Outpatient Addictions Counselor

Job Details

Job Location
:
Ames, IA 50010

Position Type
:
Full Time

Education Level
: 4 Year Degree

Salary Range
: $20.74 - $31.10 Salary

Job Shift
:
Any

Job Category
:
Behavioral Health/Therapy

YSS is looking for a compassionate, resilient Outpatient Addictions Counselor who can turn clinical expertise and empathy into real impact for our Intensive Outpatient Program.

The Outpatient Addictions Counselor provides compassionate, evidence-based support to youth navigating chemical dependency and related challenges. This role delivers individualized treatment and group counseling in a safe, respectful environment—helping clients build healthier coping skills and maintain a substance-free lifestyle. This position does require evening hours due to group sessions, typically until 7:00 pm, but this could change as needed for the program.

Responsibilities include:

• Client Support & Counseling:
  Build trusting, therapeutic relationships with youth, adolescents, young adults, and families.
• Provide individual, group, and family counseling focused on recovery, resilience, and personal growth.
• Develop and implement treatment plans tailored to each client’s needs.
• Conduct assessments and screenings for referred clients.
• Lead and co-facilitate 12-step and Substance Abuse Awareness groups.
• Offer crisis intervention and make timely clinical decisions as needed.
• Collaborate with families, caseworkers, schools, and referral sources to support client success.
• Coordinate discharge planning, aftercare referrals, and graduation processes.

• Serve as the primary counselor for assigned clients (caseloads vary by referrals).
• Meet with each client individually at least weekly (outside school hours when possible).
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation that meets agency and state standards.
• Present client updates at Continued Stay Reviews and staff meetings.
• Ensure all funding arrangements (Medicaid, insurance, DHS, etc.) are in place and documented.

• Uphold all confidentiality, ethical, and professional standards.
• Represent YSS with professionalism in the community and among referral partners.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision (minimum twice monthly), and required trainings.
• Maintain positive, respectful relationships with clients, families, and team members.
• Contribute to a supportive, mission-driven environment centered on youth success and recovery.

This description is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.

We believe in your potential, meet you where you are, and invest in your future. Beyond meaningful, mission-driven work, YSS provides the following benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
• Accrued PTO, plus paid time off for holidays, your birthday, and volunteering
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pet insurance discounts
• PSLF Program qualification
• Recognition, training, and wellness programs
• Retirement 403(b)

To create a world where youth are valued and empowered, we ask staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a ”Can Do” Spirit. We also ask for the following:

MUST HAVES - Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• At least two (2) years of experience providing individual, group, and family therapy.
• Current Iowa Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (tCADC, CADC, or IADC).
• Formal training in the field of substance use disorders.
• Contractor must maintain professional liability insurance.
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license.

SHOULD HAVES - Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in a related field.
• Skilled communicator who listens with empathy and responds with respect.
• Confident facilitator comfortable leading groups and working one-on-one.
• Organized, reliable, and proactive in managing caseloads and paperwork.
• Passionate about supporting youth and families affected by substance use.

The IDEAL Candidate Will:

• Be mission-driven, with a commitment to equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
• Consistently approach their…