Counselor I

Gateway Foundation; Jacksonville (IL); On-site; USD 26,491 - 33,709; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/dental/vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Gateway Foundation in Jacksonville, IL seeks a Residential Substance Abuse Counselor to provide assessments, develop treatment plans, and lead both group and individual counseling sessions in a residential setting. The role emphasizes clinical collaboration, crisis guidance, and precise documentation in the EHR.

Responsibilities include monitoring client progress, coordinating with a multi‑disciplinary team, and making community referrals for ongoing care.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency is required.
• Minimum 6 months of experience in substance abuse or mental health counseling.
• Related work experience in a residential treatment setting with a program‑specific population (adolescent or adult).

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and evaluations to determine scope and type of care needed.
• Develop comprehensive treatment plans.
• Participate in multi‑disciplinary treatment team meetings.
• Lead group counseling and education sessions.
• Engage clients in one‑on‑one individual counseling sessions.
• Maintain confidential, accurate, timely documentation in the EHR.
• Use effective communication to guide clients, especially in crisis.
• Monitor client behavior in the therapeutic milieu.
• Administer tests of accountability via urine drug screens and breathalyzers.
• Make community referrals for follow‑up care.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

About Gateway Foundation

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non‑profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. The organization operates through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, and is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.

Why Join Us

Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. We focus on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence‑based treatment proven to get results. By joining us, you’ll have the chance to provide essential services to underserved populations while 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, and find both personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.

Location

1300 Lincoln Rd, Jacksonville, IL 62650

Schedule

• Sunday: 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM
• Monday: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
• Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM
• Wednesday: 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM
• Thursday: 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM

Residential Substance Abuse Counselor Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and evaluations to determine scope and type of care needed
• Develop comprehensive treatment plans
• Participate in multi‑disciplinary treatment team meetings
• Lead group counseling and education sessions
• Engage clients in one‑on‑one individual counseling sessions
• Maintain confidential, systematic, accurate and timely documentation of client progress in the Electronic Health Record (EHR)
• Use excellent communication skills to guide clients toward positive choices, especially when in crisis
• Monitor client behavior in therapeutic milieu
• Administer tests of accountability through collection of urine drug screens and breathalyzers
• Make community referrals for follow‑up care

Job Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency required
• Minimum 6 months of previous experience in substance abuse or mental health counseling required
• Related work experience with a program‑specific population (adolescent or 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 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 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 identify and comply with traffic signals and signs

Compensation

• Pay Range: $19.23 – $24.47 per hour
• Gateway Foundation conducts annual reviews including merit increases

Benefits

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 Gateway
• 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 CEUs and job‑related training
• Clinical supervision: formal and informal guidance

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Gateway Foundation 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.