Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology
Job ID: NHCSC_ Methadone Clinic
ob Title: Substance Use Counselor
Position Overview: Are you a compassionate and highly motivated new graduate eager to launch your career in substance use counseling? New Hope Community Service Center (NHCSC) is seeking an empathetic and driven Substance Use Counselor to join our Methadone Clinic team in Chicago, IL. In this critical role, you'll gain invaluable experience providing essential individual and group counseling to clients in Opioid Medication Treatment (OMT), primarily focusing on methadone maintenance. You'll conduct assessments, monitor progress, provide crisis intervention, and educate clients on MAT, harm reduction, and relapse prevention, guiding them towards stable, healthier lives.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation: Competitive salary.
Benefits: Comprehensive training, robust clinical supervision, mentorship, specialized training specific to opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and professional development opportunities.
Location
Location: Chicago, IL.
Work Environment & Schedule
Work Environment: You'll work in a supportive, integrated team environment at New Hope Community Service Center (NHCSC), a trusted community resource founded in 1993. We empower individuals and families overcoming substance use disorders, mental health struggles, and challenges related to justice involvement, providing comprehensive, culturally competent, and trauma-informed care. You'll collaborate closely with experienced medical staff (doctors, nurses), case managers, and other team members.
Schedule: To be discussed during the interview process.
Patient Details: Guide clients through opioid recovery, supporting individuals enrolled in Opioid Medication Treatment (OMT), primarily focusing on methadone maintenance. Serve diverse populations, including those with co-occurring mental health disorders and criminal justice involvement.
Call Specifics: Not specified in original posting.
Any Other Requirements
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a closely related human services field required.
Master's degree in a related field also welcome.
Licensure/Certification:
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or Certified Addiction Counselor (CADC-R) in Illinois required, or actively working towards obtaining this certification within 12 months of hire. Please specify your current status and plan in your application.
Experience:
Limited or no prior direct clinical experience is welcome; strong practicum or internship experience in substance use treatment is highly valued.
Familiarity with harm reduction principles and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) concepts.
Experience working with diverse populations, including those with co-occurring mental health disorders, criminal justice involvement, and various socioeconomic backgrounds (gained through coursework, volunteer work, or internships) is a plus.
Basic proficiency in using electronic health record (EHR) systems for documentation and client management is preferred.
Skills & Abilities:
Exceptional empathy, patience, and the ability to build strong therapeutic rapport with clients.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including clear and concise clinical documentation.
Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
Eagerness to learn, grow, and apply new knowledge in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as a vital part of a multidisciplinary team.
Knowledge of federal (42 CFR Part 2) and state regulations governing opioid treatment programs (or willingness to learn rapidly).
Compassionate, non-judgmental approach to client care.
Deep commitment to NHCSC’s mission and core values.