Substance Use Counselor

Heritage Behavioral Health Center- HBHC; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 25 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Time Off

Wellness Benefits

Tuition Assistance

Loan Forgiveness Eligibility

Job summary

Heritage Behavioral Health Center- HBHC in Decatur, Illinois, is seeking a Substance Use Counselor to provide compassionate care for individuals with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a human service field and must be willing to obtain CADC certification within two years. The role offers competitive salaries, every other Friday off, and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and loan forgiveness eligibility through NHSC.

Qualifications

• Must obtain CADC certification within two years of employment.
• Minimum of 21 years of age required.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct substance use and mental health assessments.
• Develop individualized treatment plans for clients.
• Provide individual and group counseling services.

Skills

Strong clinical assessment skills

Ability to engage clients in a nonjudgmental manner

Proficient in individual and group counseling

Effective communication skills

Strong organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human service field

Graduate degree in counseling, clinical psychology, or social work

Job description

Salary and Schedule

Salary: Range based on education, experience, and licensure or certification

• Bachelor’s Degree: $25.00/hour + every other Friday off
• Bachelor’s Degree + CADC: $27.00/hour + every other Friday off
• Master’s Degree: $60,000/annually + every other Friday off
• Master’s Degree + LPC, LSW, or CADC: $64,000/annually + every other Friday off

Schedule: Full-Time | Every other Friday off (paid wellness day)

About Heritage Behavioral Health Center

We are a mission‑driven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic located in Decatur, Illinois, and Clinton, Illinois, who is dedicated to improving mental health and substance use care to individuals in a multi‑county area. We recognize that all individuals at our organization have an impact on client care – regardless of the position they hold.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Every other Friday off – paid wellness days
• Competitive salaries aligned with state and national benchmarks
• Loan forgiveness eligibility through NHSC

Your Role

Substance Use Counselor – Heritage Behavioral Health Center

As a Substance Use Counselor, you will play a vital role in supporting adults with substance use and/or co‑occurring mental health disorders. You will provide compassionate, evidence‑based care that empowers individuals on their recovery journey. This position involves conducting comprehensive assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and delivering counseling services aligned with ASAM criteria and harm reduction principles. You will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to ensure integrated, person‑centered care.

Core Responsibilities

• Conduct substance use and mental health assessments using ASAM Criteria and IM‑CAN.
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on assessment findings and client goals.
• Provide ASAM Level 1 (Outpatient) and Level 2 (Intensive Outpatient) services, including individual and group counseling.
• Utilize Motivational Interviewing (MI) and other evidence‑based practices to engage and support clients.
• Incorporate harm reduction strategies and support Medication‑Assisted Recovery (MAR) as part of treatment.
• Facilitate psychoeducational and therapeutic groups focused on recovery, relapse prevention, and coping skills.
• Collaborate with internal and external providers to coordinate care and ensure continuity of services.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in compliance with agency, state, and federal standards.
• Participate in team meetings, case consultations, and ongoing professional development.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• ASAM Criteria and levels of care for substance use treatment.
• Principles of harm reduction, recovery‑oriented care, and integrated treatment for co‑occurring disorders.
• Evidence‑based counseling approaches, including Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
• Medication‑Assisted Recovery (MAR) and its role in substance use treatment.
• State and federal regulations related to behavioral health and substance use services.

Skills

• Strong clinical assessment and diagnostic skills using ASAM and IM‑CAN tools.
• Ability to engage clients in a nonjudgmental, culturally competent manner.
• Proficient in facilitating individual and group counseling sessions.
• Effective communication and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills using electronic health records.

Abilities

• Build therapeutic relationships that foster trust and recovery.
• Adapt interventions to meet diverse client needs and stages of change.
• Manage crisis situations calmly and effectively.
• Maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards.
• Commit to ongoing learning and application of best practices in substance use treatment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human service field + ability to obtain certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) within two years of employment
• Graduate degree in counseling, clinical psychology, social work, or other human service fields + ability to obtain certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), LPC, or LSW, within two years of employment
• Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), LPC, or LSW required within 24 months of employment
• Minimum of 21 years of age
• A valid driver’s license, reliable means of transportation, and proof of automobile insurance.

Benefits

• Generous Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
• Wellness Benefits: Every other Friday off paid, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursement
• Insurance: Health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care), and additional life insurance. Health insurance includes substantial agency contributions toward the cost.
• Retirement: 401k and Roth
• Professional Growth: Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities
• Loan Forgiveness: Eligible through the National Health Service Corp

Ready to make a difference? Apply today and join a team that cares about your well‑being as much as the individuals we serve!