting in an electronic health record. Preferred Co-occurring disorder endorsement or specialized training in integrated dual diagnosis treatment. Two or more years of experience delivering PHP or IOP level services. Training in a structured cognitive-behavioral curriculum, motivational interviewing, or trauma-specific modalities. Experience with justice-involved populations and court reporting requirements. Experience with Joint Commission or comparable accreditation standards. Group facilitation experience with adult men.

Pay:

$25.00 - $32.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Paid time off

Work Location:

In person