Drug and Alcohol Counselor

Position Summary

The Drug and Alcohol Counselor provides clinical and educational services to individuals experiencing substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. The Counselor is responsible for assessment, treatment planning, individual and group counseling, documentation, and coordination of care in compliance with the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) regulations, ASAM Criteria (4th Edition), and agency standards of care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive intake assessments, biopsychosocial evaluations, and ASAM level-of-care determinations.
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on client needs, goals, and stage of change.
• Provide individual, group, and family counseling sessions using evidence-based modalities (e.g., CBT, MI, and relapse prevention).
• Deliver psychoeducation on addiction, recovery, coping skills, triggers, relapse prevention, and life skills.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and billable documentation in compliance with SUPR, Medicaid, and agency policies.
• Collaborate with case managers, peer support specialists, and medical providers to ensure integrated, client-centered care.
• Administer and interpret screening tools such as the DAST, AUDIT, and ASI when appropriate.
• Facilitate referrals to higher or lower levels of care, including detox, residential, or community resources.
• Participate in clinical case reviews, supervision, and staff training.
• Monitor client progress, update treatment plans, and document outcomes per regulatory guidelines.
• Uphold HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and ethical standards of confidentiality and professional conduct.
• Support aftercare and discharge planning to promote sustained recovery and community reintegration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must hold one of the following:
  • CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, ICB/ICRC) required or eligible within 6 months of hire.
  • LPC, LCPC, LSW, LCSW, or PsyD accepted if licensed to provide SUD services under SUPR.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience in substance use disorder counseling or behavioral health.
• Knowledge of SUPR regulations, ASAM criteria, and Medicaid service codes (e.g., H0004, H0005, H0006, S9480).
• High school diploma required; Associates or Bachelors degree in human services, psychology, social work, or related field preferred.
• Valid Illinois drivers license and reliable transportation preferred.
• Must successfully complete background and fingerprint clearance per Illinois DHS requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong therapeutic skills in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Relapse Prevention.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and co-occurring disorders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Competence in clinical documentation and use of EHR systems.
• Commitment to trauma-informed, strengths-based, and recovery-oriented care.
• Demonstrated professionalism, empathy, and ethical boundaries.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active CADC credential in good standing with the Illinois Certification Board (ICB).
• Experience working in a SUPR-licensed treatment facility or Medicaid-billable program.
• Familiarity with court-mandated clients, DUI services, or IOP/PHP programs.
• Training in co-occurring disorders and crisis intervention.

Physical and Working Conditions

• Work is performed in both office and community environments.
• May require occasional evening or weekend hours.
• Light physical activity such as standing, walking, and carrying small items.

Compensation

• Competitive hourly or salaried rate based on credentials and experience.
• Benefits may include supervision toward licensure, paid training, continuing education, and wellness incentives.