Intake Counselor - Substance Use Diversion

Thresholds; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 54,600 - 58,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Medical insurance plans

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer match

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Cell phone reimbursement

Public service loan forgiveness

Supervision for clinical licensure

Reimbursement for professional licensure

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Intake Counselor to join their team in a dynamic environment. This role involves working closely with community partners and individuals to provide essential screenings and assessments for substance use treatment. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in behavioral health, excellent interpersonal skills, and a commitment to helping others. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, this organization offers a supportive atmosphere where employees can thrive. If you are passionate about making a difference in the community and have the necessary qualifications, this opportunity could be the perfect fit for you.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work or counseling preferred.
• Certification as a CADC is preferred.
• Experience with behavioral health needs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct screenings and assessments for substance use disorders.
• Engage with referrals and link them to treatment resources.
• Complete documentation within assigned time frames.

Skills

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)

Licensed Professional Counselor

Licensed Social Worker

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Interpersonal Skills

Motivational Interviewing

Behavioral Health Knowledge

Education

Master’s degree in social work or counseling

Bachelor’s degree in psychology or social work

High School diploma with clinical experience

Tools

Electronic Medical Records Software

Email

Job description

Intake Counselor - Substance Use Diversion

Job Category: Staff

Requisition Number: INTAK007651

Posted: March 19, 2025

Full-Time

On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

The Substance Use Diversion Intake Counselor, working in fast-paced local police district stations, receives referrals from community partners and individuals who self-refer, performs screening, brief interventions, assessments, and provides linkage to substance use treatment providers, including Thresholds Substance Use Treatment Programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Respond to referrals, effectively managing volume and maintaining communication with police department staff, community partners and individuals who self-refer.
• Perform brief screenings, using standardized screening tools, for the presence of potential risk behaviors related to substance use.
• Effectively engage referrals who are appropriate for treatment with Thresholds Substance Use Treatment services in completing a full assessment, including obtaining informed consent, conducting assessment interviews using standard and open-ended questions in order to properly diagnose the presence of a substance use disorder, and determining treatment needs/preferences to make treatment recommendations.
• Use knowledge of behavioral health conditions in screening and assessment of risky substance use behaviors, effectively evaluating the interplay of behavioral and substance use conditions and behaviors.
• Use clinical skills and motivational interviewing strategies to engage referral and strengthen motivation for treatment.
• Provide referrals and facilitate linkage to treatment resources appropriate for referral’s treatment needs and preferences.
• Collaborate with referral and linkage resources to effectively link referrals to needed treatment services.
• Complete all documentation within assigned time frame.
• Other duties as assigned.

MARGINAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• May participate in community events as a Thresholds representative including health fairs, street fairs, etc.
• Perform and participate in follow-up activities aimed to engage enrolled members in their treatment and recovery support services.
• May be required to work flexible schedules and be available to work on weekends or evenings.
• May be required to communicate significant information regarding members to other staff and provide accurate and timely information to supervisor on all topics and issues related to the operation of the agency and the well-being of members.

EDUCATION

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or a related field OR
• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field OR
• High School diploma and 5 years of supervised clinical experience in mental health

SKILLS/CERTIFICATIONS

• Certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) from the Illinois Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association (IAODAPCA) is preferred.
• Licensed through the Illinois Department of Financial Professional Regulation (IDFPR) as a Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Social Worker is preferred.
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker is preferred.
• Dually credentialed in mental health and substance use treatment is preferred.
• Any new professional staff who will provide clinical services and who do not have the credentialing/licensure above when hired must obtain their CADC or licensure (LSW, LPC, LCSW, LCPC) within two years after the date of employment.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience working with persons diagnosed with behavioral health needs preferred.
• Experience working in forensic settings preferred.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Current and valid Driver’s License required. Must have daily use of a car to travel between work sites.
• Computer proficiency, including the ability to use email, navigate and enter notes into electronic medical records and working knowledge of pertinent software.
• Strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of group dynamics.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive pay - Base Rate: $54,600 - $58,400 annually
  • Commensurate with education, licensure, and experience
• Generous PTO (9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, 15-22 days personal and vacation)
• 4 medical insurance plans, dental insurance, vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
• Cell phone reimbursement (up to $50 per month)
• Public service loan forgiveness
• Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC, CADC)
• Reimbursement for professional licensure and license renewal
• Free CEUs

Thresholds is a mission-driven agency with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We foster an environment where all feel valued and respected, a place where every employee can be themselves, thrive, and support the agency’s mission. Click here to learn more.

One of the oldest and largest community mental health organizations in Illinois, we pride ourselves in being a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace and one of Chicago’s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For, several years in a row.

#LI-CL1

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities