Substance Use Disorder Counselor - Waterloo - Full time
How this pay compares
This posting states $24–$29 an hour. Substance abuse counselors employed in Iowa earn a median of $29.27 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025) (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, opens in a new tab).
Substance abuse counselors in Iowa: pay by town and employer
The Mental Health & Social Work job market: pay, applicant demand and hiring, researched nightly
About the job
The position of Substance Use Disorder Counselor will be to provide services to those clients with substance use disorder needing help in their recovery. This includes direct substance use assessment (ASAM), intervention, individual counseling, group counseling, development, review and update of treatment plans, education and consultation services to identified clients, family and support systems to promote recovery. Elevate operates on a “no walls” approach and meets clients where they are at therefore this position may be asked to assist with those coming to the clinic needing to talk through a crisis. Hours will be the clinic hours, with rotation for Saturdays to conduct family group.
Job Description
- Provide direct confidential substance abuse counseling to clients and families in both an individual and group setting
- Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems
- Develop client treatment plans with measurable goals and objectives based on individual client strengths and needs
- Review and modify such treatment plans as needed to correspond with changes in clients' status and within the IDPH standards and CARF standards
- Educate clients and families about addiction issues and available services or programs, making appropriate referrals when necessary
- Coordinate with other professionals, such as mental health providers, doctors, nurses, social workers, courts, probation officers, community services, or other post-treatment agencies
- Exhibits cultural competency by being knowledgeable and aware of the various cultures in our service area
- Complete all required documentation in Elevate electronic health record as well as the IDPH required database
- Knowledge of the current IDPH data reporting system and the current standards for IDPH and CARF
- Must have thorough knowledge of the federal drug and alcohol confidentiality law (42 C.F.R. Part 2) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
- Must have considerable knowledge in the current American Society of Addiction Medicine patient placement criteria and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual as it relates to substance-related disorders or the able to acquire the knowledge
- Must have knowledge of different approaches to counseling and accepted clinical practices
- Must have knowledge of Code of Ethics for substance abuse counseling
- Ability to perform core functions accepted for Behavioral Health Professionals
- Ability to work with diverse population
Benefits
- Competitive salary ranging from $24.00 to $29.00 per hour based on education/experience
- Medical, Dental and Vision plans including supplemental insurance options
- Generous Vacation plan
- Paid Time Off
- 401K plan
Qualifications
- Current CADC or tCADC
- Bachelors degree in human services or similar
- Preferred masters with CADC or work/ education experience in the field.
- Experience working with individuals with substance use disorders/ co-occurring mental health issues required.
ELEVATE is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for all employment, free from discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, associational preferences, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.
From Elevate CCBHC's job posting, checked Oct 29, 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About Elevate CCBHC
Elevate CCBHC hires mental health staff in Marshalltown, Indianola and other towns in Iowa.
Hires in IowaPay on its listings: 88.9% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
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