CADAC

Ascension Recovery Services; Cedar Falls (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Life insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Renewal Falls Recovery Center seeks a CADAC to join a dedicated clinical team in Cedar Falls, IA. You will provide direct counseling services, support individualized treatment planning, and facilitate evidence-based groups to help patients move forward in recovery.

The ideal candidate is passionate about substance use disorder treatment, values person-centered care, and collaborates with medical and case management staff. A strong focus on ethical, patient-centered care is essential.

Qualifications

• Current CADAC or IADC credential recognized in Iowa, or ability to meet the credentialing requirements established for the position.
• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral health, social services, psychology, counseling, human services, addiction studies, or a related field preferred.
• Relevant substance use disorder counseling experience preferred.
• Strong documentation, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Provide substance use disorder counseling and treatment services aligned with each patient’s individualized plan.
• Conduct individual and group counseling sessions.
• Develop, implement, review, and update individualized treatment plans with the patient and team.
• Facilitate evidence-based and recovery-oriented counseling groups.
• Maintain timely, accurate, complete clinical documentation in the EMR.
• Assist with discharge and continuing-care planning to support transitions.

Skills

Documentation skills

Communication skills

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in behavioral health or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Electronic Medical Record (EMR)

ASAM criteria knowledge

Job description

CADAC / Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Facility: Renewal Falls Recovery Center

Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa

Employment Type: Full-Time

Schedule: Primarily Days | Some Evening or Weekend Flexibility May Be Required in the future

JOIN A MISSION THAT CHANGES LIVES!

At Renewal Falls Recovery Center, we believe recovery is possible — and that meaningful, compassionate treatment can change the course of a person’s life.

We are seeking a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADAC) to join our clinical team in Cedar Falls. This role is ideal for a counselor who is passionate about substance use disorder treatment, values person-centered care, and wants to be part of a collaborative team helping individuals build a strong foundation for long-term recovery.

As a CADAC, you will provide direct counseling services, support individualized treatment planning, facilitate evidence-based groups, and work closely with medical, clinical, peer, and case management staff to help each patient move forward in recovery.

About Us

Renewal Falls Recovery Center provides structured, recovery-focused treatment for individuals experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring behavioral health needs.

Our Approach Is Grounded In

• Person-centered care
• Evidence-based treatment
• Multiple pathways to recovery
• Trauma-informed practices
• Strong therapeutic relationships
• Interdisciplinary teamwork
• Respect, dignity, accountability, and hope

We believe treatment should meet people where they are while helping them build the skills, support systems, and recovery capital needed for lasting change.

Why You Should Join Us

At Renewal Falls, you will have the opportunity to do meaningful clinical work while being part of a growing behavioral health organization

We Offer

• Mission-driven work with a direct impact on individuals and families
• Supportive interdisciplinary clinical team
• 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 CADAC, you will provide substance use disorder counseling and treatment services consistent with each patient’s individualized treatment plan.

Responsibilities Include

• Conduct individual and group substance use disorder counseling sessions.
• Complete clinical assessments, screenings, and other assigned components of the admission and treatment process within scope of credential and organizational policy.
• Develop, implement, review, and update individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the patient and interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Facilitate evidence-based and recovery-oriented counseling groups.
• Provide education regarding substance use disorders, relapse prevention, coping skills, recovery planning, relationships, emotional regulation, and other treatment needs.
• Monitor patient progress toward treatment goals and modify interventions based on clinical need.
• Identify barriers to engagement, motivation, recovery, and successful transition to the next level of care.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings and communicate relevant patient progress, risks, and treatment needs.
• Coordinate with case management, peer support, nursing, medical providers, and other members of the treatment team.
• Assist with discharge and continuing‑care planning to support a safe transition from residential treatment.
• Maintain timely, accurate, complete, and clinically appropriate documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Document services in accordance with organizational policy, payer requirements, applicable Iowa requirements, and accreditation standards.
• Maintain appropriate professional and therapeutic boundaries with patients.
• Protect patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and organizational requirements.
• Identify and appropriately elevate concerns related to patient safety, relapse risk, behavioral changes, suicidal ideation, or other clinical concerns.
• Participate in supervision, clinical consultation, training, quality‑improvement initiatives, and competency requirements.
• Maintain all required credentials, continuing education, and professional standards.
• Perform other duties within scope and as assigned to support clinical operations and patient care.

Who You Are

We are looking for a counselor who understands that effective substance use disorder treatment requires both clinical skill and genuine human connection.

You Are Someone Who

• Believes strongly in the possibility of recovery
• Builds trust while maintaining healthy professional boundaries
• Can balance compassion with accountability
• Understands substance use disorders as complex behavioral health conditions
• Communicates effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members
• Is comfortable facilitating both individual and group counseling
• Uses sound clinical judgment and knows when to seek consultation
• Values accurate, timely clinical documentation
• Works well in a collaborative and fast‑paced treatment environment
• Is committed to ethical, respectful, and person‑centered care

Requirements

• Current CADC or IADC credential recognized in Iowa, or ability to meet the credentialing requirements established for the position.
• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral health, social services, psychology, counseling, human services, addiction studies, or a related field preferred.
• Relevant substance use disorder counseling experience preferred.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery principles, relapse prevention, and evidence‑based counseling approaches.
• Experience providing individual and group counseling preferred.
• Strong documentation, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary behavioral health team.
• Must complete all required pre‑employment screenings, orientation, training, and competency requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in residential substance use disorder treatment.
• Experience working with co‑occurring mental health conditions.
• Familiarity with ASAM criteria and levels of care.
• Experience with evidence‑based approaches such as Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT skills, ACT, relapse‑prevention strategies, or trauma‑informed care.
• Experience working within an electronic medical record.
• Familiarity with Joint Commission or similar behavioral healthcare accreditation standards.
• Masters Degree

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, withdrawal‑related concerns, or other challenges associated with early recovery.

The Position May Require

• Sitting, standing, and walking throughout the workday
• Facilitating groups for extended periods
• Frequent verbal and written communication
• Responding appropriately to behavioral health or patient‑safety concerns
• Working occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays based on program needs
• Maintaining composure and sound clinical judgment in emotionally challenging situations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are a substance use disorder counselor who wants to help people move beyond addiction and build meaningful, sustainable recovery, we want to hear from you.

Join Renewal Falls Recovery Center and become part of a team committed to providing compassionate, high‑quality treatment and creating real opportunities for transformation.

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.