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 escalate 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.
