Counselor I

Alpharus Health•Springfield, IL

2d•$19 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

Alpharus Health is a national nonprofit behavioral health provider offering substance use and mental health treatment. The Counselor I role is based at the Springfield Residential Center, serving an adult male and female population. The counselor assesses clients, determines the type and scope of care needed, develops treatment plans, and provides individual and group counseling and education. The role also involves participation in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings, monitoring clients in the therapeutic milieu, keeping timely and accurate records in the Electronic Health Record, administering urine drug screens and breathalyzers, and arranging community referrals for follow-up care. The schedule varies and includes day and evening shifts and some weekends. The position requires at least six months of prior substance use or mental health counseling experience, as well as related experience working with the program-specific population in a residential treatment setting. A high school diploma or equivalent is required; a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field is preferred. The role requires mobility around the facility, communication and counseling, routine document and data handling, responding to telephones and alarms, and the ability to drive an automobile or van. The hourly pay range begins at $19.23 and extends to $24.47, with starting pay based on experience, credentials, qualifications, and relevant skills. Annual performance reviews are conducted, and eligibility for merit increases depends on employee performance and organizational financial performance. Alpharus Health describes itself as a team-oriented organization focused on evidence-based clinical services, teamwork, and professional growth. It is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent is required.
At least six months of previous experience in substance use or mental health counseling is required.
Related work experience with the program-specific population (adolescent or adult) in a residential treatment setting is required.
Ability to walk and move around the facilities for up to two hours at a time to monitor and interact with clients.
Ability to speak with others to exchange information and provide counseling.
Ability to record, proofread, and check documents and files for accuracy regularly.
Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to receive, retrieve, or audit information and data regularly.
Ability to respond to telephones and hear and detect alarms and unusual noises.
Ability to drive an automobile or van, remain alert to traffic conditions, and identify and comply with traffic signals and signs.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct assessments and evaluations to determine the scope and type of care needed.
Develop comprehensive treatment plans.
Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings.
Lead group counseling and education sessions.
Conduct one-on-one individual counseling sessions with clients.
Maintain confidential, systematic, accurate, and timely documentation of client progress in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
Use communication skills to guide clients toward positive choices, particularly during crises.
Monitor client behavior in the therapeutic milieu.
Administer accountability tests by collecting urine drug screens and breathalyzer samples.
Make community referrals for follow-up care.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums.
Employee assistance programs focused on mental health.
403(b) retirement plan with a 3% employer match.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance paid for by Alpharus Health.
Life and AD&D insurance paid for by Alpharus Health.
Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
18 paid time off days per year, with accrual rates increasing with years of service.
9 paid company holidays.
Training and development programs.
Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year.
eLearning access to online courses that provide CEUs and job-related training.
Clinical supervision, including formal and informal guidance.