Substance Use Counselor (On-Call/Part-Time)
Listed compensation
$19.23-$24.47/hr
The week · per this posting
Ask the employer about the work setting and nights and shift pattern.
Job Description
Who Is Alpharus Health?
Alpharus Health is a national nonprofit behavioral health provider dedicated to helping people build healthier lives. For nearly 60 years, we have provided substance use and mental health treatment that helps individuals, families, and communities find healing, hope, and lasting wellbeing.
Our mission is simple: We help people build healthier lives. By combining clinical expertise with a person-centered approach, we help people build the skills, resilience, and support systems needed to create meaningful, lasting change.
Why Join Us?
Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence-based treatment proven to get results.
By joining our team, you'll be working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice. You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth.
When you join us, you have the opportunity to find both personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.
Location: Alpharus Health Residential/Outpatient Drug Rehab Center
400 Mercy Ln, Aurora, IL 60506
View the facility details here!
Residential Substance Use Counselors are responsible for:
Preparing and facilitating group counseling sessions, educational programs, and lectures to assist clients in meeting therapeutic goals
Conducting individual counseling to provide crises intervention, support & guidance, and address client behaviors and personal problems
- Documenting clients’ progress and responses to treatment
- Maintaining client records; ensuring records are complete, accurate, and up to date
- Monitoring clients in medication self-administration
- Ensuring client safety and well-being
- Monitoring client behavior during social, recreational, or daily activities
- Enforcing house rules
- Scheduling, coordinating and transporting clients to appointments and maintaining the vehicle
- Collecting urine samples and administering breathalyzer
- Other duties as assigned
Job Requirements:
High school diploma or equivalency required
Minimum 6 months of previous experience in substance abuse or mental health counseling required
Related work experience with a program specific population (adolescent/adult) in a residential treatment setting required
Physical Requirements:
Ability to walk and move about the facilities for up to two hours at a time, to monitor and interact with clients.
- Ability to speak with others in order to exchange information and provide counseling.
- Ability to record, proofread and check documents and files for accuracy on a regular basis.
- Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to receive, retrieve, and/or audit information and data on a regular basis.
- Ability to respond to telephones, and to hear and detect alarms and unusual noises.
Ability to drive an automobile or van; remain alert to traffic conditions, and to identify and comply with traffic signals and signs
Compensation (based on experience and credentials):
Range begins at $19.23 - $24.47 per hour
Alpharus Health conducts annual reviews including merit increases.
Schedule / Hours:
- This is an on-call, as-needed position with no guaranteed weekly hours.
- The employee will provide coverage for open shifts due to call-offs, absences, or staffing needs.
- Shifts may include days, evenings, overnights, weekdays, and weekends, depending on operational needs.
- Availability to work on short notice is preferred.
At a minimum, employees in this role will be expected to work at least one shift every two months to maintain active employment status.
Benefits at Alpharus
Health and Wellness:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
- Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
- Employee assistance programs focused on mental health
Financial Wellbeing:
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
- Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Alpharus
- Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Flexibility and Time Off:
- 18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service
- 9 paid company holidays
- Work-life-balance
Personal Development:
Training & Development Programs
Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s and job-related training
Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance
Alpharus Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.
Key Responsibilities
The counselor is responsible for facilitating group and individual therapy sessions while monitoring client safety and behavior in a residential setting. They must also maintain accurate clinical records and assist with daily operational tasks such as medication administration and client transportation.
Requirements
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 6 months of experience in substance abuse or mental health counseling. Experience working with specific populations in a residential treatment setting is required.
Key Skills
Addiction Medicine — Counselor Career Context
Of the 40 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 55% are remote, 20% have no call, 78% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for Illinois is 100.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 62.6% of Illinois clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Alpharus Health ranks #9 of 10 employers hiring Counselor on WeekdayDoc by average advertised pay.
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Substance Use Counselor (On-Call/Part-Time) at Alpharus Health a 7.1 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as very good. This places the position in the top 25% in Substance Use / Addiction Counselor — ranked against 1,008 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings on WeekdayDoc. Contributing factors include no on-call duties, no weekend requirements.
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