Counselor I

Alpharus Health; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan with employer 3

Disability and Life Insurance

Job summary

Alpharus Health is a national nonprofit behavioral health provider delivering substance use and mental health treatment in Springfield, IL. The Counselor I will work in a residential center serving adults in a structured clinical setting, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to assess, counsel, and document client progress.

The role requires a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field, a minimum six months of relevant experience, and ability to conduct individual and group

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or related field
• Minimum 6 months of experience in substance use or mental health counseling
• Experience with residential treatment settings for adolescent/adult populations

Responsibilities

• Conducts assessment and evaluation to determine scope and type of care needed
• Participates in multi-disciplinary treatment team meetings
• Leads group counseling and education sessions
• Engages client in one-on-one individual counseling sessions
• Maintains confidential, systematic, accurate and timely documentation in EHR
• Uses communication skills to guide clients toward positive choices, especially in crisis
• Monitors client behavior in therapeutic milieu
• Collects urine drug screens and breathalyzers for accountability
• Makes community referrals for follow up care

Skills

Counseling skills

Crisis intervention

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in psychology, counseling, social work

Job description

Career Opportunities: Counselor I (34434)

Requisition ID34434-Posted09/22/2026-Community Based-Springfield-IL

Alpharus Health is a national nonprofit behavioral health provider dedicated to helping people build healthier lives. For nearly 60 years, we have provided substance use and mental health treatment that helps individuals, families, and communities find healing, hope, and lasting wellbeing. Our mission is simple: We help people build healthier lives. By combining clinical expertise with a person-centered approach, we help people build the skills, resilience, and support systems needed to create meaningful, lasting change.

Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence-based treatment proven to get results. By joining our team, you'll be working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice. You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth. When you join us, you'll discover personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.

Location: Springfield Residential -2200 Lake Victoria Dr, Springfield, IL 62703

• Residential Center - Adult Male and Female population

Work Schedule: Full-Time

Residential Substance Use Counselor responsibilities:

• Conducts assessment and evaluation to determine scope and type of care needed
• Participates in multi-disciplinary treatment team meetings
• Leads group counseling and education sessions
• Engages client in one-on-one individual counseling sessions
• Maintains confidential, systematic, accurate and timely documentation of client progress in Electronic Health Record (EHR)
• Uses excellent communication skills to guide clients toward positive choices, especially when in crisis.
• Monitors client behavior in therapeutic milieu
• Administers tests of accountability through collection of urine drug screens and breathalyzers.
• Makes community referrals for follow up care

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field preferred (High school diploma or equivalency required)
• Minimum 6 months of previous experience in substance use or mental health counseling required
• Related work experience with a program specific population (adolescent/adult) in a residential treatment setting required

Physical Requirements:

• 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 in order to exchange information and provide counseling.
• Ability to record, proofread and check documents and files for accuracy on a regular basis.
• Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to receive, retrieve, and/or audit information and data on a regular basis.
• Ability to respond to telephones, and to hear and detect alarms and unusual noises.
• Ability to drive an automobile or van; remain alert to traffic conditions, and to identify and comply with traffic signals and signs

Compensation (based on experience and credentials):

• Range begins at $19.23 - $24.47per hour
• Starting rates are determined based on years of experience, qualifications, and relevant skills.
• Alpharus Health conducts annual performance reviews, with merit increase eligibility determined by employee performance and organizational financial performance.

Benefits at Apharus Health:

Health and Wellness:

• 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

Financial Wellbeing:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
• Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Alpharus
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexibility and Time Off:

• 18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service
• 9 paid company holidays
• Work-life-balance

Personal Development:

• Training & Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
• eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s and job-related training
• Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Alpharus Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here .