Job Description:
Job Title: Associate Counselor
Location: Kirksville, MO
Department: SUD Services
Employment Type: Full-time
Shift: Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Job Summary:
Are you a compassionate and driven professional eager to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges? Do you thrive in a supportive, dynamic environment where you can grow your skills and advance your career? Join our team at Preferred Family Healthcare as an Associate Counselor.
In this role, you’ll work closely with individuals to support their progress in accordance with personalized treatment plans, helping them improve their ability to navigate daily living and work environments. Our ideal candidate is passionate about behavioral health, brings foundational experience in counseling or case management, and excels in communication and collaboration.
Living in Kirksville, MO, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and vibrant academic atmosphere due to the presence of Truman State University and A.T. Still University. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, access to cultural events, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The city's affordable cost of living and friendly atmosphere make it an appealing place to live and raise a family.
Position Perks & Benefits:
29 Days of PTO
Eligibility for HRSA Loan Repayment (eligibility requirements apply)
Comprehensive Employee Benefits Package – health, dental, vision, retirement, life & more
Competitive 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan – up to 5% match for Part-Time and Full-Time employees
Company-paid basic life insurance
Emergency Medical Leave Program
Flexible Spending Accounts – healthcare and dependent child-care
Health & Wellness Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Discount Program
Mileage Reimbursement
Key Responsibilities:
Participate in screening/assessment processes under supervision of a licensed/qualified counselor
Assist in developing individualized treatment plans based on assessments
Document services in accordance with regulatory standards and within required timeframes
Attend clinical staffing/team meetings and provide case feedback
Meet weekly Collaborative Service Goal (CSG) expectations
Ensure treatment documentation is reviewed and countersigned by a Qualified Addiction Professional
Support clients through transitions and complete final correspondence
Facilitate group counseling, education sessions, family conferences, and individual therapy
Handle crisis situations and notify leadership as required
Maintain professional relationships and adhere to ethical standards
Complete annual training requirements (minimum 50 hours per ASAM standards)
Other duties as assigned by Clinical Supervisor, Program Director, or Executive Team
Education and/or Experience Qualifications:
Associate’s degree or high school diploma/equivalent required
Must meet trainee registration, supervision, and development requirements as set by:
Missouri Credentialing Board, Inc. OR
Appropriate board of professional registration with the Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions, and Professional Registration
Must be supervised by a Qualified Addiction Professional who has completed MCB Clinical Supervision Training
Willingness to become credentialed in additional states
Willing and comfortable to provide telehealth services as needed
Required License/Certification:
Current driver’s license and auto insurance
First Aid certification (within 3 months of employment)
CPR certification (within 3 months of employment)
Behavioral Management training (within 30 days of employment or first available class)
CPI for Residential programs
Additional Qualifications:
Basic knowledge of case management and rehabilitation principles
Understanding of therapeutic theories and techniques
Ability to conduct individual and group interventions
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Commitment to ethical standards and professional development
Brightli is on a Mission:
A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, and to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance use care in our communities.
As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection. We welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, believing that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you're passionate about empowering communities and creating an inclusive environment, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization.


Position Perks & Benefits:
Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life
Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more
Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive
Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within
Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness


Brightli is on a Mission:
A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.
As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Preferred Family Health Care is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.