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Addiction Counselor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Edgewater Health

Youth Addictions Counselor

Gary, IN · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Youth Addictions Counselor JOB SUMMARY: The Youth Addictions Counselor works with adolescents ... Engaging with parents or guardians to educate them about addiction, provide support, and involve ...

EDGEWATER HEALTH

Youth Addictions Counselor

Gary, IN

$45K - $60K/yr

Youth Addictions Counselor JOB SUMMARY: The Youth Addictions Counselor works with adolescents ... Engaging with parents or guardians to educate them about addiction, provide support, and involve ...

Pinnacle Treatment Centers

Counselor

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$22 - $29.50/hr

Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a growing leader in addiction treatment services. We provide care ... As a Counselor, you will oversee all aspects of a patient's treatment. You will be responsible for ...

The Salvation Army

Addictions Counselor

Chicago, IL

$19.83 - $23.79/hr

Addictions Counselor LOCATION/DEPT : Harbor Light REPORTS TO : Intensive Programs Manger PEOPLE MANAGER : No FLSA CATEGORY : Non-Exempt STATUS TYPE : RFT PAY GRADE : 202 PAY RANGE : $19.83 - $23.79 ...

PLCCA, INC.

Addictions Counselor (CADC)

Maywood, IL · On-site

$53K - $56K/yr

Addictions Counselor (CADC Required) Counselor Job Summary: In this position, you will meet with clients, analyze their mental health status, and develop a course of therapy to address their issues.

EDGEWATER HEALTH

Addiction Specialist

Gary, IN · On-site

Provide direct client counseling and support in individual, group setting and involves families ... Addiction Specialist daily interaction. * Integrates 12 step principles into programmatic ...

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All JobsAddiction Counselor JobsAddiction Counselor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Addiction Counselor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$33.5K

$55.9K

$73.2K

How much do addiction counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counselor in Chicago, IL is $55,905.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,900.00 and $62,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an addiction counselor?

To thrive as an Addiction Counselor, you need a background in psychology or counseling, state licensure or certification, and specialized training in substance abuse treatment. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), motivational interviewing techniques, and standardized assessment tools is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and cultural sensitivity are crucial for building trust and effectively supporting clients through recovery. These skills and qualifications are essential to provide ethical, evidence-based care and to foster lasting positive change in clients' lives.

What is the difference between Addiction Counselor vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectAddiction CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsOften requires certification or licensure (e.g., CADC, LPC)Similar certifications, often overlapping with addiction counseling
Work EnvironmentClinics, rehab centers, hospitals, community agenciesRehab centers, outpatient clinics, community health settings
Industry UsageCommonly used term for professionals helping with addiction issuesOften used interchangeably, but sometimes more focused on substance-specific treatment

Both Addiction Counselors and Substance Abuse Counselors work in similar environments and often hold comparable certifications. The main difference lies in terminology; Addiction Counselors typically have a broader focus on various addictive behaviors, while Substance Abuse Counselors may focus more specifically on substance-related issues. However, in practice, these roles are often interchangeable, and the choice of title depends on employer preference or certification specifics.

What does an addiction counselor do?

An addiction counselor helps individuals who are struggling with substance abuse or behavioral addictions. They assess clients’ needs, develop treatment plans, provide emotional support, and lead individual or group therapy sessions. Addiction counselors also educate clients and their families about addiction, help them develop coping strategies, and connect them with additional resources for recovery. Their goal is to support clients on their journey to achieve and maintain sobriety.

What are some common challenges addiction counselors face when working with clients, and how can they effectively address them?

Addiction Counselors often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to treatment, and managing clients with co-occurring mental health disorders. Building a trusting relationship is crucial, as is maintaining patience and empathy throughout the recovery process. Counselors frequently collaborate with healthcare professionals, social workers, and families to create a supportive network for clients. Continuous professional development and self-care are important for managing the emotional demands of the role.

Is addiction counseling a good career?

Addiction counseling is a rewarding career that involves helping individuals recover from substance use disorders. It typically requires relevant education, certification, and strong interpersonal skills, with job growth expected due to increasing awareness of addiction issues. The role often involves working in clinical or community settings and may require ongoing training and licensure.

What degree is best for an addiction counselor?

The most common degree for an addiction counselor is a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. Many positions also require or prefer a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work, along with relevant certification or licensure. These qualifications help develop the skills needed to assess, treat, and support individuals with addiction issues.

How many years does it take to be an addiction counselor?

Becoming an addiction counselor typically requires completing a bachelor's degree in a related field, which takes about four years, followed by obtaining relevant certifications or licenses that may require additional training or supervised experience. Some positions may also require a master's degree, adding two more years of education. Overall, it can take approximately 4 to 6 years to become fully qualified as an addiction counselor.
What are the most commonly searched types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Addiction Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL? For Addiction Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Addiction Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Addiction Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Addiction Counselor jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Addiction Counselor job openings:
Addiction Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Addiction Counselor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,905 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Licensed Addiction Counselor

Providence House

Chicago, IL

$95K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

**POSITION is in Minot, ND**

Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)

Providence House is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) to join our professional team. The LAC will be instrumental in implementing and managing comprehensive addiction treatment programs, aligning services with our organization's mission and adhering to all regulatory standards.

About Providence House: Providence House offers a range of specialized addiction treatment services, including adult residential care, outpatient programs, individualized and group counseling, comprehensive drug and alcohol evaluations, and personalized treatment planning.

Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Conduct comprehensive patient assessments, documenting substance use history and evaluating physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual impacts to inform treatment recommendations.
  • Develop and effectively implement individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs.
  • Coordinate with healthcare providers and insurance companies, facilitating clear communication of observations, treatment recommendations, and patient progress evaluations.
  • Regularly monitor patient adherence to treatment plans, assessing goal achievement and making necessary adjustments.
  • Facilitate educational sessions and group counseling focused on addiction and recovery.
  • Maintain accurate, detailed, and timely documentation of assessments, evaluations, and therapeutic notes.
  • Obtain necessary releases of information, ensuring compliance with federal confidentiality regulations (42 CFR) when communicating with clients, families, guardians, and healthcare providers.
  • Regularly evaluate program effectiveness against established goals and implement improvements as necessary.
  • Participate actively in daily clinical team meetings to collaboratively evaluate and track residents' treatment progress.
  • Fulfill on-call responsibilities as required by the role.

Qualifications:

  • Current licensure as an Addiction Counselor in the state.
  • Proven experience in addiction counseling and treatment planning.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Competitive salary of $95,000 per year
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Relocation assistance available

Join our compassionate and dedicated team committed to changing lives and supporting lasting recovery.


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