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Substance Abuse Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Ascension

Substance Abuse Technician

Broadview, IL · On-site

$18.31/hr

Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management ... Preferred experience working in substance use disorder outpatient treatment facility * CADC ...

Ascension

Substance Abuse Technician

Broadview, IL · On-site

$19.22 - $24.60/hr

Preferred experience working in substance use disorder outpatient treatment facility * CADC ... E-Verify statement Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please ...

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Substance Abuse Program Manager information

What does a substance abuse program manager do?

A Substance Abuse Program Manager oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs designed to prevent and treat substance abuse. They manage staff, coordinate services, ensure compliance with regulations, and often handle budgeting and reporting. Their responsibilities also include developing policies, working with community partners, and ensuring clients receive appropriate care. The role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substance abuse program manager?

To thrive as a Substance Abuse Program Manager, you need a background in social work, psychology, or counseling—often with a master's degree and relevant state licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management software, electronic health records, and compliance regulations such as HIPAA is typically essential. Strong leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills help you effectively manage staff, coordinate care, and support clients. These skills are crucial for ensuring the delivery of effective, ethical, and compliant treatment services within substance abuse programs.

What are some common challenges faced by substance abuse program managers, and how can they effectively address them?

Substance Abuse Program Managers often encounter challenges such as managing limited resources, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and supporting a diverse client population with varying needs. They must balance administrative duties with staff supervision and client care oversight, which requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills. To address these challenges, effective managers prioritize clear communication, ongoing staff training, and the development of evidence-based policies and procedures. Collaborating with community partners and staying updated on best practices can also enhance program effectiveness and client outcomes.

What is the difference between Substance Abuse Program Manager vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectSubstance Abuse Program ManagerSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsOften requires a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field, plus certifications like CADC or CSACTypically requires a certification such as CADC or CSAC, and relevant training
Work EnvironmentOversees programs, manages staff, and coordinates services in clinics or treatment centersProvides direct counseling to clients in treatment settings or outpatient clinics
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by healthcare organizations, government agencies, and treatment facilitiesCommonly employed in outpatient clinics, rehab centers, and community health programs

The main difference is that Substance Abuse Program Managers oversee and coordinate treatment programs, while Substance Abuse Counselors work directly with clients providing counseling services. Both roles require relevant certifications and are integral to addiction treatment services, but they differ in responsibilities and work scope.

What are popular job titles related to Substance Abuse Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Substance Abuse Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substance Abuse Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Abuse Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Substance Abuse Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Substance Abuse Program Manager job openings:

Substance Abuse Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Abuse Program Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Counselor III (CADC) - Substance Abuse Program

Lake County, IL

Waukegan, IL • On-site

$25.34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Salary: $25.34 Hourly
Location : Outpatient Substance Abuse Program - Waukegan, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 16174
Department: Health Department
Division: Behavioral Health
Opening Date: 08/19/2026
Salary Grade: Hourly.5
General Description
The Counselor III (CADC) is a valuable member of our (SAP) Substance Abuse Program who provides direct care to those in the Methadone maintenance program. Responsibilities include evaluating and assessing clients for the appropriate level of care and aiding in planning/implementing a treatment plan. In addition to conducting individual, group, and family counseling, case management, outreach, education, monitoring, referral, linkage, follow-ups, and documentation, and working directly with the Methadone program and clients.
Schedule Hours: 37.5 hours a week
  • Monday - Friday (6:00am-2:00pm)
  • Potential coverage as needed on Saturday mornings (6:00am - 11:00am).
  • $5.00 shift differential for working hours deemed eligible for shift and weekend premium.

Essential Functions
  • Provides direct services to clients including individual and group treatment.
  • Maintains regular contact with an active caseload.
  • Consults with the supervisor regarding transfer/placement of a client to another level of service, as needed.
  • Facilitates with clients and collaborates with the treatment team to develop, review and update treatment goals and referrals both internally and externally.
  • Assists clients in obtaining public entitlements, housing, community resources, etc.
  • Attends staffing with Court Services, schools, agencies and others, as necessary.
  • Organizes and participates in treatment-related clinical conferences and staffing on assigned clients.
  • Conducts crisis intervention/evaluation/referral to persons who present themselves at the program.
  • Performs initial evaluations and assessments of potential clients regarding their appropriateness for participation in the program.
  • Provides education and direction to clients, family members and/or significant others.
  • Takes responsibility for training in and documenting clinical chart requirements to meet program and state standards.
  • Assists in facilitating transportation of clients if needed.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required
  • Associate's degree and five (5) years' experience in behavioral sciences, or
  • Bachelor's degree and three (3) years' experience in behavioral sciences, or
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field and one (1) year of experience in behavioral sciences, or
  • Master's degree in behavioral sciences and no experience
  • Must possess a valid driver's license
Certification/License
  • Clinical certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor from the Illinois Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association (IAODAPCA) or
  • Licensed professional counselor or licensed clinical professional counselor pursuant to the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing Act; or
  • Physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches pursuant to the Medical Practice Act of 1987; or
  • Licensed as a psychologist pursuant to the Clinical Psychology Practice Act (225 ILCS 15); or
  • Licensed as a social worker or licensed clinical social worker pursuant to the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act (225 ILCS 20).
Any new professional staff, who will provide clinical services in a treatment or designated program service and who do not meet the requirements of above when hired shall meet the requirements specified in within two years after the date of employment in the substance use disorder (SUD) field. Time in the SUD field is accumulative, it is not per employment episode.
Supplemental Information
As the largest human service provider in Lake County, we believe that services must be available without barriers. No residents are turned away due to the inability to pay. We believe in providing services in an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination or bias. Whether assuring accessible and effective care, impacting policy, or assessing and monitoring risks, the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center has been an essential part of the public health system in Lake County for 60 years. We are looking for passionate, qualified team members who can help make a difference in our agency and, most importantly, in our community.
Additional information about the Lake County Health Department, our culture, and why you should join our team can be found at
At this time, you must live in Illinois or Wisconsin to be eligible to work at Lake County Health Department. You can find our salary grades at For unionized positions, a list of our collective bargaining agreements can be found here: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2686/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements.
Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.
The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.
Here at the Health Department, we are proud to employ a diverse workforce of dedicated individuals focused on promoting the health and well-being of all who live, work, and play in Lake County. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought and collaboration, enabling each employee to perform at their maximum potential and to more effectively work with clients, patients, and employees. We offer:
  • Comprehensive Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.) for full-time employees
  • Paid Time Off to support work-life balance
  • IMRF Pension and 457 retirement plans
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement
You can find more details on our benefits on our website at
01
Are you certified as an (CADC) Alcohol/Drug Abuse Counselor by the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Board (I.A.O.D.A.P.C.A.) or have equivalent certification by a similar state? Or have an Illinois license as an LPC/LCPC or LSW/LCSW?
  • CADC
  • LPC/LCPC
  • LSW/LCSW

02
Please share why you are interested in working for this program and how your experience directly relates to this opening.
03
List the types of clinical programs you have experience with.
04
Explain your experience with accessing Community Resources for clients.
05
Do you have experience with behavioral health treatment planning and mental health assessments.
  • Yes
  • No

06
How many years of relevant experience do you possess?
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • 4 years
  • 5+ years

07
Do you have experience with any (EMR) Electronic Medical Records systems; such as NextGen? If yes, explain. If not, lists the systems you have used.
08
Do you have a current and valid driver's license and automobile insurance?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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