Substance Abuse Counselor - Jacksonville, IL
Listed compensation
$19.23–$24.47 /hr
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
Who Is Gateway Foundation?
Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.
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 have the chance to provide essential services to underserved populations, all while 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: Gateway Foundation Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Facility
1300 Lincoln Rd, Jacksonville, IL 62650
Residential Substance Abuse Counselor responsibilities:
- Conducts assessment and evaluation to determine scope and type of care needed
- Develops comprehensive treatment plans
- Participates in multi-disciplinary treatment team meetings
- Leads group counseling and education sessions
Engages Client in One-on-one Individual Counseling Sessions
Maintains confidential, systematic, accurate and timely documentation of client progress in Electronic Health Record (EHR)
Uses excellent communication skills to guide clients toward positive choices, especially when in crisis.
Monitors Client Behavior in Therapeutic Milieu
Administers tests of accountability through collection of urine drug screens and breathalyzers.
Makes community referrals for follow up care
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):
Pay Range: $19.23 - $24.47 per hour
Gateway Foundation conducts annual reviews including merit increases.
Benefits at Gateway Foundation
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 Gateway
- 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
Gateway Foundation 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
Conduct assessments and develop comprehensive treatment plans for individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Lead group and individual counseling sessions while maintaining accurate documentation in Electronic Health Records.
Requirements
Requires a high school diploma and at least 6 months of experience in substance abuse or mental health counseling. Must have related experience working with adolescent or adult populations in a residential treatment setting.
Key Skills
Addiction Medicine — Counselor Career Context
Of the 50 active Substance Use / Addiction Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 42% are remote, 28% 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 ~$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 Abuse Counselor - Jacksonville, IL at Gateway Foundation a 6.6 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as 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.
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