IOP Counselor
Behavioral Health Group (BHG) is the largest network of Joint Commission-accredited treatment centers and a national leader in opioid addiction treatment. With more than 114 locations across 22 states, our 1,900+ employees provide care to over 42,000 patients every day. We offer a full continuum of care through our Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP), and Office-Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT), giving patients access to the level of support that best meets their needs.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary ambassador for the IOP program, representing its mission and values internally and externally.
- Collaborate with clinical teams, case managers, and support staff to ensure smooth program operations.
- Engage referral partners, community organizations, and healthcare providers to build program awareness.
- Contribute to program growth by supporting new processes, design, and implementation.
- Provide input to leadership on strategies for visibility and effectiveness.
- Uphold professionalism, punctuality, and timely completion of tasks/projects.
- Inspire hope that addiction is a disease that can be treated, not a moral failing.
- Conduct admissions using ASAM criteria (ASAM Level 2.1) to ensure proper level of care.
- Review admission and periodic assessments to confirm program eligibility.
- Meet with prospective patients, explain program requirements, and use motivational strategies to encourage engagement.
- Develop clinical documentation (assessments, treatment plans) with leadership to meet regulatory, billing, and prior authorization standards.
- Communicate with billing and RCM teams regarding patient attendance.
- Provide evidence-based counseling, targeted case management, and crisis support.
- Deliver program curriculum (Matrix Model, Seeking Safety, CBT) a minimum of 3 hours/day, 4 days/week.
- Conduct supportive individual counseling sessions for enrolled patients.
- Develop tailored interventions (e.g., parenting support) to meet patient needs.
- Ensure patient engagement through outreach and collaboration with care teams.
- Assist patients in identifying and seeking treatment for underlying health conditions.
- Provide program orientation, intake, readmission support, and transitional counseling until primary counselor assignment.
- Maintain accurate, complete, and compliant patient documentation.
- Comply with all state, federal, and organizational requirements while maintaining confidentiality.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Regulatory Compliance
- Follow all federal, state, and local requirements.
- Comply with accrediting body standards to ensure program integrity.
Marketing and Outreach
- Participate in public relations and community outreach activities to strengthen referral pipelines.
Professional Development
- Achieve assigned annual goals and objectives.
- Demonstrate belief that addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing.
- Exhibit hope, respect, and compassion in all patient and team interactions.
- Foster positive workplace relationships and collaborate effectively.
- Work independently under pressure while managing multiple tasks.
- Exercise sound judgment with confidential and sensitive issues.
- Maintain professionalism in stressful situations.
Training
- Participate in required in-service trainings per federal, state, local, and accrediting standards.
- Provide in-service training as needed.
- Attend conferences, meetings, and other professional development opportunities.
Diversity and Inclusion
- Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive environment.
Minimum Requirements
- Outreach experience preferred.
Qualifications
The Counselor must hold one of the following:
LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
LADAC I (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor I)
LADAC II (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor II)
LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker)
If not fully licensed, candidates must be enrolled in or willing to begin a formal course of study toward licensure at the date of hire.
Candidate Profile
- High integrity, efficient, and self-motivated.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure.
- Sound judgment and discretion with confidential matters.
- Quick response in challenging or crisis situations.
- Knowledge of substance use disorders, treatment planning, and social services.
- Demonstrated ability to support rehabilitation of drug-dependent patients.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
- Ability to speak and hear effectively in person and by phone.
- Adequate vision for reading documents and computer screens.
- Prolonged sitting, occasional bending, stooping, and stretching.
- Variable workload with periods of high stress.
- Standard medical office environment with exposure to patients with mental health, infectious diseases, or criminal justice involvement.
- Prolonged computer use/keyboard work.
- Reasonable accommodations may be provided where feasible
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 401K plan with discretionary 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.