Substance Use Disorder Counselor
Listed compensation
$47K–$58K
The week · per this posting · Monday – FridayWeekdays only
Ask the employer about call expectations and time off.
Job Description
- Department: Juvenile Justice
- Location: Lincoln, IL
- Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Salary: $47,000 to $58,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
Position Overview
The Substance Use Disorder Counselor provides intake screening, assessments, and support services to youth admitted to Reception and Classification Units within the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Substance Use Disorder Counselor Responsibilities
Completes assessment and screening process on youth entering the Reception and Classification Unit as well as any additional youth as assigned
- Participates in case consultation and planning as assigned
- Participates in multi-disciplinary staff meetings as assigned
- Facilitates referral and discharge recommendations
- Conducts educational and therapeutic groups for youth as assigned
- Record keeping/documentation for assessment and screening tools as well as assigned group activities
- Case management and coordination
- Participates in staff growth and development activities
Substance Use Disorder Counselor Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required
- Master's degree preferred
- CADC required within 2 years
- Familiarity with DSM-5 preferred
- Knowledge of chemical abuse and dependence diagnosis criteria
- Knowledge of substance abuse disorders
What We Offer
Comprehensive Benefits Package: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Short/Long-Term Disability options.
- Retirement Plan: 403(b) with eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness.
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick, and personal time.
- Professional Growth: Leadership development and ongoing training opportunities.
- Meaningful Work: Lead a dedicated team committed to transforming the lives of justice-involved youth.
How to Apply
Please apply through our website by submitting your resume. Qualified candidates will receive a brief questionnaire as part of the next step in the process.
YOS Is an E-Verify Participating Employer
Youth Outreach Services is a drug-free workplace, and compliance with this policy is a condition of employment and continued employment.
Youth Outreach Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Key Responsibilities
The counselor provides intake screening, assessments, and support services to youth within the Department of Juvenile Justice. Responsibilities include case management, facilitating therapeutic groups, and participating in multi-disciplinary staff meetings.
Requirements
A Bachelor's degree is required, with a Master's degree preferred. Candidates must obtain a CADC certification within two years and possess knowledge of chemical abuse and dependence diagnosis criteria.
Qualifications
- Education
- Master's degree (postgraduate degree)
Key Skills
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Substance Use Disorder Counselor at Youth Outreach Services a 8.0 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as excellent. This places the position in the top 5% in Addiction Medicine (Counseling) — ranked against 1,285 active Addiction Medicine (Counseling) listings on WeekdayDoc. Contributing factors include no weekend requirements, no night shifts.
Addiction Medicine — Counselor Career Context
Youth Outreach Services ranks #19 of 22 employers hiring Counselor on WeekdayDoc by average advertised pay.
Of the 50 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 44% are remote, 16% have no call, 68% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for Illinois is 100.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$53k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $53k in an average-cost state. 62.6% of Illinois clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
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