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Substance Use Navigator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Wayspring

Clinical Care Navigator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$20.50 - $26.25/hr

The Clinical Care Navigator, Medical Assistant will be responsible for collaborating and ... We are passionate about breaking barriers alongside those facing substance use disorder. Whether ...

Wayspring

Clinical Care Navigator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$20.50 - $26.25/hr

The Clinical Care Navigator, Medical Assistant will be responsible for collaborating and ... We are passionate about breaking barriers alongside those facing substance use disorder. Whether ...

Wayspring

Clinical Care Navigator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$20.50 - $26.25/hr

The Clinical Care Navigator, Medical Assistant willbe responsible for collaborating and ... Experience in settings that include primary care, substance use disorder, and care management ...

Sioux Land Community Health

Recovery Coach

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Collaborate closely with substance use navigators, medical providers, and community partners to support continuity of care and long-term recovery stability. * These functions are not all inclusive ...

Siouxland Community Health

Recovery Coach

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Collaborate closely with substance use navigators, medical providers, and community partners to support continuity of care and long-term recovery stability. * These functions are not all inclusive ...

ASAC

Care Navigator

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$22.71/hr

As a full-time Care Navigator in Linn County, your role will be to provide care coordination and ... Join the area's leader in prevention, treatment, and recovery of substance use disorders and ...

All JobsSubstance Use Navigator JobsSubstance Use Navigator Jobs in Iowa

Substance Use Navigator information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$21

$31

How much do substance use navigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use navigator in Iowa is $21.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $23.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substance use navigator?

A Substance Use Navigator (SUN) is a professional who helps individuals struggling with substance use disorders connect with treatment and support services. They typically work in healthcare or community settings, providing guidance, resources, and encouragement to people seeking recovery. SUNs assess clients’ needs, coordinate care, and help reduce barriers to accessing treatment, such as insurance issues or finding appropriate programs. Their goal is to support individuals throughout their recovery journey and ensure they receive the necessary care and follow-up.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a substance use navigator?

To thrive as a Substance Use Navigator, you need a background in counseling, substance use disorder knowledge, and often a bachelor's degree in a related field, along with any required state certifications. Familiarity with electronic health records, case management systems, and referral networks is important for efficient client support. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and motivational interviewing abilities help build trust and guide clients through recovery. These skills are vital for effectively connecting individuals to needed resources, supporting recovery, and improving health outcomes.

How does a substance use navigator collaborate with healthcare teams to support patients in recovery?

Substance Use Navigators work closely with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and behavioral health specialists, to ensure coordinated care for patients with substance use disorders. They act as a bridge between patients and providers, facilitating access to treatment resources, coordinating follow-up care, and advocating for patient needs. Navigators often participate in case conferences and maintain regular communication with team members to update care plans and address any barriers to recovery. This collaborative approach helps create a supportive environment and improves patient outcomes.

What is the difference between Substance Use Navigator vs Substance Use Counselor?

AspectSubstance Use NavigatorSubstance Use Counselor
Required CredentialsOften no formal certification, but may have certifications like Peer Support or relevant trainingLicensed or certified, such as CADC or LPC
Work EnvironmentCommunity outreach, hospitals, clinics, and recovery centersTherapy settings, clinics, outpatient or inpatient facilities
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, community programsRehabilitation centers, mental health clinics, private practices
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles, support services, and navigation assistanceProviding therapy, treatment planning, and counseling services

Substance Use Navigators primarily assist clients in accessing resources and navigating treatment options, often with less formal credentials. Substance Use Counselors provide direct therapy and treatment, requiring licensure or certification. Both roles are vital in addiction recovery but differ in scope, credentials, and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Substance Use Navigator jobs in Iowa?

For Substance Use Navigator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substance Use Navigator jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Use Navigator jobs in Iowa are:

Substance Use Navigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Use Navigator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,770 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Substance Use Navigator

Siouxland Community Health

Sioux City, IA • On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Substance Use Navigator

Siouxland Community Health Center has a full-time opening for:

Substance Use Navigator

Successful candidate must have solid experience & advanced knowledge of:

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Lived experience related to recovery or supporting individuals or families affected by OUDs preferred; experience in peer support, outreach, care coordination, community health work, or recovery services preferred.
  • Completion of approved Peer Recovery Specialist training following hire
  • Ongoing education in harm reduction, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and systems navigation.

Successful candidate must be able to perform primary functions of position:

  • Provide outreach, engagement, care coordination, and linkage to treatment and support services for individuals with substance use disorders.
  • Assist patients in navigating medical, behavioral health, recovery, housing, transportation, dental, and community-based resources across care settings.
  • Support rapid connection to care through referrals to emergency departments, criminal justice settings, outreach initiatives, and community partners.
  • Collaborate closely with medical providers, recovery coach, and external organizations to facilitate warm handoffs, reduce barriers to treatment, and promote continuity of care and long-term recovery engagement.
  • These functions are not all inclusive

Siouxland Community Health Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to any characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

SCHC participates in E-Verify.

Pre-employment drug screen, background check, and review of required immunizations. Exemptions may be granted for religious or medical accommodation.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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