Substance Use Counselor

Alpharus Health•Aurora, IL

33d•$19 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Substance Use Counselor works at Alpharus Health’s residential/outpatient drug rehabilitation center in Aurora, Illinois. The role supports clients’ treatment and well-being through counseling, education, monitoring, documentation, and assistance with appointments and daily activities. The work schedule is Sunday and Monday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, at least six months of prior substance abuse or mental health counseling experience, and related experience serving the program-specific population (adolescent or adult) in a residential treatment setting. Compensation is $19.23–$24.47 per hour, with starting rates based on experience, qualifications, and relevant skills. Annual performance reviews are conducted, and eligibility for merit increases depends on employee and organizational financial performance.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency.
At least 6 months of previous experience in substance abuse or mental health counseling.
Related work experience with the program-specific population (adolescent or adult) in a residential treatment setting.
Ability to walk and move about 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.

Responsibilities

Prepare and facilitate group counseling sessions, educational programs, and lectures to help clients meet therapeutic goals.
Conduct individual counseling to provide crisis intervention, support, and guidance, and address client behaviors and personal problems.
Document clients’ progress and responses to treatment.
Maintain client records and ensure they are complete, accurate, and up to date.
Monitor clients during medication self-administration.
Ensure client safety and well-being.
Monitor client behavior during social, recreational, and daily activities.
Enforce house rules.
Schedule and coordinate client appointments, transport clients to appointments, and maintain the vehicle.
Collect urine samples and administer breathalyzer tests.
Perform other duties as assigned.

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, life insurance, and AD&D insurance paid for by Alpharus.
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 providing CEUs and job-related training.
Formal and informal clinical supervision.