Certified Addiction Counselor

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,591 - 63,109; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division in Chicago seeks a Certified Addiction Counselor for the Pathway Forward Program. This exempt, full‑time role reports to the Clinical Administrator and supports justice‑involved clients with addiction and behavioral health services.

You will perform assessments, develop treatment plans, deliver CBT and MAT‑informed therapy, and maintain documentation and credentials per contract. CADC Illinois certification and a valid license are required.

Qualifications

• CADC certification in Illinois required.
• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences required.
• 2–3 years of training and/or experience in specialty area.
• Valid driver’s license / MVR clearance.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.

Responsibilities

• Complete substance use assessments, treatment plans, case notes, monthly reports and termination reports per contractual timeline obligations.
• Conduct substance use assessments using DSM‑5‑TR and other standardized screening instruments; establish treatment plans with SMART goals.
• Demonstrate understanding and integrate MAT in treatment planning and services.
• Facilitate individual and group CBT and other evidence‑based therapies; document sessions and notes.
• Maintain credentials and complete yearly required training including CPR/First Aid/AED.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

CBT

Motivational interviewing

Assessment

Education

CADC Illinois

Bachelor's in Behavioral Sciences

Job description

Position Title

Certified Addiction Counselor

Location / Department

Pathway Forward Program

Reports To

Clinical Administrator

FLSA Category

Exempt

Status Type

RFT

Pay Grade

206

Pay Range

$52,591 – $63,109

Department Mission

The mission of the Clinical Department is to provide substance use and mental health therapeutic services to justice‑involved individuals referred by the Bureau of Prisons and the U.S. Probation department in a community‑based treatment setting. Treatment services address issues associated with drug/alcohol use and/or behavioral problems related to mental illness with evidence‑based practices.

Outcomes

The Certified Addiction Counselor provides quality, evidence‑based substance abuse treatment services to increase client understanding of substance use addiction/recovery, use of skills that lead to a reduction in substance use, relapse, recidivism and support sobriety efforts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Complete substance abuse assessments, treatment plans, case notes, monthly reports and termination reports per contractual timeline obligations.
• Conduct substance use assessments using DSM‑5‑TR and other standardized screening instruments; based on diagnoses/assessment, establish individual treatment plans that identify goals and activities that support measurable behavior change using the SMART goal framework. Review and update treatment plans per contractual guidelines.
• Demonstrate understanding and integrate MAT (Medically Assisted Treatment) in treatment planning and services, as appropriate.
• Facilitate individual and group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidence‑based therapies (EBTs); document all sessions, client contact and relevant information via ongoing progress notes.
• Maintain and document consultation and/or staffing with relevant personnel (Licensed Mental Health Clinician, contracting agencies, Reentry Case Managers, and Correctional Monitors) to support an integrated treatment approach.
• Provide family counseling as clinically appropriate.
• Meet with the Clinical Administrator and other team members for supervision, case reviews and treatment planning.
• Maintain all credentials and complete yearly required training, including CPR/First Aid/AED certification and other training as designated by the Salvation Army and contracting agencies.
• All other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

This position reports to the Clinical Administrator and works closely with clients, the Clinical Operations Coordinator, Licensed Health Clinicians, and the U.S. Probation Office. It also interacts with a large and diverse number of people inside and outside the Salvation Army, representing the organization and its mission.

Performance Measurements

Evaluated based on facility program directives, internal and external audits, and fact‑based opinions of stakeholders. A performance review will be conducted.

Education and Experience

• CADC certification in Illinois required.
• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences required.
• 2-3 years of training and/or experience in specialty area, with proficiency in substance use assessment, diagnosis, and motivational interviewing techniques.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
• Valid Driver’s license/MVR clearance.

Competencies

• Willing to promote the mission of The Salvation Army.
• Initiative and self‑starter.
• Attention to detail, procedures, processes, and policies.
• Confidentiality management.
• Project, priority, and program management in a changing environment.
• Balance authority and therapeutic relationships.
• Build relationships with diverse clients.
• Experience with CBT and structured social learning for individuals with mental health diagnoses.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Commitment to social justice and human healing.
• Client‑oriented style with appropriate boundaries.
• Problem identification, goal setting, and progress monitoring.

Position Limitations

• Commit only approved Army resources.
• Keep Clinical Administrator informed of all critical issues.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Light physical work; lift up to 15 pounds.
• Regular use of standard office equipment and PC.
• Work environment is residential with low to moderate noise.
• Maintain positive work atmosphere; professional and respectful communication.