Recovery Counselor (Recovery Services Aquarius)

Pay

$22.89 – $26.32 per hour with a $1,500 sign‑on bonus.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Job Summary

The Recovery Counselor will assess the client’s personal, medical, emotional, social, and environmental situation to plan for treatment through home, community, and office visits. They will provide individually based motivational treatment and support to assist clients in their recovery from mental illness, act as an advocate, and link clients to community services as needed. Services are client‑centered, strengths‑based, and trauma‑informed for individuals with severe mental illnesses and co‑occurring substance abuse/addiction disorders, utilizing a harm reduction approach. The counselor will provide at least 60‑75% of community support services in the community and complete case management tasks. Recovery Counselors manage their own caseloads with support, consultation, and direction from their Team Leader. Office location: 1400 W Greenleaf Ave., Chicago, IL 60626.

Responsibilities

• Assess client’s personal, medical, emotional, social, and environmental situation through home, community, and office visits.
• Coordinate the establishment of an individual recovery plan with the client, client’s support system, and other care providers.
• Recognize and act on opportunities to move clients to appropriate levels of care; provide referrals to additional services as indicated.
• Assist clients in identifying signs and symptoms of de‑compensation.
• Work collaboratively with clients to identify coping skills to assist in managing symptoms and stressors.
• Assist clients in learning and improving independent living skills (personal hygiene, housekeeping, nutrition, shopping for food and personal items).
• Educate and assist clients with applying for entitlements (Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, LINK).
• Accompany clients to important community appointments and provide support with housing, substance use, budgeting, social support, and medication issues.
• Advocate on client’s behalf and empower clients to advocate for themselves when appropriate.
• Perform other related duties and/or projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, education, vocational counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, family therapy, or related human service field.
• Bachelor's degree in any other field with two years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting.
• Licensed Practical Nurse under the Nurse Practice Act [225 ILCS 65].
• Certificate of Psychiatric Rehabilitation from a DHS‑approved program, a high school diploma/GED, and two years’ experience in a mental health setting.
• CRSS certification through IAODAPCA.
• Family Partnership Professional certificate from and in good standing with IAODAPCA.
• Occupational Therapy Assistant licensed under the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act [225 ILCS 75] with one‑year experience in a mental health setting.
• High school diploma or GED and five years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting.
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License with daily access to a vehicle and $100,000/$300,000 auto liability insurance.
• Experience working with people with mental health and/or substance abuse diagnoses preferred.
• Experience in community‑based services preferred.

Benefits

• FREE Virtual Primary Care, Urgent Care, and Mental Health Counseling for ALL Employees
• PAID Maternity/Paternity leave
• Medical Insurance (BCBS of IL)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long‑Term & Short‑Term Disability
• Pet Insurance
• FSA (Health, Dependent Care, Transit)
• Telemedicine
• EAP
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match