Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Job Title: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)

Reports to: Crisis and Substance Use Services Director

Position Summary

The Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) provides evidence-based substance use and co-occurring disorder treatment services to individuals and families. This position is responsible for screening, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, documentation, and coordination of recovery supports in alignment with Iowa Code Chapter 155, SAMHSA guidelines, and CARF accreditation standards. The CADC promotes recovery through trauma-informed, client-centered care that emphasizes engagement, empowerment, and sustained wellness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and substance use evaluations using structured tools and clinical interviews.
• Deliver individual and group counseling utilizing evidence-based treatment modalities including, but not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Contingency Management, 12-Step Facilitation, Family Behavior Therapy, and the Matrix Model.
• Facilitate co-occurring treatment interventions for clients with both mental health and substance use disorders.
• Develop individualized, measurable, and person-centered treatment plans in collaboration with the client and treatment team; review and update as clinically indicated.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) per state code and agency policy.
• Coordinate with family members, case managers, probation/parole officers, courts, DHS, and other providers to ensure continuity of care and adherence to treatment plans.
• Administer screening tools such as the Simple Screening Instrument for Alcohol and Other Drugs (SSI-AOD) to identify client needs and monitor progress.
• Provide crisis intervention and supportive counseling as needed; respond appropriately to emergent client situations.
• Advocate for clients, protect their individual rights, and provide services in a culturally competent, trauma-informed manner.
• Conduct discharge planning and assist in linkage to recovery supports, outpatient programs, peer services, and community resources.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all client information per HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations.
• Participate in staff meetings, peer supervision, and multidisciplinary case reviews.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and continuing education to maintain certification and strengthen counseling skills.
• Promote community awareness and prevention through education and outreach activities as directed.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support quality improvement initiatives and program evaluation activities.
• Participate in supervision, audits, and compliance reviews as required by SMHC and regulatory agencies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational objectives.

Core Competencies

• Clinical Expertise: Demonstrates strong knowledge of substance use, mental health, and co-occurring disorders using evidence-based approaches.
• Ethical Conduct: Adheres to the NASW Code of Ethics, Iowa Board of Certification (IBC) standards, and SMHC policies.
• Crisis Response: Effectively manages acute client needs using de-escalation, motivational, and supportive strategies.
• Communication: Communicates clearly and compassionately with clients, colleagues, and community partners.
• Cultural Competence: Provides services respectful of cultural, racial, gender, and socioeconomic diversity.
• Documentation: Maintains accurate, timely, and clinically sound records in the EHR.
• Collaboration: Works effectively as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team and community network.
• Professional Development: Seeks supervision and continuing education to strengthen professional competencies.
• Technology Skills: Demonstrates proficiency with electronic documentation systems and telehealth platforms such as Zoom.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:

• Current certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or temporary CADC (tCADC) through the Iowa Board of Certification (IBC).
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based treatment practices for substance use and co-occurring disorders.
• Proficiency with SAMHSA’s treatment protocols and best practice guidelines.
• Experience with assessing with substance use tools, recovery planning, and documentation standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of confidentiality requirements including 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Social Work (LMSW), Counseling (LMHC), or Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT).
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in substance use or behavioral health services.
• Familiarity with Siouxland community resources and recovery support networks.

Pay: From $46,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $46,000