Counselor - Substance Use Treatment (SUPR Programs)

JOB SUMMARY

The Counselor provides individual, group, and family counseling services to individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders across Friend Health–HRDI's Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) programs.

Depending on program assignment, Counselors may support individuals in residential, outpatient, or other substance use treatment settings, including programs serving men, women, and individuals with complex behavioral health and recovery needs.

Responsibilities include conducting clinical assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, facilitating therapeutic groups, maintaining accurate and timely clinical documentation, coordinating care with multidisciplinary teams, and supporting clients in achieving their recovery goals.

Candidates must possess an Illinois CADC certification or obtain certification within two (2) years of hire. Strong communication, clinical judgment, organizational skills, and a commitment to person-centered, trauma-informed care are essential.

Opportunities are available in full-time and part-time capacities, including Saturday assignments.

JOB DUTIES

• Provide individual, group, and family counseling services to individuals receiving substance use disorder treatment at the appropriate ASAM level of care.
• Conduct intake assessments, biopsychosocial assessments, and other clinical evaluations to identify treatment needs and appropriate services.
• Develop, implement, review, and update individualized treatment plans based on client needs, progress, and recovery goals.
• Facilitate therapeutic and psychoeducational groups addressing relapse prevention, coping skills, recovery education, emotional regulation, and other treatment needs.
• Provide counseling and support to individuals experiencing substance use disorders, including those with co-occurring behavioral health conditions.
• Complete clinical assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, continued-stay reviews, discharge summaries, and other documentation in accordance with Illinois DHS Rule 2060 and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary treatment teams, including clinical supervisors, case managers, medical professionals, and recovery support staff.
• Participate in Utilization Management Team (UMT) meetings, case consultations, clinical supervision, and required training.
• Assist with discharge planning, referrals, and coordination of continuing-care services to support long-term recovery.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical records and respond promptly to documentation corrections and clinical feedback.
• Meet established productivity, quality, and performance standards.
• Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards of care.
• Comply with agency policies, funder requirements, accreditation standards, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or completion of an accredited Addictions Studies program.
• CADC certification strongly preferred or must be obtained within two (2) years of hire.

• Experience providing services to women with substance use disorders is preferred. 

• Experience working in residential substance use treatment is strongly preferred.

• Experience providing services to women with substance use disorders is preferred.

• Knowledge of DSM-V, ASAM, and substance use disorder treatment modalities.
• Familiarity with Illinois DHS Rule 2060 and related documentation requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Moderate physical activity may include lifting 25–50 lbs.
• May require extended periods of standing or walking.
• Minimal exposure to physical risk.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

This job description is to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the duties as described. This job description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned as deemed appropriate commensurate to the position. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and Friend Health - HRDI reserves the right to change this job description and /or assign tasks deemed as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS
(The unavoidable, externally imposed conditions under which the work must be performed, and which create hardship for the incumbent including the frequency and duration of occurrence of physical demands, environmental conditions, demands on one’s senses, and mental demands.)

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Occupational Risk for Exposure to TB:

There is an occupational risk for exposure to TB, as this position involves extensive community and patient contact. Employees in this role are required to comply with annual TB testing as part of workplace health and safety protocols. The only acceptable exceptions to this requirement are documented medical contraindications or religious objections. Employees who decline TB testing will be required to wear a mask when deemed necessary.

Friend Health – HRDI is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation including gender identity, gender expression, military discharge status, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. In addition, Friend Health – HRDI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process). Friend Health - HRDI supports the Pay Transparency Law as an equal opportunity employer.

Join Our Team!

Friend Health–HRDI is seeking compassionate, dedicated Substance Use Counselors to join our SUPR programs, including Women's Residential, Men's Residential, and SRNC. Full-time and part-time opportunities are available, including Saturday positions! Help individuals build healthier futures through counseling, treatment planning, and recovery-focused support. CADC-certified professionals and candidates working toward certification are encouraged to apply.