CADC

CADC / IADC – Substance Use Disorder Counselor

• Facility: Thrive Now Recovery Center
• Location: Iowa City, Iowa
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Schedule: Primarily Days | So me Evening or Weekend Flexibility May Be Required Based on Program Needs

Join a Mission That Changes Lives

At Thrive Now Recovery Center , we believe recovery is possible—and that compassionate, evidence-based treatment can change the course of a person’s life.

We are seeking a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC/IADC) to join our clinical team in Iowa City . This position is ideal for a counselor who is passionate about substance use disorder treatment, values person-centered and trauma-informed care, and wants to help individuals build a strong foundation for long-term recovery.

As a Substance Use Disorder Counselor, you will provide individual and group counseling, contribute to individualized treatment planning, facilitate recovery-focused programming, and collaborate closely with clinical, medical, nursing, peer support, and case management professionals.

Your work will directly support individuals as they develop the skills, insight, resources, and support systems necessary to move forward in recovery.

About Thrive Now Recovery Center

Thrive Now Recovery Center provides structured, recovery-focused treatment for individuals experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring behavioral health needs .

Our approach is grounded in:

Person-centered care

Evidence-based treatment

Multiple pathways to recovery

Trauma-informed practices

Strong therapeutic relationships

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Respect, dignity, accountability, and hope

We believe effective treatment begins by meeting individuals where they are while helping them develop the skills, confidence, support systems, and recovery capital needed for sustainable change.

✨ Why Join Our Team?

At Thrive Now you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful clinical work while being part of a collaborative and growing behavioral health organization.

We offer:

Mission-driven work that directly impacts individuals and families

Supportive interdisciplinary clinical team

Structured onboarding and ongoing training

Professional development and career-growth opportunities

Medical, dental, and vision benefits for eligible employees

Company-paid life insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

401(k) retirement plan

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

A workplace committed to ethical, high-quality behavioral healthcare

🧠 What You’ll Do

As a CADC/IADC Substance Use Disorder Counselor , you will provide counseling and treatment services consistent with each patient’s individualized needs, treatment goals, and recovery plan.

Counseling & Clinical Services

Conduct individual and group substance use disorder counseling sessions.

Complete assigned clinical assessments, screenings, and other components of the admission and treatment process within the scope of your credential and organizational requirements.

Develop, implement, review, and update individualized treatment plans in collaboration with patients and the interdisciplinary treatment team.

Facilitate evidence-based, recovery-oriented, and psychoeducational groups.

Provide education related to substance use disorders, relapse prevention, coping skills, emotional regulation, relationships, recovery planning, and other identified treatment needs.

Monitor patient progress toward established treatment goals and modify interventions based on clinical needs.

Identify barriers affecting treatment engagement, motivation, recovery, and successful transition to the next level of care.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.

Communicate relevant patient progress, risks, barriers, and treatment needs to appropriate members of the treatment team.

Collaborate with case management, peer support, nursing, medical providers, behavioral health technicians, and other treatment professionals.

Assist with discharge and continuing-care planning to support safe and successful transitions from residential treatment.

Documentation & Compliance

Maintain accurate, complete, timely, and clinically appropriate documentation in the electronic medical record.

Complete documentation in accordance with organizational policies, payer requirements, applicable Iowa requirements, and accreditation standards.

Protect patient confidentiality and comply with applicable privacy and confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 .

Maintain appropriate professional and therapeutic boundaries with patients.

Follow organizational policies, ethical standards, and requirements applicable to the employee’s professional credential.

Patient Safety & Clinical Support

Recognize and appropriately escalate concerns involving patient safety, relapse risk, significant behavioral changes, suicidal ideation, or other clinical concerns.

Utilize appropriate de-escalation, therapeutic communication, and trauma-informed approaches.

Seek clinical consultation or supervisory support when patient needs exceed the scope of the counselor’s role or credential.

Participate in clinical supervision, consultation, training, quality-improvement activities, and required competency assessments.

Maintain required credentials, continuing education, and professional standards.

Perform other duties within scope as assigned to support patient care and clinical operations.

Who You Are

We are looking for a counselor who understands that effective substance use disorder treatment requires both clinical skill and genuine human connection .

You are someone who:

Believes strongly in the possibility of recovery.

Builds trust while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

Balances compassion with accountability.

Understands substance use disorders and co-occurring behavioral health needs.

Communicates effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members.

Is comfortable facilitating individual and group counseling.

Uses sound clinical judgment and recognizes when consultation is appropriate.

Values accurate and timely clinical documentation.

Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and ethical decision-making.

Is committed to respectful, person-centered, and trauma-informed care.

Can prioritize responsibilities effectively in a fast-paced treatment environment.

Required Qualifications

Current CADC or IADC credential recognized in Iowa , or ability to meet the credentialing requirements established for the position.

Knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery principles, relapse prevention, and evidence-based counseling approaches.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Strong clinical documentation and organizational skills.

Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.

Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary behavioral health treatment team.

Ability to complete all required pre-employment screenings, orientation, training, and competency requirements.

Education: A bachelor’s degree in behavioral health, social services, psychology, counseling, human services, addiction studies, or a related field is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, behavioral health, addiction studies, or a related field.

Previous experience in residential substance use disorder treatment.

Experience providing individual and group counseling.

Experience working with individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions.

Familiarity with ASAM criteria and levels of care .

Experience with evidence-based approaches such as:

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

DBT-informed skills

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Relapse-pre