Addictions Counselor

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division is seeking an Addictions Counselor to deliver quality substance abuse treatment and support clients at Harbor Light. The role involves individual and group counseling, developing treatment plans, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Qualified candidates must be a Certified Addictions Counselor (CADC) or obtain certification within two years. This role requires strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army.

Qualifications

• Must be certified as a CADC or obtain certification within 2 years of hire.
• Two years of experience as a counselor preferred.
• Ability to work with clients suffering from mental illness and substance abuse.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling to clients with addictions.
• Develop, review, and update client treatment plans.
• Network with other agencies to provide quality options for clients.

Skills

Certified Addictions Counselor (CADC)

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree [preferred]

Tools

PC and office equipment

Job description

Position Title

POSITION TITLE: Addictions Counselor

Location / Department

LOCATION/DEPT: Harbor Light

Reporting

REPORTS TO: Intensive Programs Manager

PEOPLE MANAGER: No

Employment Details

FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt

STATUS TYPE: RFT

PAY GRADE: 202

PAY RANGE: $19.83 - $23.79

Job Summary

Provide each client with positive, professional, and quality services using policies, procedures, and available systems to provide substance abuse treatment and support the Harbor Light Center in meeting the mission of The Salvation Army. Clients with chemical dependency problems will receive holistic services for themselves and their families.

Program / Client Environment

The backgrounds of the clients served by the Harbor Light Program will manifest a variety of inappropriate behaviors. When this occurs, employees must respond within the context of the treatment environment of the site. Employee conduct (actions, dress, etc.) and interactions (conversations, written communications, etc.) with clients must also be within the treatment environment of the facility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide Substance Abuse Treatment services, including individual, family, couples, and group counseling.
• Within unit policies, programs, and procedures, provide individual and/or group counseling to clients with addictions and related problems; may be required to function as an intake worker when necessary.
• Develop, review and update client treatment plans; prepare summaries of cases for consultation, develop after‑care plans in discharge and referral, and follow up on plans.
• Network with other Salvation Army programs and outside agencies to provide quality options for clients in their treatment program.
• Actively participate in the multidisciplinary team approach and the milieu therapy program.
• Attend staff meetings and participate in the unit’s staff committees.
• Keep records according to policy and prepare required reports.
• Work on either of the two shifts of the unit as changes in shift assignment are made periodically by the unit coordinator.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Certified in the State of Illinois as a Certified Addictions Counselor (CADC). If not certified, be able to obtain certification within 2 years of hire.
• A Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Two years of experience as a counselor preferred.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• The position requires light physical work, must be able to walk up two flights of stairs and lift up to 25 lbs.
• Must regularly use standard office equipment and PC.
• Work environment includes an office environment with a low noise level.
• Must be able to work with clients that have poor social skills, suffer from mental illness, and have substance abuse problems.

Competencies

• Commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army and appreciation for faith‑based service organizations.
• Service‑oriented interpersonal style that anticipates and responds to the needs of clients.
• Flexible style that displays willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
• Excellent attention to detail, procedures, processes, and policies.
• Communication and management style that exhibits principles and values of the Army and fosters team relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, priorities, and programs in a constantly changing environment.
• Provide individual and group counseling to clients as well as assessment.
• Cooperate with supervisor, other clinical staff, and support staff.
• Strong sense of integrity and ability to handle confidential material.
• Hands‑on knowledge of how to effectively work with diversity in the workplace.
• Well organized, attentive to time management, and able to establish separation of work and personal boundaries.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to the Intensive Programs Manager.
• Act as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission in contacts related to duties.

Performance Measures

• Evaluated on how effectively and efficiently the outcomes of this position are achieved, as well as the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of accomplishing assigned goals.

Position Limitations

• Commits only Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• Informs the Intensive Programs Manager of all critical issues related to area of responsibility.
• Adheres to all Army policies and procedures in carrying out responsibilities of this position.