The Salvation Army USA Central Territory·Chicago, Illinois
Provide evidence-based substance abuse treatment and mental health services to justice-involved individuals. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, developing SMART-goal treatment plans, and facilitating individual and group therapy sessions.
Position Title: Certified Addiction Counselor
Location/Dept: Pathway Forward Program
Reports to: Clinical Administrator
Flsa category: Exempt
Status type: RFT
Pay grade: 206
Pay range: $52,591 – $63,109
The mission of the Clinical Department is to provide substance use and mental health therapeutic services to justice-involved individuals referred by the Bureau of Prisons and the U.S. Probation department in a community-based treatment setting. Treatment services address issues associated with drug/alcohol use and/or behavioral problems related to mental illness with use of evidence-based treatment practices.
The Certified Addiction Counselor provides quality, evidence-based substance abuse treatment services to increase client understanding of substance use addiction/recovery, use of skills that lead to a reduction in substance use, relapse, recidivism and support sobriety efforts.
This position reports to the Clinical Administrator.
This individual works closely with clients, the Clinical Operations Coordinator, Licensed Health Clinicians, and the US Probation Office.
In addition, this individual relates to a large and diverse number of people inside and outside the Salvation Army. In these contacts, the individual acts as a representative of the Salvation Army and its mission.
This individual will be evaluated based on standards established by the facility’s Program Directives, with guidance from DHQ – HR. Evaluations will consider: the timeliness, effectiveness, and completeness of tasks performed and the results of internal and external audits, when applicable. Fact-based opinions of patients, subordinates, peers, superiors, and contractual authorities may be considered.
A performance review will be conducted.
Education/Experience
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification in the state of Illinois required.
A bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences is required.
2-3 years of training and/or experience in the specialty area, with demonstrated proficiency in substance use assessment, diagnosis, and the application of motivational interviewing techniques required.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted in lieu of the stated education requirement.
Valid Driver’s license/MVR clearance.
Competencies
Willing to promote the mission of The Salvation Army.
Demonstrated ability to use initiative and be a self-starter.
An attention to detail, procedures, processes, and policies.
An ability to work with confidential material.
An ability to manage projects, priorities, and programs in a constantly changing environment.
Comfort in functioning in the dual role of authority figure and therapist.
An ability to build attitude- and behavior-changing relationships with clients who differ widely in terms of personality, education, employment skills, ethnic background, and socioeconomic status.
Experience in using cognitive behavioral interventions and structured social learning approaches in the treatment of individuals with mental health diagnoses.
Strong verbal and written communications skills.
A commitment to the Salvation Army’s vision of human service and social justice; and a clear personal desire to assist in accomplishing the Center’s mission of rehabilitation, restorative justice, and human healing.
A proactive, client-oriented style which nonetheless maintains appropriate boundaries.
Expertise in problem identification and assessment, setting goals, and monitoring progress.
Position limitations
This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
This individual will keep the Clinical Administrator informed on all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.
Physical demands/Work environment
This position is required to do light physical work and must be able to lift 15 pounds.
To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and a PC.
The work environment for this position is a residential environment with a low to moderate noise level.
Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients, and visitors; respect of others’ property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Do you want to use your skills and talents to make a lasting difference in the world? The Salvation Army is the fourth largest charity in the United States and is an international organization based on Biblical principles created to help people in need. We are mission-driven, diverse, collaborative, and focused on positive results for people. Join us in making a difference.
The Salvation Army offers a competitive benefit package for eligible employees which may include the following medical, dental, vision, hearing, disability and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement accounts, a company-funded defined contribution (pension) plan and generous time off policies.
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources department.
The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minority/Female/Veterans/Disabled. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.
Requires a bachelor's degree in behavioral sciences and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification in Illinois. Candidates must have 2-3 years of experience in substance use assessment and diagnosis.
Market context
Behavioral health positions in Illinois often draw steady interest because employers look for licensed or graduate-prepared candidates who can work in clinical, community, or care-coordination settings. This role is competitive because the required background is specific—either a master’s degree in a human services field or an active Illinois RN license, with behavioral health experience preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your licensure, degree, and setting experience before applying.
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