Outpatient Addictions Counselor - Contract Position (55939)

Job DetailsJob Location: Family Life Center - Ames, IA 50010Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeSalary Range: $50.00 - $55.00 HourlyJob Shift: DayJob Category: Behavioral Health/TherapyYSS is looking for a empathetic, insightful, and skilled Independent Contractors to serve as Outpatient Addictions Counselors, helping us make a lasting difference in the lives of young people facing substance use disorders.

In this position you will play a vital role in supporting youth navigating substance use challenges by providing assessments for chemical dependency and delivering both individual and group counseling in a safe, respectful, and empowering environment.

What You'll Do...


Lead Individual and Group Counseling Sessions: Facilitate engaging and therapeutic sessions that offer clients the space to explore challenges, celebrate progress, and provide feedback on the program.



Empower Client Autonomy: Support each client's right to make their own choices and respectfully help them navigate the natural consequences and reactions to those decisions.



Develop and Implement Treatment Plans: Collaborate with clients to create personalized treatment plans, and take an active role in putting those plans into action.



Provide Crisis Intervention: Respond effectively and compassionately to clients experiencing crisis, ensuring safety and emotional support.



Conduct Educational Programming: Facilitate Substance Abuse Awareness Groups to promote understanding and informed decision-making around substance use and recovery.


This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.

Who You Are...

You believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and build a healthier future. You combine clinical expertise with empathy, meeting youth where they are while challenging and encouraging them to move forward. Whether you're conducting assessments, leading counseling sessions, or supporting someone through a difficult moment, you build trust through respect, compassion, and consistency.
What We're Looking For...We want to create a world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong. To do this, we ask for the following:

MUST HAVES - Required Qualifications:


Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field.
At least two (2) years of experience providing individual, group, and family therapy.
Current Iowa Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (tCADC, CADC, or IADC).
Formal training in the field of substance use disorders.
Contractor must maintain professional liability insurance.
Must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license.


The IDEAL Candidate Will:


Be mission-driven, with a commitment to equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
Consistently approach their work with humility, respect, and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
Demonstrate reliability and independence, managing responsibilities with minimal supervision.
Speak a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).


We Celebrate Your Story...

Have you navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Your lived experience offers a unique, compassionate perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families. Your journey matters. If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we warmly encourage you to apply.

Who We Are...

We’re YSS—one of Iowa’s largest and longest-standing nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission is simple but powerful: spark hope, create opportunity, and help young people thrive.


From life-changing programs to a new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at yss.org.
We value the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where everyone can grow and succeed.
YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.


Stay Connected...

We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system address: systemmessage@paycomonline.com. Please check your inbox regularly (and your spam/junk folder just in case). If the message does end up in spam/junk, make sure to add systemmessage@paycomonline.com to your list of safe senders. We may also send you texts if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions? Reach us anytime at yss@yss.org

Our Hiring Process - Here’s What to Expect...


Apply – Submit your application at yss.org/ysscareers
Assessment – We review your skills and experience
Interview – Phone, video, or in-person conversation
References – We’ll connect with 3+ professional references
Screening – Background check, driving record check, and license verification if required
Offer – If it’s a match, you’ll receive a formal offer through Paycom