About this opportunity
Alpharus Health lists this Substance Use Counselor opportunity in lake villa, Illinois. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
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
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Worksite address
lake villa, IL, 60046, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.