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Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Rincon Family Services

Substance Use Counselor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35K - $42K/yr

Substance Use Counselor Department: Substance Use Program Reports to: Carlos Freytes Job Type: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt Job Location: Chicago Metropolitan Area Salary Range: $35,000 to $42,000 ...

RINCON FAMILY SERVICES

Substance Use Counselor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35K - $42K/yr

Substance Use Counselor Department: Substance Use Program Reports to: Carlos Freytes Job Type: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt Job Location: Chicago Metropolitan Area Salary Range: $35,000 to $42,000 ...

Rincon Family Services

Substance Use Counselor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35K - $42K/yr

Substance Use Counselor Department: Substance Use Program Reports to: Carlos Freytes Job Type: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt Job Location: Chicago Metropolitan Area Salary Range: $35,000 to $42,000 ...

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How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in Chicago, IL is $26.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.07 and $29.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substance use counselor?

A Substance Use Counselor is a mental health professional who helps individuals struggling with drug, alcohol, or other substance dependencies. They assess clients’ needs, develop treatment plans, provide counseling, and support clients through recovery. Substance Use Counselors may work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or community organizations, often collaborating with other healthcare professionals. Their goal is to help clients understand their addiction, develop coping strategies, and maintain long-term sobriety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substance use counselor?

To thrive as a Substance Use Counselor, you need a background in counseling, psychology, or social work—often with a relevant degree and state licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management systems, assessment tools, and evidence-based treatment modalities such as CBT or motivational interviewing is common. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and cultural sensitivity help build trust and rapport with clients. These competencies are essential for providing effective support, fostering recovery, and navigating the complexities of addiction treatment.

What are some common challenges substance use counselors face when working with clients, and how are these typically addressed within the team?

Substance Use Counselors often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to treatment, and co-occurring mental health disorders. These issues are typically addressed through regular team meetings, case consultations, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals like social workers and psychiatrists. Counselors also receive ongoing training and supervision to stay updated on best practices and to ensure they have the support needed to manage complex cases. This team-based approach helps provide comprehensive care and promotes the counselor's professional growth.

What is the difference between Substance Use Counselor vs Addiction Therapist?

AspectSubstance Use CounselorAddiction Therapist
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CADC, CAC)Licensed or certified in addiction counseling
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinicsRehab facilities, mental health clinics
Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare and community programsOften used interchangeably with Substance Use Counselor

Both roles focus on helping individuals overcome substance abuse, often requiring similar certifications and working in comparable environments. The main difference lies in terminology preference, with 'Addiction Therapist' sometimes implying a broader scope of mental health treatment. However, in practice, these titles are often used interchangeably in the industry.

Is it worth becoming a substance use counselor?

A substance use counselor helps individuals recover from addiction by providing therapy, support, and education. The role often requires relevant certifications, strong communication skills, and empathy, with job growth expected due to increasing awareness of substance abuse issues. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in mental health and community service.

What degree is best for a substance use counselor?

A substance use counselor typically benefits from a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. Many states also require certification or licensure, which may involve completing a master's degree and supervised clinical hours. Relevant skills include counseling techniques and knowledge of addiction treatment methods.

What are popular job titles related to Substance Use Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Substance Use Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substance Use Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Use Counselor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Substance Use Counselor job openings:

Substance Use Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,618 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Substance Use Counselor

Rincon Family Services

Chicago, IL • On-site

$35K - $42K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Job Title: Substance Use Counselor
Department: Substance Use Program
Reports to: Carlos Freytes
Job Type: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Job Location: Chicago Metropolitan Area
Salary Range: $35,000 to $42,000 Dependent on certification and experience.
Rincon - Building Spaces, Restoring Communities- Who we are:
What began as a small clinic established by young community leaders on the West Side of Chicago in 1972 has grown into one of the largest providers of high-quality and culturally competent services focusing on counseling and crisis intervention services, substance use prevention and treatment, violence prevention, education, case management, community and family services. We are dedicated to rendering compassionate and effective programs to promote the quality of life by catalyzing to advocate, educate and empower individuals and their families.
Position Description - What the Role Entails:
The Substance Use Counselor works as a member of a multi-disciplinary team that provides therapeutic and rehabilitative services, counseling, case management and integrated dual-diagnostic treatment. The team works to address all treatment needs, including crisis management, substance use treatment, medication management, physical health treatment, mental health treatment, accessing benefits and entitlements, and other supportive services.
Company Culture - Do Our Values Speak to You?
At Rincon, our commitment to mutual respect, inclusivity, and diversity is woven into the structure of all that we do. We value:
  • Dedication- Embodying effective and transparent leadership and quality client care.
  • Education - Preventative programming and clinical services based on industry standards, competence and outreach.
  • Accountability - Consistent service delivery, measurable success, and sensible financial management.
  • Advocacy - Empowerment, reduction of treatment stigma, and relationship building with partners.
  • Compassion - Embracing culturally diverse communities and equality through sensitivity to individual needs.

With these values in mind, we promote a culture that fosters professional development and agency success. Many of our employees span an extended tenure, and we pride ourselves on developing dedicated and supported team members.
Areas of Accountability - What you will be doing:
  • Provide direct service to individuals. This includes implementing initial treatment plans, providing ongoing therapy, updating treatment plans, continuing stay reviews, counseling case management, and providing crisis intervention services and referrals if needed.
  • Provide assigned group sessions weekly.
  • Provide HIV counseling and testing services as required.
  • Monitor toxicology screens and work with the Medical Department to adjust privileges according to client track records.
  • Provide on-call services for individuals in crisis; this will occur in rotation with other team members.
  • Attend all required meetings and trainings according to program standards.
  • Participate in regular supervision from the Clinical Supervisor, seeking additional supervision when necessary. Minimum requirement of two hours of documented supervision per month.
  • Provide coordination and linkage with community agencies.
  • Maintain client records using electronic medical records. Must be documented as required by program standards and funding requirements including documentation of clinical interactions, behavioral health assessments and individual service plans.
  • Adhere to all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and to CCC Policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security. Support.
  • Compliance with all privacy and security requirements pursuant to community partners' and outside providers' patient confidentiality agreements, including privacy and security requirements for EMR access. This includes immediate reporting of any PHI breach of CCC or outside provider health records to the CCC Legal and Quality departments, as well as the program administrator.
  • Any staff holding specialized certifications should exercise the certification in a clinical setting, i.e., staff processing a QHEIC certification should attend at least 10 hours of HIV training annually and at least 1 test per month (if applicable).
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:
  • During a typical year, a full-time staff member will have 1,352 hours of potential direct service hours. It is expected that 82% (1,108 hours) be direct clinical hours.
  • As part of this organization's commitment to quality service, all staff must complete the following trainings annually, however other trainings will be scheduled based on the program or funding requirements.

ANNUAL TRAININGS:
As part of this organization's commitment to quality service, all staff must complete the following trainings annually, however other trainings will be scheduled based on the program or funding requirements.
  • Orientation to Agency Policy and Procedures
  • Orientation to IDHS Administrative Rules and Regulations
  • Orientation to agency treatment philosophy
  • Orientation to EMR, email system, and other software associated with program
  • Customer Service
  • Cultural Competency and Diversity
  • Person-centered services and treatment planning
  • Workplace Violence and De-escalation techniques
  • Ethics
  • Health and Safety, Emergency Procedures
  • Critical Incident, Abuse and Neglect Reporting
  • Rights of the person, Confidentiality, Advanced Directives
  • Corporate Compliance, Grievance and Satisfaction Survey Process
  • Orientation to organization's programming, inter/external referral process
  • Education on medical treatment (methadone and psychotropic medication)
  • Program-specific trainings

Requirements
The Knowledge and Expertise that Matters Most - What you bring to the Role:
  • Good listening, interpersonal, and counseling skills. Ability to tailor communication styles in order to make the client feel comfortable.
  • Ability to engage clients in a clinical and respectful manner.
  • Initiative, ability to think of the big picture.
  • Strong Assessment and Treatment Planning skills.
  • Pharmacology of acute, chronic, and withdrawal effects of drug use.
  • Understanding of/able to interpret results of urine screens and toxicology tests.
  • Understanding HIV, Hepatitis, TB, and other infectious diseases of this population.
  • Understanding of mental illness issues of this population.
  • Understanding of internal and external medical and supportive services.
  • Cultural competency and sensitivity.
  • Fast, accurate documentation skills.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills.

Position Qualifications - What is required to Perform the Role:
  • Must be certified as an ICB Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC).
  • If not CADC certified, employees must obtain certification within the first two years of employment or be terminated for not being able to perform their services.
  • Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Individuals with a high school diploma with substance abuse experience may also be considered.

Rincon Rewards & Benefits- How we value you:
  • Health insurance
  • Dental & Vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan
  • Generous PTO (Paid time off)- Accrue up to 21 days in Year 1, some PTO carryover allowable.
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Employment may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
  • Certain employees may qualify for City of Chicago commuter transit benefits

Rincon's Work Environment - What to expect:
Physical Demands: The Counselor must be able to successfully perform essential functions of this job including carrying charts to and from their offices/desk, preparing for group activities that may include moving chairs and or tables, carrying bags/boxes of food, or decorating group activity areas. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employees are responsible for informing their supervisor of any invisible disability or medical restrictions that limit physical capability.
Language:
  • Spanish fluency, bicultural applicants strongly preferred.

RINCON FAMILY SERVICES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Salary Description
$35,000-$42,000

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