Substance Use Counselor (IOP)

Comp : $30.00 - $33.00 / hr with Bonus Structure

Schedule : 5 : 15am - 1 : 45pm (Remote Flexibility as needed)

Education : Bachelors or Masters level degree required

Licensure : LCDP, CADC, PADC required. (Assistance with Reciprocity)

Behavioral Health Group (BHG) is the largest network of Joint Commission-accredited treatment centers and the leading provider of opioid addiction treatment services. We are dedicated to helping individuals overcome substance use disorders. With over 116 locations in 24 states, our team of more than 1,900 employees serves over 42,000 patients.

Job Summary

The IOP Counselors emphasizes delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to patients overcoming addiction, using a multidisciplinary approach that fosters hope, respect, and recovery. Responsibilities include individual and group counseling, admissions using ASAM criteria, and maintaining accurate, organized patient records while ensuring compliance with all regulations. Collaboration with the recovery care team and clinical supervisor is essential to empower patients to achieve their best functioning and address underlying health conditions.

Summary of Essential Job Functions

The key responsibilities of the IOP Counselor include but not limited to :

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary ambassador for the IOP program, representing its mission and values both internally and externally.
• Mobilize efforts internally by collaborating with clinical teams, case managers, and support staff to ensure smooth program operations.
• Support external efforts by engaging with referral partners, community organizations, and healthcare providers to build awareness of the program.
• Contribute to the development and growth of the IOP program, including assisting with new processes, program design, and implementation.
• Demonstrate a willingness to assist with outreach activities, including building and maintaining relationships with referral sources
• Provide input and feedback to leadership on strategies for increasing program visibility and effectiveness.
• Uphold professionalism and act as a positive representative of the program in community and professional settings.
• Prompt and regular attendance at an assigned work location.
• Ability to complete [or oversee the completion of] assigned tasks / projects in a timely manner.
• Inspire hope that addiction is not a moral failing but a mental disease that can be overcome
• Conduct BHG admissions using ASAM criteria to determine appropriate level of care assignment into the IOP program (ASAM Level 2.1)
• Review all program Admission and Periodic assessments to ensure that patients who meet criteria for ASAM 2.1 level of care are offered and / or referred to the IOP program.
• Meet with all prospective IOP patients to explain program involvement and requirements using motivational enhancement strategies
• In collaboration with program leadership (i.e., clinical supervisor and / or program director) develop clinical documentation (i.e., assessments, treatment plans) for all IOP clients that meet regulatory and billing medical necessity and prior authorization requirements
• Communicate effectively with billing and RCM teams regarding IOP patient program attendance
• Provide evidence-based counseling, TCM and empowering crisis support services to IOP patients to live their best lives
• Deliver IOP program curriculum consisting of the Matrix Model, Seeking Safety, and CBT sessions a minimum of 3 hours per day 4 days per week.
• Conduct supportive individual counseling sessions for all enrolled IOP patients
• Work with program teams to ensure patient full engagement in the IOP program and to conduct patient outreach efforts
• Develop additional clinical program interventions that meet the needs of specific IOP patients (e.g., parenting individuals)
• Enliven compassionate care and empower patients to realize their best level of functioning in the community
• Employ an individualized and multidisciplinary approach to care with all medical staff, supporting the "shared" patient with hope, respect and care
• Help patients identify and seek treatment for underlying mental and physical health conditions that perpetuate addictive behavior with a focus on progress and recovery
• Work in close partnership with the recovery care team and clinical supervisor while conducting individual and group counseling sessions as required; make referrals to case management services as appropriate
• Orient patients to the treatment program's services, operation and procedures; Provide intake / readmission services, including several weeks of supportive follow-up counseling for new patients until a primary counselor has been assigned
• Ensure patient records are up-to-date, accurate, complete and well-organized to meet state regulatory IOP requirements
• Comply with all regulations to include State and BHG requirements for quality patient care; respect confidentiality and privacy with the utmost reverence
• Additional responsibilities as required

Regulatory

Marketing and Outreach

Professional Development

Training

Other

Qualifications

The IOP Counselor must have the following qualifications.

Requirements : Bachelors or Masters level degree required plus LCDP, CADC, PADC required.

Experience with outreach activities is preferred.

In addition to meeting the qualifications, the ideal candidate will embody the following characteristics and possess the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below :

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of the requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions to the extent such accommodation does not create an undue hardship on the business.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by team members assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of team members so classified. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed, and this job description may be updated at any time.

Why Join BHG?

Work-Life Balance : Enjoy generous paid time off, holidays, and personal needs. Benefit from flexible schedules with early in / early out hours, no nights, and no Sundays.

Investment in Your Growth : Prioritize your development with role-based training and advancement opportunities.

Comprehensive Benefits : Choose from three benefits programs, including health, life, vision, and dental insurance. Enjoy tuition reimbursement and competitive 401K match.

Recognition and Rewards : Experience competitive pay, quarterly bonuses, and incentives for certifications or licenses.

Employee Perks : Access exclusive discounts on various services and entertainment options, and benefit from our Employee Assistance Program and self-care series.

At BHG, we thrive on the greatness of our people. Join us and become part of a community that values excellence, integrity, and making a real difference in the lives of others.

BHG is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.

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.