IOP Counselor - LMSW, LADAC II, LPC, LCSW

BHG Careers • Knoxville, TN

7d

About The Position

Behavioral Health Group (BHG) is seeking an IOP Counselor to support its Intensive Outpatient Program. The counselor serves as the program’s primary ambassador, represents its mission and values, collaborates with clinical and support teams, and helps build program awareness among referral partners, community organizations, and healthcare providers. The role also contributes to program development and provides leadership with input on visibility and effectiveness strategies.

The counselor conducts admissions using ASAM Level 2.1 criteria, reviews assessments for eligibility, explains program requirements to prospective patients, and uses motivational strategies to encourage engagement. In collaboration with leadership, the counselor develops assessments and treatment plans that meet regulatory, billing, and prior authorization standards. The counselor provides evidence-based counseling, targeted case management, crisis support, individual counseling, tailored interventions, outreach, and transitional support. Program curriculum, including the Matrix Model, Seeking Safety, and CBT, is delivered at least three hours per day, four days per week.

The role includes maintaining complete and compliant patient documentation, communicating attendance information to billing and revenue cycle management teams, and complying with applicable laws, accreditation standards, and confidentiality requirements. The counselor participates in outreach, professional development, and required training, and is expected to demonstrate integrity, compassion, sound judgment, effective communication, and respect for diversity.

The position is based in a standard medical office environment and involves patient interaction, prolonged sitting and computer use, and occasional bending, stooping, and stretching. Workload may vary and include periods of high stress. The role may involve exposure to patients with mental health conditions, infectious diseases, or criminal justice involvement. Reasonable accommodations may be provided where feasible.

Requirements

• Hold one of the following credentials: LPC, LADAC I, LADAC II, LCSW, or LMSW.
• If not fully licensed, be enrolled in or willing to begin a formal course of study toward licensure at the date of hire.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, treatment planning, and social services.
• Demonstrated ability to support the rehabilitation of drug-dependent patients.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure and work independently.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to respond quickly in challenging or crisis situations.
• High integrity, efficiency, and self-motivation.
• Ability to speak and hear effectively in person and by phone, and adequate vision to read documents and computer screens.
• Ability to perform prolonged sitting and computer/keyboard work, with occasional bending, stooping, and stretching.

Nice To Haves

• Outreach experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary ambassador for the IOP program and represent 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.
• Support new processes, program design, and implementation, and provide leadership with input on strategies for program visibility and effectiveness.
• Conduct admissions using ASAM Level 2.1 criteria and 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, including assessments and treatment plans, in collaboration 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, including the Matrix Model, Seeking Safety, and CBT, at least three hours per day, four days per week.
• Conduct supportive individual counseling sessions and develop tailored interventions to meet patient needs.
• Promote 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 and protect confidentiality.
• Follow federal, state, local, organizational, and accrediting requirements.
• Participate in public relations and community outreach activities to strengthen referral pipelines.
• Achieve assigned annual goals and objectives and maintain professional, collaborative, and compassionate interactions.
• Participate in required in-service training and provide in-service training as needed.
• Attend conferences, meetings, and other professional development opportunities.
• Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive environment.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, holidays, and personal-needs time.
• Flexible schedules with early-in/early-out hours, no nights, and no Sundays.
• Role-based training and advancement opportunities.
• Choice of three benefits programs, including health, life, vision, and dental insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• 401(k) plan with discretionary match.
• Competitive pay, quarterly bonuses, and incentives for certifications or licenses.
• Employee discounts on services and entertainment.
• Employee Assistance Program and self-care series.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed