Counselor Jobs in Iowa
Counselor jobs in Iowa are concentrated in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City, where community mental health centers, the University of Iowa Health Care system, and UnityPoint Health consistently post openings across school, substance use, and clinical mental health specialties. Demand is steady at every level, from entry-level case managers to licensed clinical supervisors, driven by ongoing investment in behavioral health services statewide. Employers range from large integrated health networks to county-funded agencies and K-12 districts. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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The YWCA of Fort Dodge provides substance use disorder treatment in a residential setting to women. Women at the YWCA can have their children living with them as well. The YWCA also offers outpatient and assessment services to all-genders.
The position of Substance Use Disorder Counselor is responsible for:
Daily exercise of the core competencies of a substance abuse counselor including: screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referrals, reports and record keeping, consultation.
Ensures compliance with applicable state and federal policies, laws and regulations.
Maintains awareness of current federal, state, and local government rules and regulations that pertain to the delivery of substance abuse treatment services. Including maintaining strict adherence to Federal Confidentiality Regulations that apply to alcohol/drug abuse patient records.
Assists in coordinating staff in-service/training and scheduling presenters.
Provides awareness and understanding of substance abuse within the realm of other community resources/agencies.
Coordinates counseling with other services by referring clients to other resources or agencies in or out of the community.
Maintains appropriate certification, attends in service training and continuing education seminars to maintain professional competency and maintains membership in appropriate professional organizations.
Completes paperwork in a thorough and timely manner.
Participates in fundraising and community-based activities as needed.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Arts or Science degree preferred, preferably in the field of Human Services OR AA degree in a human services related field OR successful completion of the experience educational track that leads to state certification.
At minimum, an Alcohol and drug counselor certification (CADC) required or ability to be certified within one year.
· Excellent verbal and communication skills.
· Excellent leadership skills.
· Good organizational ability, flexibility, resourcefulness and the ability to work independently.
· The ability to assess clients’ life skills and assist them in becoming self-sufficient.
This position is full time, with some on-call duties. This position is generally Monday through Friday, daytime hours- with some outpatient duties in early evening or weekends on occasion.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $32,000.00 - $40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
Ability to Commute:
- Fort Dodge, IA 50501 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Fort Dodge, IA 50501: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
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Find Counselor JobsCounselor Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Counselor Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in counselor jobs across Iowa.
- Active Iowa counselor license issued by the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science or equivalent
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, or a closely related clinical field
- Experience in mental health, substance use, or school counseling settings
- Proficiency with electronic health records or student information systems
- Strong assessment and documentation skills meeting Iowa Medicaid or accreditation standards
- Valid Iowa driver's license for community-based or outreach counselor positions
Counselor Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a counselor in Iowa?
Becoming a licensed counselor in Iowa requires a master's degree in counseling or a related field and licensure through the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science. Most clinical roles require either a Licensed Mental Health Counselor or Licensed Independent Social Worker credential, both of which involve supervised hours and a national board exam. School counselors must hold an Iowa Department of Education endorsement. Starting early on supervised hours during graduate school is the most reliable path.
Which companies hire counselors in Iowa?
Iowa counselor roles are posted by Children & Families of Iowa, ELEVATE CCBHC, and State of Iowa and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Community mental health centers, integrated health networks like UnityPoint Health, and Iowa's public school districts are among the most consistent sources of counselor openings across the state.
Which Iowa cities have the most counselor jobs?
Iowa, Waterloo, and Newton have the most counselor openings in Iowa. Des Moines drives volume through its concentration of hospital systems, county behavioral health agencies, and large school districts, while Iowa City's market is anchored by the University of Iowa and its affiliated health and counseling services, making both cities strong targets for clinical and school counselors alike.
Are there remote counselor jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since many counselor roles involve in-person sessions or school site work. About 67% of counselor openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting growth in telehealth platforms. Substance use counseling and career counseling tend to have the most remote availability among Iowa postings.
How can I get hired as a counselor in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for case manager or behavioral health technician roles at community mental health centers, which Iowa employers like Eyerly Ball Community Mental Health Services and Four Oaks use as a pipeline for future licensed counselors. Iowa's graduate counseling programs at the University of Northern Iowa and Drake University often have practicum and internship agreements with local agencies that lead directly to post-graduation hires. Completing your Iowa Board of Behavioral Science supervised hours in a high-need setting, such as a school district or substance use clinic, strengthens your candidacy before full licensure.
Where can I find and apply to counselor jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to counselor jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your license level, specialty, and preferred location, and apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 34 Counselor Jobs in Iowa
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