Substance Use Counselor III (LPC or LSW)

Alpharus Health•Gurnee, IL

2d•$51,463 - $82,000•Onsite

About The Position

Alpharus Health is hiring a Substance Use Counselor III to provide substance use and mental health treatment in Gurnee, Illinois. The counselor conducts comprehensive assessments and develops and implements complex treatment plans for clients with co-occurring disorders. Responsibilities include managing a patient caseload, coordinating with insurance providers, conducting group and individual counseling, developing treatment and discharge plans, and documenting services in accordance with organizational, regulatory, accreditation, and contractual standards. The role also supports clinical quality through record audits, consultation on complex cases, program development, committee participation, and training for counselors or technicians. Supervision of the treatment team may be provided as needed. The schedule is Monday through Thursday, 12:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with Friday day-shift hours. The position is based at 222 S Greenleaf St, Suite 106, Gurnee, IL 60031. Compensation is $51,463–$82,000 annually, with starting rates based on experience, qualifications, and relevant skills. Annual performance reviews are conducted, and merit increases are based on employee and organizational performance.

Requirements

Master’s degree in psychology, social work, mental health counseling, substance use disorder counseling, or a related field.
At least 2 years of counseling experience in the substance use disorder or mental health field.
Current, valid LPC or LSW credential.
Comprehensive knowledge of group and individual dynamics, conflict resolution, and intervention techniques.
Knowledge of federal and state rules and regulations governing health-record confidentiality.
Time and project management skills.
Advanced communication skills for interacting with the treatment team, clients, client families, outside vendors, and agencies.
Active listening skills and social perceptiveness.
Critical thinking, persuasion, and negotiation skills.
Adaptability and flexibility, including the ability to shift priorities.
Basic coaching and mentoring skills.
Ability to walk and move about facilities for up to two hours at a time to monitor and interact with clients.
Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and negligible force frequently or constantly to move objects.
Ability to record, proofread, and check documents and files for accuracy.
Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to receive, retrieve, or audit information and data.
Ability to respond to telephones and hear and detect alarms and unusual noises.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive assessments and develop and implement complex treatment plans for clients with co-occurring disorders.
Manage a patient caseload, prepare individualized treatment plans, contact insurance providers regarding progress and continued-stay certifications, and report caseload activities to a supervisor.
Prepare and conduct group counseling or therapeutic sessions to address social or psychological issues and support effective life skills and a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Prepare and conduct individual counseling sessions to help patients overcome dependencies, adjust to life, and make life changes.
Develop and implement complex treatment and discharge plans, and conduct intensive or comprehensive interventions, including family or domestic violence counseling.
Design, implement, and integrate intensive site service programs addressing social or psychological issues affecting clients, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or grief.
Serve on department or site committees to plan and evaluate treatment programs and client services, and contribute to improving treatment protocols, procedures, and outcomes.
Document treatment plans, progress notes, interventions, treatments, evaluations, discharge summaries, and treatment plan reviews; maintain patient records and charts in compliance with applicable standards.
Audit patient records, assess special-needs clients, and consult with clinical staff to resolve complex case problems using appropriate procedures, modalities, and techniques.
Develop and conduct in-service and continuing education programs for counselors or technicians on subjects related to the assigned specialty.
Provide supervision to the treatment team as needed.

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.
Alpharus-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance and life and AD&D insurance.
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 offering CEUs and job-related training.
Formal and informal clinical supervision.