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Counselor Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Counselor Position Type: Staff Full-Time Days Per Week: Monday-Friday Hours Per Week: 40 VP Area: Student Life Department: Counseling Services Location: Elon Main Campus Position Summary The ...

Youth Counselor

Woodward, IA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Youth counselors also facilitate and assist in developing a positive peer culture with the guidance of the Group Leader. This entry-level position offers opportunities for advancement and leadership ...

Financial Aid Counselor

Dubuque, IA

$36.80K - $48.60K/yr

Demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior in working with confidential information. * Assist ... Health Counselor (LMHC) University of Dubuque Admission Counselor University of Wisconsin ...

Guidance Counselor 26-27

Davenport, IA · On-site

$48.40K - $65.50K/yr

... development. * Assist with student grade/course work transitions and participate in case ... Valid School Counselor or Social Worker license from the BOEE, or relevant teaching license ...

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Counselor Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$13

$17

How much do counselor assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for counselor assistant in Iowa is $13.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.94 and $15.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Counselor Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Counselor Assistant, you typically need foundational knowledge of counseling practices, confidentiality protocols, and a relevant associate degree or certification. Familiarity with case management software, documentation systems, and scheduling tools is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and empathy help build rapport with clients and support the lead counselor effectively. These skills and qualifications ensure client trust, accurate record-keeping, and efficient support within counseling environments.

What are some common challenges Counselor Assistants face when supporting clients in a therapeutic setting?

Counselor Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing emotionally charged situations, maintaining professional boundaries, and supporting clients with diverse backgrounds and complex needs. They must balance empathy with objectivity while adhering to confidentiality and ethical guidelines. Regular collaboration with licensed counselors and participation in team meetings can help address these challenges and support ongoing professional development.

What are Counselor Assistants?

Counselor Assistants are professionals who support licensed counselors, therapists, or psychologists in providing care to clients. Their duties often include administrative tasks, maintaining client records, assisting with group sessions, and helping clients with resources or information. They may work in schools, rehabilitation centers, mental health clinics, or social service agencies. While they do not typically provide therapy themselves, they play a vital role in supporting the overall counseling process and ensuring clients receive the help they need.

What is the difference between Counselor Assistant vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectCounselor AssistantMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentClinics, schools, community centersHospitals, mental health facilities, residential programs
Employer & Industry UsageBehavioral health agencies, schools, outpatient clinicsHospitals, psychiatric units, residential treatment centers
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Both Counselor Assistants and Mental Health Technicians support mental health services, often working in similar environments. Counselor Assistants typically focus on administrative support and client engagement, while Mental Health Technicians are more involved in direct patient care and monitoring. Understanding these differences can help job seekers identify roles that match their skills and career goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Counselor jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Counselor Assistant jobs in Iowa? For Counselor Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Counselor Assistant jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Counselor Assistant jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Counselor Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Counselor Assistant job openings:
Residential Counselor

Residential Counselor

Area Substance Abuse Council

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$53.58K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 hours ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Realize a career with meaning-improving lives, strengthening communities, and changing narratives as a member of ASAC. Our work is personal, using lived experiences, proven services, and human connections to help people right here in our community.
We are looking for a full time Residential Counselor to work in our Women's Heart of Iowa Treatment Center. Our counselors serve as a key member of the treatment team by providing services to patients that help them learn to live a safe, healthy, and productive life free from substance use.
As the Residential Counselor you will:
  • Provide individual counseling to patients and facilitate group sessions
  • Conduct intakes and assessments, initiate, implement, and review treatment plans for all assigned patients
  • Submit paperwork and meet job responsibility deadlines as assigned.
  • Coordinate patient involvement with other community agencies
  • Help to plan and implement recreational activities for residential patients
  • Act as the on-call counselor on a rotating basis and assist the overall residential team as needed
  • Provide urinalysis monitoring on an as needed basis
  • Maintain strict confidentiality, in accordance with HIPAA and 42CFR

Requirements
Qualified candidates will have a degree in Human Services, Substance Abuse Counseling, Social Work, Counseling, Psychology or related field. Candidates with a Master's degree and/or current t-CADC, CADC, or license are also encouraged to apply. This position requires staff to obtain a CADC within 18 months of hire, have a valid driver's license and the ability to pass an extensive background check.
Salary and Benefits
ASAC offers competitive compensation starting at $25.76 per hour which generally equates to $53,580 per year, with additional compensation for candidates with extensive experience in substance use counseling. Full time staff are eligible for a complete benefit package including, Health and Dental, Fertility Benefits, FSA, company paid Life/AD&D/Short and Long Term Disability, Voluntary Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Paid Holidays, a 403(b) Retirement plan with a match and a generous Vacation, Personal Time and Sick Leave Plan.
Join the area's leader in prevention, treatment, and recovery of substance use disorders and problem gambling. Apply now and take the first step toward a fulfilling career.
ASAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.