Substance Abuse Counselor (Bilingual/CADC)

KO Business Solutions, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 51,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

KO Business Solutions, LLC in Chicago, IL is seeking a bilingual Substance Abuse Counselor (CADC) to deliver direct, client-centered harm reduction services for underserved communities. The role emphasizes outreach, trauma-informed care, and HIV prevention in a nonprofit setting.

The counselor will conduct intakes, provide education, and connect clients to HIV testing, PrEP/PEP, housing, mental health and medical services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or related field (required).
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in social services or related care work.
• Licensure or Certification required: CADC, LPC, LCPC, LSW, LCSW, MISA.
• Strong knowledge of HIV care, behavioral health and substance use disorders.
• Cultural sensitivity to Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ populations essential.
• HIV/AIDS testing certification or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Direct Client Services: Provide harm reduction counseling and connect clients to HIV testing, PrEP/PEP and medical care.
• Community Engagement: Coordinate Community Advisory Board meetings and partner referrals; support social media outreach.
• Data & Program Evaluation: Document services, referrals, and outcomes; assist with audits and reporting.
• Organizational Support: Collaborate with leadership and assist with supply tracking and events.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Cultural sensitivity

Reliable transportation

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Social Work/ Psychology/ Counseling

Job description

Substance Abuse Counselor (Bilingual/CADC)

Full time | KO Business Solutions | United States

Posted On 07/09/2026

Job Information

Work Experience 4-5 years

Nonprofit Charitable Organizations

$60,000

State/Province Illinois

City Chicago

60624

Job Description

KO Business Solutions is proud to work with a dynamic nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life in underserved communities by reducing health disparities through self-empowerment, holistic health education, and direct services. They offer comprehensive HIV care, harm reduction, and outreach programs grounded in equity, compassion, and community empowerment.

We are seekinga Substance Abuse Counselor to deliver direct, client-centered support and services to underserved communities. This role is hands‑on, rooted in harm reduction principles, and essential to improving lives by reducing the risks associated with substance use and sexual health. As a frontline team member, you’ll build strong community connections, conduct targeted outreach, distribute life‑saving supplies, and provide trauma‑informed counseling and education.

This role requires an individual who is bilingual in English/Spanish.

Location: Chicago, IL

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct Client Services
• Provide non-judgmental harm reduction counseling on safer drug use, overdose prevention (including Narcan), safer sex, and HIV/STI prevention.
• Conduct community-based outreach (street, clubs, online) to engage at-risk individuals.
• Perform client intakes and needs assessments, connecting them to HIV testing, PrEP/PEP, medical care, housing support, mental health, and more.
• Distribute harm reduction supplies (syringes, test strips, condoms) and offer training on proper use.
• Deliver group sessions, drop‑in support, and wound care education.
• Offer follow‑up support and retention services to ensure long‑term engagement.

• Community Engagement
• Coordinate and facilitate Community Advisory Board meetings and social events.
• Build relationships with local partners to streamline client referrals. Support social media and web-based outreach efforts (e.g., Instagram, Facebook).
• Serve as a backup for the Link Up support line as needed.

• Data & Program Evaluation
• Document services, referrals, and outcomes using accurate and timely data entry.
• Ensure compliance with program goals, grant expectations, and reporting deadlines.
• Support internal and external audits and evaluations as required.

• Organizational Support
• Collaborate with the Prevention Director, Executive Director, and wider staff team on agency‑wide projects.
• Assist with supply tracking and event coordination.
• Attend training and conferences on harm reduction, HIV prevention, and public health.

Qualifications and skills:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree (preferred) in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field (required)
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in social services or related care work
• Licensure or Certification required: CADC, LPC, LCPC, LSW, LCSW, MISA
• Strong knowledge of HIV care, behavioral health, and substance use disorders preferred
• Cultural sensitivity to Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ populations is essential
• HIV/AIDS testing certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time‑management skills
• Reliable transportation
• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Equal Opportunity Employer

KO Business Solutions is an equal‑opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.