Counselor I

About Alpharus Health

Alpharus Health is a national nonprofit behavioral health provider dedicated to helping people build healthier lives. For nearly 60 years, we have provided substance use and mental health treatment that helps individuals, families, and communities find healing, hope, and lasting wellbeing. Our mission is simple: we help people build healthier lives by combining clinical expertise with a person‑centered approach, fostering skills, resilience, and support systems for meaningful, lasting change.

Why Join Us

Joining our team means contributing to a recognized leader in evidence‑based treatment that delivers high‑quality clinical services. You will work in a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork, professional growth, and personal fulfillment, aligning your career with your values.

Location

Alpharus Health Residential Substance Use Treatment Facility
1080 E Park St, Carbondale, IL 62901

Responsibilities

• Prepare and facilitate group counseling sessions, educational programs, and lectures to assist clients in meeting therapeutic goals.
• Conduct individual counseling for crisis intervention, support, guidance, and to address client behaviors and personal problems.
• Document clients’ progress and responses to treatment.
• Maintain client records; ensure records are complete, accurate, and up to date.
• Monitor clients in medication self‑administration.
• Ensure client safety and well‑being.
• Monitor client behavior during social, recreational, or daily activities.
• Enforce house rules.
• Schedule, coordinate, and transport clients to appointments and maintain the vehicle.
• Collect urine samples and administer breathalyzer tests.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency required.
• Minimum 6 months of previous experience in substance abuse or mental health counseling.
• Related work experience with a program‑specific population (adolescent or adult) in a residential treatment setting.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk and move about the facilities for up to two hours at a time while monitoring and interacting with clients.
• Ability to speak with others to exchange information and provide counseling.
• Ability to record, proofread, and check documents and files for accuracy regularly.
• Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to receive, retrieve, and audit information and data.
• 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 comply with traffic signals and signs.

Compensation

Hourly rate: $19.23 – $24.47, based on years of experience, qualifications, and relevant skills. Alpharus Health conducts annual performance reviews, with merit increase eligibility determined by employee performance and organizational financial performance.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
• Employee wellness program with cash‑saving premiums.
• Employee assistance programs focused on mental health.
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability and life & AD&D insurance paid by Alpharus.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility.
• 18 paid time off days per year (accrual rates increase with years of service).
• 9 paid company holidays.
• Training & development programs, tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year, and access to online courses for CEUs and job‑related training.
• Formal and informal clinical supervision.