Substance Abuse Clinical Team Lead

Ada Brand•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Position Overview: The Ada S. McKinley Behavioral Health & Clinical Services (BHCS) Program is seeking a compassionate and skilled Clinical Team Lead to oversee the Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) Program. This role plays a vital part in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, person-centered substance use treatment and recovery services. The ideal candidate will hold a valid Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential and demonstrate strong clinical expertise, attention to detail in documentation and treatment planning, and the ability to lead, support, and mentor staff. This position requires a professional who is collaborative, organized, and committed to empowering clients on their recovery journey. Reporting Relationship : Reports To : Clinical Manager or Management at BHCS Supervises: Program Staff Principal Duties and Responsibilities: Provide clinical leadership and oversight for the SUPR team, ensuring services align with agency policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements. Support and mentor clinicians in delivering effective, evidence-based care. Monitor documentation for quality, compliance, and timely completion to meet DBHR and Medicaid standards. Assessment & Treatment Planning Conduct comprehensive assessments to determine clients’ needs and develop individualized treatment plans that promote recovery and wellness. Regularly review and update treatment plans to reflect clients’ progress and evolving needs. Clinical Services Provide individual and group counseling using evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Support clients in building recovery skills, enhancing motivation, and addressing barriers to sobriety. Education & Support Educate clients and families on substance use, relapse prevention, and community resources that support long-term recovery. Facilitate psychoeducation and skill-building groups focused on recovery and wellness. Documentation & Reporting Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records. Ensure compliance with state and program reporting standards, including DBHR documentation requirements. Collaboration, Consultation & Coordination Engage in regular consultation with staff to review cases, address clinical challenges, and provide guidance on complex client needs. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, community partners, and referral sources to ensure continuity and coordination of care. Participate in case staffing, supervision meetings, and quality assurance reviews. Crisis Intervention Provide immediate support and intervention during crisis situations to ensure client safety and stabilization. Travel May be required to travel between program sites to provide supervision, consultation, support, and direct client care as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or related behavioral health field.
Current Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential from a recognized accredited body.
One to two years of direct clinical experience, including counseling and case management
Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
Ability to build rapport, maintain professional boundaries, and support team collaboration
Adaptability and sound clinical judgment
Familiarity with DBHR documentation, Medicaid billing, and compliance standards
Proficiency in applying counseling techniques across diverse populations
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel between program sites

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related behavioral health field
LPC/LSW Licensure
Experience providing clinical supervision or consultation to counseling staff
Training or certification in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, or co-occurring disorders
Two or more years of experience in substance use prevention and recovery programs
Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred
Ability to develop, implement, and monitor program improvements
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) systems
Experience with co-occurring mental health disorders and/or forensic populations preferred

Responsibilities

Provide clinical leadership and oversight for the SUPR team, ensuring services align with agency policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
Support and mentor clinicians in delivering effective, evidence-based care.
Monitor documentation for quality, compliance, and timely completion to meet DBHR and Medicaid standards.
Conduct comprehensive assessments to determine clients’ needs and develop individualized treatment plans that promote recovery and wellness.
Regularly review and update treatment plans to reflect clients’ progress and evolving needs.
Provide individual and group counseling using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Support clients in building recovery skills, enhancing motivation, and addressing barriers to sobriety.
Educate clients and families on substance use, relapse prevention, and community resources that support long-term recovery.
Facilitate psychoeducation and skill-building groups focused on recovery and wellness.
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records.
Ensure compliance with state and program reporting standards, including DBHR documentation requirements.
Engage in regular consultation with staff to review cases, address clinical challenges, and provide guidance on complex client needs.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, community partners, and referral sources to ensure continuity and coordination of care.
Participate in case staffing, supervision meetings, and quality assurance reviews.
Provide immediate support and intervention during crisis situations to ensure client safety and stabilization.
May be required to travel between program sites to provide supervision, consultation, support, and direct client care as needed.