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Addiction Counselor Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

LADAC - Licensed Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor   * CDAC - Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor   * CWEL license ● Direct work experience with children, youth, and families in a ...

School counselors are uniquely trained professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today's diverse student population. School ...

School counselors are uniquely trained professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today's diverse student population. School ...

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Addiction Counselor information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$32.1K

$53.6K

$70.2K

How much do addiction counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counselor in Elgin, IL is $53,603.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $60,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

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, which generally takes an additional two years to complete.

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 supervision.

What degree is best for an addiction counselor?

A bachelor's degree in addiction counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field is typically required for addiction counselor roles. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree and relevant certification, such as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), to advance in the profession and provide specialized treatment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Elgin, IL?

The most popular types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Addiction Counselor jobs in Elgin, IL?

For Addiction Counselor jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Addiction Counselor jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Addiction Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Addiction Counselor job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,603 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Recovery Counselor - Substance Use Specialist (Reentry)

TRILOGY BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE

Chicago, IL • On-site

$65.59/hr

Other

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Recovery Counselor - Substance Use Specialist (Reentry)

Job Category: Clinical Direct Service

Requisition Number: RECOV005136

  • Full-Time
Locations

Showing 1 location

Chicago, IL 60619, USA

Description

Pay Range: $22.89 - 26.32 /hr.

Office Location: 8541 S State St, Chicago, IL 60619

Reentry Services at Trilogy receives referrals from both Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and Cook County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) to support individuals with Severe Mental Illness who are at risk of homelessness when returning to their communities. The programs offer a mix of permanent supportive housing, short term transitional placement, and high intensity case management services. The program prioritizes individuals with severe mental illness, Murphy Class members (individuals with sex offense convictions), individuals in need of placement for pretrial electronic monitoring, and other individuals considered “hard to house” and otherwise unable to leave a correctional facility without a housing placement.

The Recovery Counselor will assess the client’s personal, medical, emotional, social, and environmental situation to plan for treatment course through home, community, and office visits. They will provide client-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed services to clients with severe mental illnesses and co-occurring substance abuse/addiction disorders utilizing a harm reduction approach. The Recovery Counselor will provide at least 75% of all community support services in the community.


Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with CCSO and internal Trilogy team to identify, outreach, and connect with referrals in Cook County Jail’s Residential Treatment Units and Cermak Hospital.
  • Support coverage of one evening shift per week to accommodate evening discharges from Cook County Jail.
  • Provide court support, assistance with pretrial services and probation compliance, and other legal system navigation as needed to mitigate the risk of return to incarceration.
  • Assess client’s personal, medical, emotional, social, and environmental situation through home, community, and office visits.
  • Coordinate the establishment of an individual recovery plan with the client, client’s support system, and other care providers.
  • Facilitate education around substance use disorder and risks associated with dual diagnosis of mental health and substance use issues to clients and team members.
  • Provide one on one services to clients that focus on substance use goals.
  • Acquire a CADC credential within 24 months of hire
  • Recognize and act on opportunities to move clients to appropriate levels of care; provide referrals to additional services. Assist in linking people to substance use treatments in the community as needed.
  • Assist clients in identifying signs and symptoms of de-compensation. Work collaboratively with clients to identify coping skills to assist in managing symptoms and stressors experienced.
  • Assist clients in learning and improving independent living skills; i.e. personal hygiene, housekeeping skills, nutrition, and shopping for food and personal items
  • Educate and assist clients with applying for entitlements; i.e. Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and LINK
  • Accompany clients to important appointments in the community and provide support with issues related to substance use, housing, budgeting, social support, legal issues, and medication.
  • Advocate on client’s behalf and empower clients to advocate on behalf of themselves when appropriate
  • Complete daily progress notes based on services provided to clients in a timely manner reflected in Trilogy’s documentation policy and agency standards
  • Communicate effectively within the team model for a multi-disciplinary approach to client care.
  • Perform other related duties and/or projects as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Must have one of the following requirements:
    • Bachelor’s degree
    • High School Diploma or GED and two years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting.
  • Minimum one year of experience working with clients with substance abuse issues required.
  • Valid Illinois driver’s license with daily access to a well-maintained vehicle with $100,000/$300,000 liability insurance
  • Certified Alcohol and other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC), Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CRADC), Certified Supervisor Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CSADC), Certified Associate Addictions Professional (CAAP), or Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Assessment and Referral Specialist (CARS) through the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association (IAODPCA) required or must obtain certification within 24 months of hire
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as directed.
  • Experience working with people with mental health diagnoses preferred
  • Experience in community-based services preferred
  • FREE Virtual Primary Care, Urgent Care, and Mental Health Counseling for ALL Employees
  • PAID Maternity/Paternity leave
  • Medical Insurance (BCBS of IL)
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-Term & Short-Term Disability
  • Pet Insurance
  • FSA (Health, Dependent Care, Transit)
  • EAP
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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