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Behavioral Health Case Manager Jobs in Waterloo, IA

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Behavioral Health Case Manager information

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How much do behavioral health case manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health case manager in Waterloo, IA is $24.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.70 and $30.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a behavioral health case manager do?

As a behavioral health case manager, your responsibilities include assessing patients and working with counselors to develop a treatment plan, choose the necessary resources for each patients’ mental health needs, and set up referrals. You are expected to follow up and document the progress made by each of your clients and provide behavioral health education for individuals and groups by developing educational materials like articles, fact sheets, and public service announcements for the community. Additional duties of a behavioral health case manager include setting up meetings with providers and patients as needed and informing all necessary parties of the processes involved in each patients’ treatment and the plans for ongoing treatment. You keep updated records of each client, collect and analyze data to evaluate all treatment and recovery programs, and continuously improve your offerings.

What does a behavioral health case manager do?

A Behavioral Health Case Manager coordinates care and support services for individuals experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. They assess clients' needs, develop treatment plans, connect them with resources, and monitor progress to ensure effective treatment. Case managers also advocate for clients, collaborate with other healthcare providers, and help navigate barriers to care. Their goal is to support clients in achieving stability and improved quality of life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavioral health case manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Case Manager, you need a background in social work, psychology, or counseling—often supported by a relevant degree and, in some settings, licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management software, electronic health records, and knowledge of community resources are typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and empathy are essential soft skills for building trust and advocating effectively for clients. These skills ensure comprehensive support for clients, efficient coordination of care, and positive health outcomes.

How does a behavioral health case manager typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals?

Behavioral Health Case Managers frequently work as part of interdisciplinary teams that may include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and primary care providers. They coordinate care plans, share updates on client progress, and facilitate communication to ensure that all aspects of a client's mental and physical health are addressed. Regular team meetings and case conferences are common, allowing for collaborative problem-solving and holistic support for clients. Effective communication and relationship-building skills are crucial for navigating these collaborative environments.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health Case Manager vs Mental Health Counselor?

AspectBehavioral Health Case ManagerMental Health Counselor
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CCMA, CMHC), relevant degreesMaster's degree in counseling or psychology, licensure
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, community agenciesPrivate practice, clinics, hospitals
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, social service agenciesMental health clinics, private practices
Primary FocusCare coordination, resource linkage, support planningTherapeutic counseling, diagnosis, treatment planning

While both roles support mental health, Behavioral Health Case Managers focus on coordinating care and connecting clients with resources, whereas Mental Health Counselors provide direct therapy and diagnosis. The roles often overlap but serve different primary functions within mental health services.

What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Behavioral Health Case Manager jobs?

Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Behavioral Health Case Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Case Manager job openings in Waterloo, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,741 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Case Manager Behavioral Health

Cedar Falls, IA • On-site

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

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Substance Use Disorder Case Manager
Facility: Renewal Falls Recovery Center
Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa
Employment Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Primarily Days | Some Evening or Weekend Flexibility May Be Required
JOIN A MISSION THAT CHANGES LIVES!
At Renewal Falls Recovery Center, we believe recovery is possible - and that successful recovery requires more than treatment alone.
We are seeking a compassionate, organized, and resourceful Substance Use Disorder Case Manager to join our team in Cedar Falls. This role helps patients address the real-life barriers that can interfere with long-term recovery, including housing, transportation, employment, healthcare, benefits, legal needs, family supports, and connection to ongoing treatment.
As a Case Manager, you will work closely with patients and the interdisciplinary treatment team to help build a strong, practical plan for continued recovery and a successful transition to the next level of care.
About Us
Renewal Falls Recovery Center provides person-centered behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment in a structured residential setting.
Our approach emphasizes:
  • Compassionate, trauma-informed care
  • Individualized treatment
  • Multiple pathways to recovery
  • Strong interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Community connection
  • Respect, dignity, accountability, and hope

We recognize that long-term recovery is influenced by the environment people return to after treatment. Case management is a critical part of helping patients build the resources, support systems, and recovery capital needed to move forward.
Why You Should Join Us
At Renewal Falls, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference while being part of a growing behavioral health organization.
We offer:
  • Mission-driven work with a direct impact on individuals and families
  • Supportive, collaborative team environment
  • Structured onboarding and ongoing training
  • Opportunities for professional development and career growth
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • A workplace committed to high-quality, ethical behavioral healthcare

What You'll Do
As a Substance Use Disorder Case Manager, you will help patients identify and address practical needs that support successful treatment, discharge, and long-term recovery.
Responsibilities include:
  • Complete case management assessments to identify patient needs, strengths, barriers, and available supports.
  • Develop and maintain individualized case management goals in coordination with the patient and treatment team.
  • Begin discharge and continuing-care planning early in the treatment process.
  • Coordinate referrals and connections to appropriate community resources and services.
  • Assist patients with accessing housing, transportation, employment resources, education, insurance, benefits, healthcare, and other social-service supports.
  • Coordinate follow-up appointments with outpatient treatment providers, primary care, behavioral health providers, medication-assisted treatment providers, and other community resources.
  • Assist patients with obtaining identification, insurance information, documentation, and other items needed for successful community transition.
  • Support patients in navigating legal, probation, parole, child welfare, or other community-system requirements when appropriate and authorized.
  • Communicate with outside providers and community partners in accordance with patient authorization and confidentiality requirements.
  • Collaborate closely with counselors, therapists, medical staff, peer recovery support specialists, behavioral health technicians, and other members of the interdisciplinary team.
  • Participate in treatment-team meetings and provide updates regarding discharge barriers, resource needs, and progress toward case management goals.
  • Advocate for patients while encouraging independence, accountability, and self-advocacy.
  • Help patients identify recovery-support resources, including peer support, mutual-help groups, recovery housing, transportation, and community-based services.
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and complete case management documentation in the electronic medical record.
  • Ensure releases of information and communication with outside parties are completed appropriately.
  • Protect patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and organizational policy.
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with patients and community partners.
  • Identify barriers that may place a patient's recovery, discharge plan, housing, or safety at risk and communicate concerns to the appropriate treatment-team member.
  • Participate in staff meetings, supervision, training, quality-improvement activities, and other program initiatives.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support patient care and program operations.

Who You Are
The strongest Case Managers are natural problem-solvers who know how to combine compassion with follow-through.
You are someone who:
  • Believes strongly in the possibility of recovery
  • Can build relationships with patients while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
  • Is highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities
  • Enjoys connecting people with resources and finding solutions to barriers
  • Communicates effectively with patients, families, providers, and community partners
  • Understands the importance of timely and accurate documentation
  • Can advocate for patients while encouraging personal responsibility and independence
  • Works well as part of an interdisciplinary team
  • Remains calm and solution-focused when circumstances change
  • Treats every patient with dignity and respect

Requirements
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Associate or bachelor's degree in social work, human services, psychology, behavioral health, sociology, criminal justice, or a related field preferred.
  • Previous experience in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, social services, healthcare, case management, community outreach, corrections, or human services preferred.
  • Knowledge of community resources and social-service systems preferred.
  • Strong communication, organization, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
  • Ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, mental health concerns, housing instability, legal challenges, and other barriers to recovery.
  • Must successfully complete all required pre-employment screenings, orientation, training, and competency requirements.
  • Valid driver's license may be required depending on assigned responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous case management experience in a substance use disorder or behavioral health setting.
  • Experience working in residential treatment.
  • Familiarity with ASAM levels of care and discharge planning.
  • Knowledge of Iowa community resources and behavioral health systems.
  • Experience coordinating services with community providers, probation/parole, healthcare organizations, recovery housing, or social-service agencies.
  • Familiarity with electronic medical records.
  • Experience working with individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

Work Conditions & Physical Requirements
This position works in a residential behavioral health treatment environment and involves regular interaction with individuals who may be experiencing emotional distress, substance use cravings, behavioral health symptoms, or other challenges associated with early recovery.
The position may require:
  • Sitting, standing, and walking throughout the workday
  • Frequent computer and telephone use
  • Travel within the community depending on assigned responsibilities
  • Frequent communication with patients, treatment-team members, and outside organizations
  • Managing multiple patient needs and deadlines simultaneously
  • Responding appropriately to patient-safety or behavioral-health concerns
  • Occasional evening or weekend work based on program needs

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Compensation
Compensation is competitive and will be determined based on relevant experience, education, credentials, licensure or certifications, and overall qualifications for the position. Final compensation may also vary based on internal equity and market considerations.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our team members. Benefits for eligible employees include:
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Company-paid basic life insurance
  • Supplemental life insurance options
  • Company-paid short-term disability
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development

Benefit eligibility and plan terms may vary based on employment status and applicable plan requirements.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you are resourceful, compassionate, and passionate about helping people build a sustainable life in recovery, we would love to hear from you.
Join Renewal Falls Recovery Center and help patients turn the progress they make in treatment into a practical plan for life beyond our doors.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Renewal Falls Recovery Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.