Substance Use Counselor
About The Position
Alpharus Health is a national nonprofit behavioral health provider offering substance use and mental health treatment. The Substance Use Counselor works in a residential treatment setting and supports patient intake, assessment, admission, and care coordination. The role includes gathering substance use histories, assessing safety and clinical needs, assisting with utilization management, and helping maintain the detox unit environment. The position is based at 3828 W. Taylor, Chicago, IL 60624. The scheduled hours are Tuesday through Saturday, generally 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with Saturday hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the schedule may be adjusted based on operational needs.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Participate in patient intake sessions and admission procedures.
- Conduct patient searches upon arrival.
- Assist patients with washing and drying clothing during intake.
- Complete initial sign-in documentation, including consent forms, authorizations to release information, and emergency contact information.
- Gather and document substance use disorder history.
- Conduct diagnostic assessments to determine clinical diagnosis and appropriate level of care.
- Perform safety screenings, including assessments for suicidal ideation.
- Support utilization management by obtaining insurance coverage for incoming patients and contacting insurance representatives to coordinate initially approved treatment days.
- Assist in managing the detox unit environment and ensure individualized treatment plans are developed within 24 hours of intake.
- Administer drug screenings and blood alcohol content tests.
- Respond to incoming calls from the call center and answer center.
- Schedule patients for admission based on availability and clinical criteria.
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 3% employer match.
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance, and life and AD&D insurance paid for by Alpharus Health.
- Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.
- 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.
- Access to online courses providing CEUs and job-related training.
- Formal and informal clinical supervision.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
