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Substance Use Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

HOUSING FORWARD

Substance Use Specialist

Broadview, IL · On-site

$50K - $54K/yr

Specialist will work with clients to help them understand their substance use and help them make decisions that will lead to stable housing and improved mental and physical health. Provides ...

Housing Forward

Substance Use Specialist

Broadview, IL · On-site

$50K - $54K/yr

Specialist will work with clients to help them understand their substance use and help them make decisions that will lead to stable housing and improved mental and physical health. Provides ...

Trilogy

Therapist - Substance Use Services

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $40/hr

Chicago IL 60619 Job Summary The Substance Use Services Therapist will provide integrated dual disorder treatment (IDDT) to clients across all levels of care. They will provide client-centered ...

Loretto Hospital

Substance Use Navigator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20.50 - $28/hr

SUMMARY Reporting to the Director, Emergency Department, the Substance Use Disorder Navigator (SUN) serves as a key member of the care team, providing direct support to individuals affected by ...

Loretto Hospital

Substance Use Navigator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

SUMMARY Reporting to the Director, Emergency Department, the Substance Use Disorder Navigator (SUN) serves as a key member of the care team, providing direct support to individuals affected by ...

Housing Forward

Substance Use Specialist

Broadview, IL · On-site

$50K - $54K/yr

Specialist will work with clients to help them understand their substance use and help them make decisions that will lead to stable housing and improved mental and physical health. Provides ...

Sinai Chicago

SUBSTANCE USE CASE MANAGER

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Substance Use Case Manager provides culturally competent case management services for clients who are in need of substance use and/or mental health services. The Case Manager works in ...

Sinai Chicago

SUBSTANCE USE CASE MANAGER

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Substance Use Case Manager provides culturally competent case management services for clients who are in need of substance use and/or mental health services. The Case Manager works in ...

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All JobsSubstance Use JobsSubstance Use Jobs in Chicago, IL

Substance Use information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34K

$60.8K

$87K

How much do substance use jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for substance use in Chicago, IL is $60,793.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $71,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substance use counselor?

A substance use counselor is a professional who helps individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. They provide support through assessment, treatment planning, counseling sessions, and recovery strategies. Substance use counselors may work in various settings, such as rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or private practices, and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Their goal is to guide clients toward recovery and help them develop healthier coping mechanisms.

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 psychology, social work, or counseling, often supported by state licensure or certification in addiction counseling. Familiarity with treatment planning software, electronic health records (EHRs), and evidence-based intervention techniques is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, empathy, and strong communication abilities are essential for building trust and supporting clients through recovery. These competencies are crucial for effectively guiding individuals through treatment, ensuring ethical care, and fostering positive outcomes in challenging environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in substance use counseling, and how can they be effectively managed?

Substance use counselors often encounter challenges such as managing client relapse, navigating complex co-occurring mental health disorders, and maintaining clear professional boundaries. Building strong therapeutic alliances, participating in regular supervision, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams can help address these difficulties. Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and self-care strategies are also essential for sustaining effectiveness and personal well-being in this emotionally demanding field.

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

AspectSubstance UseSubstance Use Counselor
CredentialsVaries; often no formal certificationCertification required (e.g., CADC, CSAC)
Work EnvironmentCommunity clinics, hospitals, outreach programsRehabilitation centers, clinics, private practice
Industry UsageRefers to the issue or topic of substance useRefers to professionals providing treatment and support

Substance Use describes the issue or behavior related to the consumption of substances, while a Substance Use Counselor is a trained professional who provides treatment and support for individuals struggling with substance use problems. The counselor's role involves assessment, counseling, and developing recovery plans, whereas Substance Use refers to the broader topic or problem itself.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Substance Use jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Use 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 $60,793 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Substance Use Specialist

Kenneth Young Center

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

$58K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Substance Use Specialist - ACT (Assertive Community Treatment)
Job Scope: Actively contribute as a clinician working on an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team providing intensive, holistic and recovery-oriented behavioral health services to persons living with serious and persistent mental illness who desire to live independently and engage fully in community life. Provide specialized group and individual substance use treatment and support to adults receiving ACT services. Coordinate and integrate care with SUPR services at ACT KYC for clients participating in services. Provide services following ACT treatment fidelity model regarding minimum frequency and length of contacts, flexibility of treatment services, and coordinated care with other team members. ACT members provide and coordinate a range of individual treatment services that target assessed areas of functional impairment and promote independence through the development and use of natural community supports.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Provide assessment, service planning and supportive counseling services
  • Provide independent living skills training, supportive therapy, case management, community support, crisis intervention and stabilization services to ACT clients
  • Provide integrated and individualized substance use treatment to clients with co-occurring disorders on the ACT team
  • Coordinate with SUPR staff at KYC regarding substance use treatment for clients on ACT team
  • Provide regular consultation to medical, clinical agency and ACT team member staff to assist with treatment planning, assessment and provision of services to clients demonstrating active or prior substance use behaviors
  • Utilize recovery and harm reduction principles to help ACT clients meet their goals around substance use
  • Facilitate referrals for additional services consistent with assessed needs and consumer’s desired outcomes
  • Assist with services to improve client ADLS and independent living skills, including money management, apartment maintenance, and medication training
  • Promote symptom stabilization thru medication monitoring, education, and assisting participants to take as prescribed
  • Promote physical health, address substance use issues, establish access to entitlements, and develop skills to support participants engaging fully in their lives and communities
  • Provide support to clients who are unhoused or residing in temporary housing to locate permanent housing as part of their comprehensive treatment plan
  • Meet regularly with ACT members to integrate care provision and share clinical responsibilities so that adequate coverage is available to clients at all times
  • Promote symptom stabilization thru medication monitoring, education, and assisting participants to take as prescribed
  • Coordinate with Comprehensive Transition Team and Front Door Team members to support transitions to more independent living
  • Routinely consult with other KYC Team members including front door, comprehensive transition team, vocational, psychosocial rehabilitation, substance use, outpatient therapy, and psychiatry to address specific client related clinical issues and coordinate care strategies
  • Promote opportunities for clients to build natural systems of support within their communities through exposure to recreational, spiritual, educational, vocational, volunteer and civic activities
  • Participate with other ACT members in regular 24/7 on-call crisis and stabilization coverage
  • Work with Assertive Community Treatment team Supervisor, Program Assistant, and Team members to assess, plan, and participate in provision of services
  • Meet productivity target estimated at 40-50% billable service
  • Participate in supervision as directed and seek additional clinical and program consultation as needed
  • Participate in All Staff meetings, Department meetings, Team meetings, and other staff meetings and trainings as directed by supervisor
  • Interpret and communicate, at the service delivery level, Center policies and procedures
  • Complete all clinical documentation and required reports in an accurate and timely manner following KYC policies
  • Meet agency quality and compliance standards

Work Environment

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting, up to 50% of time
  • A majority of the employee’s time, approximately 40-50%, will be spent in the community, driving to and from client homes and providing case management in the home
  • Treatment services are delivered at flexible times that meet clients’ needs and in settings that offer the best potential for positive outcomes, that includes a rotating schedule with the team to cover evenings and weekends
  • In supporting clients to live independently, employee may be exposed to varying home conditions

Travel Requirements:

  • Employee is required to travel by automobile to and from Mt. Prospect, and Elk Grove office locations on a weekly basis, as well as daily client visits to client homes in the Chicagoland area and transporting clients in personal vehicle

Education, Experience and Other Requirements

  • Preferred Masters Degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology or a related discipline, will accept lower education requirement for candidates with current or pending Illinois CADC certification
  • Preferred CADC Certification
  • 1-2 years experience working with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness with co-occurring substance use issues providing a variety of clinical interventions including case management and community support
  • Preferred exposure to working in non-traditional treatment environments i.e.in-home, residential, hospital, nursing facility, and community settings
  • At least 1 year of specialized training and/or work experience providing substance use services
  • Basic computer proficiency, knowledge of Word and Internet skills, smartphone messaging and internal collaboration applications (ie Microsoft 365 / Teams)
  • Applicant must have a valid IL Driver’s License and daily access to a well maintained/insured vehicle

Schedule/Timekeeping

  • Exempt, Full-Time, 37.5 hour work week
  • Must work a flexible schedule in response to the needs of the target population served, including evening, Saturday, and/or Sunday hours to ensure team coverage.
  • Able to participate in rotating on-call schedule to ensure 24/7 coverage (additional stipend)
Kenneth Young Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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