Substance Use Counselor

Alpharus Health; Lake Villa (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental, Vision

403(b) retirement plan with 3% match

Disability & Life Insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Alpharus Health is seeking a Residential Substance Use Counselor in Lake Villa, IL. The role involves leading group counseling, providing individual crises intervention, documenting client progress, and ensuring safety in a residential treatment setting.

Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 6 months of related experience. We offer competitive hourly pay, shift variety, and a range of benefits within a national nonprofit provider.

Qualifications

• At least 6 months of experience in substance abuse or mental health counseling.
• Experience with residential treatment populations (adults/adolescents).
• Ability to document progress and maintain records accurately.

Responsibilities

• Lead group counseling sessions and educational programs.
• Conduct individual crises intervention and counseling.
• Document client progress and treatment responses.
• Maintain complete and accurate client records.
• Monitor client safety and supervise activities within the facility.
• Coordinate transportation and scheduling for clients.
• Collect urine samples and administer breathalyzer when needed.
• Uphold house rules and overall program operations.

Skills

Counseling experience

Crisis intervention

Documentation

Communication

Driving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Substance Use Counselor

Post Date: Aug 19, 2026

Location: Lake Villa, IL, US, 60046

Position Type: Full Time

Requisition Number: 34226

Work Schedule: Various 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.

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: 25480 W. Cedarcrest Lane Lake Villa, IL 60046

View the facility details here!

Work Schedule (various shifts available)

• Friday through Monday from 1:30pm-12:00am
• Friday through Monday from 7:30am-6:00pm
• Tuesday through Saturday from 3:30pm-12:00am
• Sunday through Thursday from 3:30pm-12:00am

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 begins at $19.23 - $23.16 per hour
• This position offers shift differentials on top of the hourly rate.
• 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: Chicago