Trauma and Addiction Mental Health Counselor

What Makes Top of the World Ranch a Desirable Place to Work?

How about a comprehensive team that includes multiple clinicians, a comprehensive medical team, and a case manager? A team environment where everyone assists with case conceptualization and ensuring the client receives the best care and aftercare they can receive.

What about the ability to conduct groups and therapy outside of the office setting immersing oneself in nature, such as on a kayak or in our labryinth? What about the ability to utilize your creativity within group and individual settings?

You can truly make a difference at Top of the World Ranch while maintaing a health work-life balance with no weekend or evening commitments. Residential treatment does not have to be a stressful endeavor for the staff that work within it.

The best counselors need to be on the frontlines. We want those who have a passion for trauma, addiction, and mental health as we treat all of those here at the Ranch.

Free lunch, a comprehensive team, and a small case load will allow you to thrive as a professional.

Job Title

Primary Counselor / Addiction Counselor

Location

Top of the World Ranch
Milan, Illinois (315-acre ranch property, residential treatment setting)

Reports To

Director, Clinical and Operations

Position Type

Full-time, residential / clinical setting

About Top of the World Ranch

Top of the World Ranch provides a residential addiction treatment program set on a beautiful 315-acre ranch with resort-style accommodations, private rooms, and a holistic approach to recovery.

Clients benefit from both evidence-based therapies and experiential, nature-based modalities, such as:

• Outdoor programming (hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, firepit gatherings)
• Native American–led sweat lodge ceremonies
• Mindfulness, yoga, qigong, guided imagery, and sound therapy
• Private client rooms and a retreat-like environment that fosters introspection and healing

The Ranch treats co-occurring mental health conditions, tailors treatment plans individually, and emphasizes integration of mind, body, and spirit in recovery.
It is not strictly a 12-step program, though 12-step participation is supported as part of a balanced approach to recovery.

Position Overview

As a Primary Counselor at Top of the World Ranch, you will be a core member of the treatment team responsible for guiding clients through their recovery journey. You will:

• Conduct individual therapy sessions (minimum twice weekly) with assigned clients
• Co-create personalized treatment plans with clients, collaborating with multidisciplinary staff (medical, experiential, holistic)
• Lead or co-facilitate group therapy, psycho-educational sessions, relapse prevention groups, and experiential groups
• Provide crisis intervention or support as needed
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation in compliance with program and regulatory standards
• Engage in case management and coordination, including discharge planning and linkage to continuing care
• Participate in weekly clinical supervision, staff meetings, and ongoing professional development
• Support after-hours or weekend coverage as needed

Responsibilities & Tasks

1. Therapeutic Delivery

• Deliver evidence-based interventions (CBT, DBT, EMDR, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, etc.)
• Facilitate experiential modalities (outdoor therapy, guided imagery, mindfulness, etc.) in alignment with the program’s holistic mission

2. Assessment & Treatment Planning

• Perform intake assessments, risk assessments, and biopsychosocial evaluations
• Develop individualized treatment plans with measurable goals
• Monitor progress, adjust treatment goals, and document in client charts

3. Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain timely and accurate clinical notes, progress notes, and treatment plan updates
• Comply with regulatory requirements (state, Joint Commission, or other accrediting bodies)
• Participate in audits, peer reviews, and quality improvement initiatives

4. Coordination & Continuity of Care

• Provide or arrange referrals to detox centers, psychiatric care, medical treatment, or social services
• Develop and manage continuing care plans for clients post-discharge
• Coordinate with insurance providers, external clinicians, and community partners

5. Professional Development & Collaboration

• Participate in staff training, reflective supervision, and continuing education
• Collaborate with holistic, medical, experiential, and administrative staff to integrate service modalities
• Stay current with best practices in addiction treatment, trauma, and co-occurring disorders

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, or a related mental health field
• CADC only will be considered only with a strong background
• State licensure (LPC, LCPC, LCSW, LMFT) or eligibility to obtain
• Experience using evidence-based modalities (CBT, DBT, EMDR, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, etc.)
• Willingness to facilitate experiential, holistic, and nature-based therapies
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with cultural humility
• Ability to work in a residential setting with flexible hours

Preferred / Bonus Qualifications

• Certification or training in EMDR, ART, DBT, or somatic therapies
• Background in residential or wilderness-based treatment programs
• Knowledge of holistic healing methods (yoga, qigong, mindfulness, sound therapy, guided imagery)
• Bilingual proficiency (especially Spanish)

Working Conditions & Environment

• On-site work at the Ranch property; clients are residential
• Some evening or weekend duties required
• Participation in outdoor and experiential therapy activities (hiking, canoeing, nature groups)
• Ability to assist or supervise during sweat lodge ceremonies and other cultural programming
• Staff lodging or occasional on-call responsibilities may apply

Core Competencies & Traits

• Deep empathy and emotional maturity
• Commitment to trauma-informed and culturally sensitive care
• Collaboration and teamwork across disciplines
• Strong professional boundaries and self-care practices
• Adaptability, creativity, and passion for holistic recovery

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Professional development support and clinical supervision
• Access to on-site holistic and wellness activities
• Collaborative, team-based environment in a retreat-style setting
• Health, dental, and retirement benefits
• Paid time off and potential lodging assistance

Conveniently located minutes from Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island, and Moline — serving clients and clinicians from across Illinois and eastern Iowa.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Why do you want to work at Top of the World Ranch?

License/Certification:

• temporary or unsupervised license or certification (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $80,000