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Addiction Counseling Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Addiction Counseling information

See Iowa salary details

$34.8K

$49.8K

$66.2K

How much do addiction counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counseling in Iowa is $49,780.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,200.00 and $52,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is addiction counseling?

Addiction counseling is a professional service that helps individuals struggling with substance abuse or behavioral addictions. Counselors work with clients to understand the root causes of their addiction, develop coping strategies, and create personalized treatment plans. They often use various therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and group counseling. The goal of addiction counseling is to support clients in achieving and maintaining recovery, improving their mental health, and rebuilding their lives.

How do addiction counselors typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals to support client recovery?

Addiction counselors often work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, psychiatrists, social workers, and case managers, to provide comprehensive care for clients. This collaboration ensures that clients receive support for both their substance use issues and any co-occurring mental or physical health concerns. Regular team meetings, shared treatment plans, and coordinated referrals are common practices. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as they help create a unified approach to each client's recovery journey.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an addiction counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Addiction Counselor, you need a background in psychology or social work, specialized training in substance abuse counseling, and often state licensure or certification. Familiarity with assessment tools, electronic health records, and evidence-based therapy methods like CBT or motivational interviewing is typically required. Compassion, active listening, and strong interpersonal skills help build trust and motivate clients through recovery. These skills and qualifications are essential for providing effective support, ensuring ethical practice, and facilitating positive outcomes for individuals struggling with addiction.

What is the difference between Addiction Counseling vs Substance Abuse Counseling?

AspectAddiction CounselingSubstance Abuse Counseling
CredentialsOften requires certification such as Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)Similar certifications, often CAC or Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor
Work EnvironmentClinics, rehab centers, outpatient programsRehab facilities, outpatient clinics, community health centers
Industry UsageUsed interchangeably in many settings, focus on addiction recoveryFocuses specifically on substance abuse issues, often used in treatment programs

Both Addiction Counseling and Substance Abuse Counseling involve helping individuals overcome addiction and substance-related issues. While they share similar credentials and work environments, Addiction Counseling often emphasizes a broader approach to addiction recovery, whereas Substance Abuse Counseling specifically targets substance-related problems. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, but understanding their nuances can help in choosing the right career or treatment path.

Is addiction counseling a good career?

Addiction counseling is a rewarding career that involves helping individuals recover from substance use disorders. It typically requires relevant education, certification, and strong interpersonal skills, with job growth driven by increased awareness of mental health and addiction issues. The role often involves working in clinical or community settings and may require ongoing training and licensure.

What can you do with an addiction counseling degree?

An addiction counseling degree prepares individuals to work as addiction counselors, providing support and treatment to clients with substance use disorders. Graduates can work in outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or community organizations, often requiring certification or licensure depending on the region. The role involves counseling, developing treatment plans, and utilizing skills in mental health and addiction recovery.

Where do addiction counselors make the most money?

Addiction counselors tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for mental health services. Salaries are also influenced by experience, certifications, and working in private practices or specialized treatment centers. Typically, urban areas and states with more comprehensive healthcare funding offer higher compensation for addiction counseling roles.

What are popular job titles related to Addiction Counseling jobs in Iowa?

For Addiction Counseling jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Addiction Counseling jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Addiction Counseling jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Addiction Counseling jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Addiction Counseling job openings:

Infographic showing various Addiction Counseling job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 62% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 36% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,780 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Counselor - Recovery Center

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Ascension Recovery Services
Health Care and Social Assistance • 51 - 200 employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description




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 City and 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.