Substance Use Counselor

Alpharus Health; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer match

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition reimbursement and CEU access

Job summary

Alpharus Health in Aurora, IL is seeking a Substance Use Counselor for our residential/outpatient drug rehab center. The role involves group and individual counseling, crisis intervention, and documenting client progress.

You will ensure safety, monitor activities, and support treatment plans in a dynamic, patient-centered environment. The ideal candidate has at least 6 months of related counseling experience, a high school diploma or equivalent, and familiarity with residential treatment

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months of experience in substance abuse or mental health counseling.
• Related work experience with adolescent/adult population in residential treatment setting.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and facilitating group counseling sessions, educational programs, and lectures to assist clients in meeting therapeutic goals
• Conducting individual counseling to provide crises intervention, support & guidance, and address client behaviors and personal problems
• Documenting clients' progress and responses to treatment
• Maintaining client records; ensuring records are complete, accurate, and up to date
• Monitoring clients in medication self-administration
• Ensuring client safety and well-being
• Monitoring client behavior during social, recreational, or daily activities
• Enforcing house rules
• Scheduling, coordinating and transporting clients to appointments and maintaining the vehicle
• Collecting urine samples and administering breathalyzer
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Experience in counseling

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Job description

Substance Use Counselor

Post Date: Sep 9, 2026

Location: Aurora, IL, US, 60506

Position Type: Full Time

Requisition Number: 34403

Work Schedule: Sunday - Thursday

Who is Alpharus Health?

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.

Why join us?

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 have the opportunity to find both personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.

Location: Alpharus HealthResidential/Outpatient Drug Rehab Center

• 400 Mercy Ln, Aurora, IL 60506
• View the facility details here!

Work Schedule: Sunday through Thursday, Sunday-Monday from 7:00am-3:30pm and Tuesday-Thursday from 3:00pm-11:30pm

Residential Substance Use Counselors are responsible for:

• Preparing and facilitating group counseling sessions, educational programs, and lectures to assist clients in meeting therapeutic goals
• Conducting individual counseling to provide crises intervention, support & guidance, and address client behaviors and personal problems
• Documenting clients' progress and responses to treatment
• Maintaining client records; ensuring records are complete, accurate, and up to date
• Monitoring clients in medication self-administration
• Ensuring client safety and well-being
• Monitoring client behavior during social, recreational, or daily activities
• Enforcing house rules
• Scheduling, coordinating and transporting clients to appointments and maintaining the vehicle
• Collecting urine samples and administering breathalyzer
• Other duties as assigned

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/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:

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

Benefits at Alpharus

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.

Nearest Major Market: Aurora

Nearest Secondary Market: Chicago