What are the responsibilities and job description for the IOP Counselor position at Behavioral Health Group - BHG?
Behavioral Health Group (BHG) is the largest network of Joint Commission-accredited treatment centers and a national leader in opioid addiction treatment. With more than 114 locations across 22 states, our 1,900 employees provide care to over 42,000 patients every day. We offer a full continuum of care through our Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP), and Office-Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT), giving patients access to the level of support that best meets their needs.
Duties And Responsibilities
The Counselor must hold one of the following:
Candidate Profile
BHG is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.
Duties And Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary ambassador for the IOP program, representing its mission and values internally and externally.
- Collaborate with clinical teams, case managers, and support staff to ensure smooth program operations.
- Engage referral partners, community organizations, and healthcare providers to build program awareness.
- Contribute to program growth by supporting new processes, design, and implementation.
- Provide input to leadership on strategies for visibility and effectiveness.
- Uphold professionalism, punctuality, and timely completion of tasks/projects.
- Inspire hope that addiction is a disease that can be treated, not a moral failing.
- Conduct admissions using ASAM criteria (ASAM Level 2.1) to ensure proper level of care.
- Review admission and periodic assessments to confirm program eligibility.
- Meet with prospective patients, explain program requirements, and use motivational strategies to encourage engagement.
- Develop clinical documentation (assessments, treatment plans) with leadership to meet regulatory, billing, and prior authorization standards.
- Communicate with billing and RCM teams regarding patient attendance.
- Provide evidence-based counseling, targeted case management, and crisis support.
- Deliver program curriculum (Matrix Model, Seeking Safety, CBT) a minimum of 3 hours/day, 4 days/week.
- Conduct supportive individual counseling sessions for enrolled patients.
- Develop tailored interventions (e.g., parenting support) to meet patient needs.
- Ensure patient engagement through outreach and collaboration with care teams.
- Assist patients in identifying and seeking treatment for underlying health conditions.
- Provide program orientation, intake, readmission support, and transitional counseling until primary counselor assignment.
- Maintain accurate, complete, and compliant patient documentation.
- Comply with all state, federal, and organizational requirements while maintaining confidentiality.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
- Follow all federal, state, and local requirements.
- Comply with accrediting body standards to ensure program integrity.
- Participate in public relations and community outreach activities to strengthen referral pipelines.
- Achieve assigned annual goals and objectives.
- Demonstrate belief that addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing.
- Exhibit hope, respect, and compassion in all patient and team interactions.
- Foster positive workplace relationships and collaborate effectively.
- Work independently under pressure while managing multiple tasks.
- Exercise sound judgment with confidential and sensitive issues.
- Maintain professionalism in stressful situations.
- Participate in required in-service trainings per federal, state, local, and accrediting standards.
- Provide in-service training as needed.
- Attend conferences, meetings, and other professional development opportunities.
- Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive environment.
- Outreach experience preferred.
The Counselor must hold one of the following:
- LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
- LADAC I (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor I)
- LADAC II (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor II)
- LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
- LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker)
Candidate Profile
- High integrity, efficient, and self-motivated.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure.
- Sound judgment and discretion with confidential matters.
- Quick response in challenging or crisis situations.
- Knowledge of substance use disorders, treatment planning, and social services.
- Demonstrated ability to support rehabilitation of drug-dependent patients.
- Ability to speak and hear effectively in person and by phone.
- Adequate vision for reading documents and computer screens.
- Prolonged sitting, occasional bending, stooping, and stretching.
- Variable workload with periods of high stress.
- Standard medical office environment with exposure to patients with mental health, infectious diseases, or criminal justice involvement.
- Prolonged computer use/keyboard work.
- Reasonable accommodations may be provided where feasible
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy generous paid time off, holidays, and personal needs. Benefit from flexible schedules with early in/early out hours, no nights, and no Sundays.
- Investment in Your Growth: Prioritize your development with role-based training and advancement opportunities.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Choose from three benefits programs, including health, life, vision, and dental insurance. Enjoy tuition reimbursement and 401K plan with discretionary match.
- Recognition and Rewards: Experience competitive pay, quarterly bonuses, and incentives for certifications or licenses.
- Employee Perks: Access exclusive discounts on various services and entertainment options, and benefit from our Employee Assistance Program and self-care series.
BHG is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.