Substance Use Counselor

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

Benefits offered by this job

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

403(b) retirement plan

PSLF

Job summary

Alpharus Health is seeking a Residential Substance Use Counselor in Chicago, IL. You will participate in patient intake, document SUD history, and conduct assessments to determine appropriate care. The role requires maintaining safety screenings and coordinating with insurance providers.

You will support treatment planning, assist with admissions, and help manage the detox/unit environment in a fast-paced residential setting. A high school diploma and 6 months of relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months of previous experience in substance abuse or mental health counseling is required.
• Residental program experience is preferred but not required.
• Ability to conduct counseling and intake procedures in a residential setting.

Responsibilities

• Participate in patient intake sessions and admission procedures.
• Conduct patient searches upon arrival and assist with intake logistics.
• Gather and document SUD history and diagnostic information.
• Perform safety screenings including suicide risk assessments.
• Coordinate initial treatment planning and insurance authorizations.

Skills

Counseling experience

Communication skills

Substance use counseling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

vision insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, 403(b), retirement plan

Oct 07, 2026

Substance Use Counselor

Post Date: Sep 10, 2026

Location

Chicago, IL, US, 60624

Position Type: Full Time

Requisition Number: 34409

Work Schedule: Two shifts available

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.

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

3828 W. Taylor Chicago, IL 60624

• View facility details here!

Work Schedule

Two shifts are available for the position:

• Monday through Friday from 10:30am - 7:00pm
• OR Tuesday through Saturday from 3:00pm - 11:00pm
• Shift schedule may be adjusted based on operational needs

Residential Substance Abuse Counselors are responsible for:

• Participate in patient intake sessions and admission procedures
• Conduct patient searches upon arrival
• Assist patients with washing and drying clothing during intake
• Consent forms
• Authorization to release information
• Emergency contact information
• Gather and document substance use disorder (SUD) history
• Conduct diagnostic assessments to determine clinical diagnosis and appropriate level of care
• Perform safety screenings, including assessments for suicidal ideation
• Obtaining insurance coverage for incoming patients
• Contacting insurance representatives to coordinate initial approved days of treatment
• Assist in managing the detox unit environment and ensure timely development of individualized treatment plans within 24 hours of intake
• Administer drug screenings and blood alcohol content (BAC) tests
• Respond to incoming calls from the call center and answer center
• Schedule patients for the admission process based on availability and clinical criteria

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.