Substance Use Disorder Counselor

We have a full-time positions available for a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor at our Knoxville, IA clinic location. In addition to providing counseling services within the clinic, this role offers opportunities to engage in community outreach, helping expand access to care, build relationships with community partners, and support individuals on their recovery journey where they live, work, and connect.

“UCS Healthcare values me as an employee.” “I’m given the latitude to do my job.” “UCS Healthcare is making a difference in our community.” “My supervisor is caring and understanding and is rooting for my success!”

These are just a few quotes from a recent employee survey. Many employers promise competitive salaries and benefits, but more than that is required to provide a fulfilling career. What will? How about an organizational culture of mutual respect? Or maybe a career that is not ‘corporate,’ where profits come before people?

As an integrated healthcare non-profit, we put people first. We pay for a vast majority of your health insurance premium as part of our robust benefits package. We provide real opportunities for advancement and growth while doing work that makes a difference in our communities. We are inclusive and firmly believe that bringing your authentic self to work improves teams and helps our clients thrive.

If you're seeking a workplace that aligns with your values, where your contributions are appreciated, and where you can make a tangible impact, consider joining our team. Rather than waiting for others to catch up with UCS Healthcare, apply with us. Our team members tell us that they are grateful they did. Join us in our mission to create hope for healing and lifelong well-being.

We have a commitment to supporting working parents through our family-friendly policies and practices. We’re seeking to create a workplace that supports employees at work and in life. These practices reflect our belief that when people feel supported as whole individuals, they do their best work and thrive.

Report To: Clinical Supervisor

Job Summary: Provides comprehensive counseling and support to individuals struggling with substance use disorders. This involves conducting thorough assessments, developing personalized treatment plans, and delivering individual and group therapy sessions. The counselor is dedicated to helping clients achieve their recovery goals by offering support, guidance, and education tailored to their needs.

As part of UCS Healthcare, team members will follow all laws and regulations, including those at the Federal, State, and Local level. They will also adhere to all UCS policies and procedures, including patient confidentiality, HIPAA/ 42CFR part 2, and all CARF requirements.

All team members will operate in alignment with UCS Healthcare’s core values, work effectively in a team environment, provide or support patient-centered services, and strive to assist UCS Healthcare in delivering the highest level of care.

Essential Functions: (85%)

• Conduct initial assessment, admission, and transition planning.
• Provides individual and group counseling to patients. Utilize evidence-based therapeutic techniques to support clients in their recovery journey. Implement evidenced based curriculums identified as appropriate by management. Facilitate group therapy sessions to provide clients with peer support and education about substance use disorders. Create a safe and supportive environment for clients to share experiences and strategies for recovery.
• Maintain a client caseload in accordance with assigned duties.
• Attend staff meetings, supervision sessions, and training workshops as required.
• Develop individualized treatment plans. Monitor clients' progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
• Evaluate treatment plans and define goals with patients served as required by level of care.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, treatment plans, and progress notes. Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.

Other Functions: (15%)

• Coordinate counseling efforts with mental health professionals or other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or pharmacists.

• Collaborate treatment functions with outside agencies. Coordinate activities with courts, probation officers, community services, or other post-treatment agencies as necessary.
• Apprise supervisor of problems encountered in caseloads.
• Participate in continuing education and professional development activities to maintain licensure and stay current with best practices in substance use disorder counseling.
• Monitor and provide coverage for agency crisis line.
• Interpret referral paperwork to determine appropriate level of care.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Knowledge, Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities:

• Temporary Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (tCADC) or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) with Iowa Board of Certification. Full CADC is required within one year of hire.
• Must excel in team environment, adhere to agency policy and procedures, engage in critical thinking, and utilize problem solving skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Ability to work with diverse populations and handle sensitive information confidentially.

Preferred Knowledge, Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities:

• Associate's, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
• Previous experience in substance use disorder counseling and with group facilitation.
• Demonstrates understanding of substance use disorders and comprehension of counseling theories.

Supervisory Responsibility: NA

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods.
• Ability to use a computer and other office equipment.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• A valid driver's license is required and liability insurance or an equivalent means of reliable personal transportation and coverage as travel within the state of Iowa may be necessary.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

We value work-life balance and offer flexibility within a full-time, 40-hour work week. While our clinic provides some evening and Saturday programming, these hours are shared across the team, giving employees flexibility in their schedules while ensuring consistent client care.