Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Apprentice (CADC)

Basic Function

The Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) apprentice assists individuals with substance use or behavioral disorders by providing counseling, developing treatment plans, and connecting them with resources. They help clients develop coping skills and strategies, find support, and move towards recovery.

Work Schedule

Part-Time, 24 hours per week (some evening/weekend coverage as needed)

Apprenticeship will be completed within 1.5 years.

This role is integral to promoting engagement, recovery, resilience, and empowerment throughout all levels of care—including mobile crisis, outpatient, and community-based behavioral health services.

Reporting Relationship

Reports To: Clinical Supervisor, CADCs, MHPs, Mentors

Supervises (Position Title): n/a

Principal Duties/Responsibilities

• Screening: Conduct client interviews to gather background information and assess needs.
• Orientation: Conduct chemical dependency program orientation sessions.
• Assessment & Treatment Planning: Conduct thorough assessments to evaluate clients' substance use issues and develop individualized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs.
• Counseling Services: Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions, utilizing evidence-based therapeutic techniques to support clients in their recovery journey.
• Education & Support: Provide education to clients and their families about addiction, recovery processes, and available resources.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate and confidential client records, documenting progress and treatment outcomes in compliance with program standards.
• Collaboration: Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including healthcare professionals and community organizations, to coordinate care and ensure comprehensive support for clients.
• Crisis Intervention: Respond to and manage crisis situations, providing immediate support and intervention as needed.
• Travel: May need to travel between program sites to provide services and support to clients in various locations.

Apprentice Educational Responsibilities

Complete Core Course Topics totaling 480 hours through Haymarket CADC program.

• Core courses include Introduction to Alcoholism & Substance Abuse, Principles and Practice in Alcoholism & Substance Abuse, Alcoholism & Substance Abuse and the Family: Theory, Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Treatment of Special Populations (180 hrs.).
• Complete Supervised Mental Health Practicum (300 hrs.).
• Pass CADC Examination and become certified after completion of required education & work hours required.

Specifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor's degree preferred.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel within the community.
• Knowledge of community resources, recovery principles, and person-centered care models.
• Basic computer literacy and documentation skills (Microsoft Office, EHR systems).

Working Conditions

• Work performed in community, office, and behavioral health settings.
• Moderate physical activity: ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Occasional exposure to high-stress situations involving crisis or emotional distress.
• Requires flexible scheduling and use of personal or agency vehicle for field work.

Compensation

• $19 hourly.
• CADC Core Courses.

Mental/Physical Demands: Ability to conceptualize and solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.

The employee must lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Environmental Conditions: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are performed in a typical office environment. No unusual or adverse working conditions exist.

This description documents the general contents and requirements of the job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The principal duties and responsibilities shown are all essential job functions except for those indicated with an asterisk (*).

The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.