Pays $19.23-$24.47/hr — Counselor market median is ~$48k (49 jobs) · Top 25% in Addiction Medicine (Counseling) for work-life (7.2/10, vs 1,255 in this specialty)
About the Role
Residential substance use counseling. $19.23-$24.47/hr. PSLF eligible. Aurora, IL.
Join Alpharus Health as a Substance Use Counselor – Residential, PSLF Eligible in Aurora, Illinois, United States. Who is Alpharus Health? Alpharus Health is a national nonprofit behavioral health provider dedicated to helping people build healthier lives.
Benefits & Compensation
- Pay rate: $19.23 - $24.47/hr.
- 18 days PTO.
- Student loan repayment assistance.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employee wellness program
- Employee assistance programs
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
- Short-term and Long-term Disability
- Life and AD&D Insurance
Work Schedule
- Full-Time position.
- On-site position.
- No call required.
- No weekends required.
This position offers no call requirements, weekends off, student loan benefits. Work with Alpharus Health in Aurora, Illinois, United States.
Key Responsibilities
The counselor is responsible for facilitating group and individual therapy sessions while maintaining accurate client records and monitoring progress. They also ensure client safety, assist with medication administration, and manage daily activities within the residential facility.
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.
Qualifications
- Education
- High school
Key Skills
Addiction Medicine — Counselor Career Context
Of the 50 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 40% are remote, 20% have no call, 50% require no weekends.
Alpharus Health ranks #9 of 20 employers hiring Counselor on WeekdayDoc by average advertised pay.
The cost-of-living index for Illinois is 100.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$45k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $45k in an average-cost state. 62.6% of Illinois clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Substance Use Counselor at Alpharus Health a 7.2 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as very good. This places the position in the top 25% in Addiction Medicine (Counseling) — ranked against 1,255 active Addiction Medicine (Counseling) listings on WeekdayDoc. Contributing factors include no on-call duties, no weekend requirements.
Position Insights
AI ANALYSISThis role scores 7.2/10 on work-life balance for Counselor roles. No call coverage keeps hours predictable.
Career trajectory: This position offers advancement within 2-3 years. The compensation analysis shows this employer pays...
Benefits analysis: Compared to 49 similar roles, this listing's benefits package ranks...
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