Mental Health Counselor - Day shift, Full Time

Counselor
Thrive Now Recovery Center
Iowa City, IA
Full-time day shift
Join a team that’s changing lives.
At Thrive Now Recovery Center - Iowa Cityand our affiliated treatment centers, we are building something different—programs that deliver exceptional, person-centered care and restore hope for individuals, families, and communities impacted by substance use and mental health disorders. Our work is grounded in trauma-informed care, compassion, and integrity, and every team member plays a meaningful role in a client’s recovery journey.
Whether you’re bedside in medical, guiding clinical programming, supporting recovery services, or ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, you’ll be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team that shows up for one another and the people we serve. We offer modern, well-trained workplaces, opportunities for growth, and leadership that invests in your success.
About the Role
The Counselor is a dedicated behavioral health professional responsible for delivering individual, group, and family services within a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented treatment setting. This role is vital in conducting screenings, developing treatment plans, and ensuring high-quality documentation aligned with Iowa HHS, federal, and payer standards. You will function as a collaborative member of a multidisciplinary team to support client safety, stabilization, and long-term recovery outcomes.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Assessment & Treatment

• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and risk screenings in accordance with established clinical protocols and Iowa state guidelines.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans aligned with ASAM criteria and client-specific needs.
• Facilitate structured individual, group, and family counseling sessions using evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing.
• Respond to clinical crises according to facility policy, ensuring safety and program integrity.

Documentation & Compliance

• Document all services accurately and timely, adhering to Iowa Medicaid (IME), commercial payer, and Joint Commission (TJC) standards.
• Maintain progress notes, treatment plan reviews, and discharge summaries that reflect trauma-informed practices.
• Uphold strict confidentiality, ethical guidelines, and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations.

Care Coordination & Collaboration

• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings and utilization management reviews.
• Coordinate with internal medical and recovery support staff to ensure integrated, holistic care.
• Communicate with external partners, referral sources, and family systems to support successful transitions in care.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field from an accredited institution.
• Certification: Current, unrestricted certification or license in the State of Iowa appropriate for substance use counseling (e.g., tCADC, CADC, IADC).
• Certifications: Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced state-recognized addiction counseling certification (e.g., IADC, LIADC).
• Experience in residential, detox, or ASAM 3.5/3.7 levels of care.
• Knowledge of Iowa-specific Medicaid documentation and TJC/CARF accreditation standards.
• Training in trauma-specific models or culturally responsive care for diverse populations.

Work Conditions

• On-site role in a residential treatment environment.
• Requires standing, walking, and direct patient interaction.
• Shifts may include evenings, weekends, holidays, or overnight coverage.

Why You’ll Love Working Here
The work you do truly changes lives. We recognize the importance of supporting the people who make that impact possible. When you join our team, you’re stepping into a place that invests in your growth, wellbeing, and long-term career success.
Comprehensive Benefits & Support
We offer a well-rounded benefits package designed to support you at work and at home, including:

• ICHRA Health Benefit– choose the health plan that fits your needs, with premium reimbursement
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance, with optional supplemental coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)+ paid holidays
• Paid Training & Continuing Education
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Clear Career Pathways & Advancement Opportunities
• Safe, Trauma-Informed Work Environment
• Modern Facilities & Work life balance
• Supportive Nursing Leadership that invests in your growth

Equal Employment Opportunity
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.We believe that diversity and inclusion strengthen our organization and enhance the quality of care we provide. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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