Substance Abuse Counselor
AGENCY: Substance Abuse Services Clayton Co.
POSITION TITLE: Midwest Wellness & Recovery
Substance Use Disorder Counselor / Multi-Level Care Counselor Job Overview
Midwest Wellness and Recovery is seeking a dedicated, motivated, and compassionate Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor to join our growing multi-level care treatment team. This position plays a critical role in providing direct clinical services, maintaining therapeutic structure within programming, and supporting clients through all phases of the recovery process.
This is not a passive counseling role. We are seeking a highly engaged professional who is able to balance clinical responsibilities, accountability, documentation, team collaboration, crisis intervention, and whole-person client support within a fast-paced treatment environment. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong clinical judgment, professionalism, compassion, flexibility, initiative, and the ability to build healthy therapeutic rapport while maintaining firm boundaries and accountability.
Midwest Wellness and Recovery is a non-denominational faith-based treatment program licensed by the State of Iowa. We are deeply committed to maintaining the integrity, professionalism, ethical standards, and clinical quality of our program while providing compassionate, evidence-based care within a faith-centered environment. Employees are expected to support and uphold the mission, structure, values, and integrity of the program in a professional and respectful manner.
The counselor will advocate for and advise clients within their assigned caseload while collaborating closely with the clinical and administrative teams to ensure clients remain stable, safe, engaged, and progressing appropriately through treatment.
Accountability
Reports Directly To:
- Clinical Supervisor
- Program Director
- HR Director
Works collaboratively alongside clinical, support, and administrative staff while receiving direct support, guidance, and clinical supervision from leadership to ensure quality client care, professional growth, regulatory compliance, ethical standards, and maintenance of program integrity throughout all levels of care.
Primary Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
- Conduct Substance Use Disorder evaluations and OWI evaluations
- Complete intake/admissions processes and clinical assessments
- Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment plans
- Complete ASAM assessments, continued stay reviews, and clinical documentation
- Facilitate discharge planning and aftercare coordination
- Lead psychoeducational, process, relapse prevention, and recovery-focused groups
- Conduct individual 1×1 counseling sessions
- Facilitate crisis intervention and therapeutic redirection when necessary
- Maintain current, accurate, and timely documentation in accordance with state, Medicaid, accreditation, and facility standards
- Participate actively in clinical staffing and team meetings
- Maintain professional therapeutic relationships with clients and families
Program Operations & Client Care
- Assist in whole-person client care and daily programming support
- Support clients with life skills development, structure, accountability, and recovery routines
- Assist with medication observation/documentation ( Must have or obtain certificate)
- Monitor and support client participation within programming expectations
- Help oversee daily living activities including chores, meals, schedules, and community responsibilities
- Assist in maintaining a safe, therapeutic, and structured treatment environment
- Help mentor and support role growth and accountability among support staff
- Be familiar with community resources and recovery support systems
- Maintain understanding of 12-Step and recovery-oriented programming
- May be required to transport clients using company vehicles for appointments, recovery-related activities, community resources, meetings, or other program-related needs in accordance with company policies and safety expectations
Compliance & Facility Responsibilities
- Complete required compliance tasks including but not limited to:
- Daily temperature logs
- Safety drills
- Documentation audits
- Incident reporting
- Medication observation procedures
- Facility/program compliance support
- Adhere to all company policies, procedures, confidentiality standards, and professional ethics
- Support maintenance of a safe and organized treatment environment
- Support the integrity, professionalism, and therapeutic culture of the program at all times
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree, CADC, or equivalent human services credential
- CPR/BLS Certification required
- Mandatory Reporter Certification required
- Medication Manager Certificate required
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to work within a multidisciplinary treatment environment
- Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously while maintaining professionalism and clinical quality
Preferred Qualifications
- CADC certification strongly preferred
- Minimum of two years experience within substance abuse, behavioral health, or human services field
- Experience working within residential or multi-level care treatment settings
- Familiarity with ASAM criteria, treatment planning, discharge planning, and Medicaid documentation standards
- Experience within residential, PHP, IOP, or outpatient programming environments preferred
Skills & Characteristics
A strong candidate will demonstrate:
- Compassion and empathy balanced with accountability
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to remain calm and professional in crisis situations
- Strong boundaries and leadership abilities
- Flexibility and initiative within a growing program
- Ability to build therapeutic rapport while maintaining structure
- Team-oriented mindset and willingness to assist across departments
- Strong documentation and organizational skills
- Respect for the mission, values, and integrity of a faith-based treatment environment
Technology & Office Requirements
Must be comfortable navigating a professional office environment and using:
- Computers and office software
- Email systems
- Electronic documentation systems
- Databases and spreadsheets
- Office hardware including copy machines, printers, and fax systems
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit for extended periods with intermittent standing and walking
- Ability to ascend and descend stairs
- Ability to actively engage within residential and clinical environments throughout shifts
Why Join Midwest Wellness and Recovery?
At Midwest Wellness and Recovery, we believe recovery involves the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. We are building a strong, mission-driven team focused on accountability, compassion, clinical excellence, and meaningful long-term recovery outcomes. This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact within a supportive and growing organization while helping individuals and families rebuild their lives.
If you are passionate about helping individuals overcome addiction and creating meaningful change within a treatment environment, we encourage you to apply.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Midwest Wellness and Recovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all employees.
Please note this job description is not intended to contain a comprehensive listing of all duties, responsibilities, or activities required of the position. Duties and responsibilities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Pay: $20.00 – $26.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Apply here
This post will expire on July 9th, 2026