Substance Abuse Counselor (PRN)

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. The organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters.

Join our team and make a meaningful impact by delivering high-quality clinical services to underserved populations. Gateway values teamwork, professional growth, diversity, equity, and inclusion, offering a vibrant culture where you can align your career with your values.

About the role

This position is located at the Gateway Foundation Residential/Outpatient Drug Rehab Center in Aurora, IL.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and facilitating group counseling sessions, educational programs, and lectures to assist clients in meeting therapeutic goals
• Conducting individual counseling to provide crisis intervention, support & guidance, and address client behaviors and personal problems
• Documenting clients’ progress and responses to treatment
• Maintaining client records; ensuring records are complete, accurate, and up to date
• Monitoring clients in medication self-administration
• Ensuring client safety and well-being
• Monitoring client behavior during social, recreational, or daily activities
• Enforcing house rules
• Scheduling, coordinating, and transporting clients to appointments and maintaining the vehicle
• Collecting urine samples and administering breathalyzer
• Other duties as assigned

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 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
• 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 identify and comply with traffic signals and signs

Pay

Compensation range begins at $19.23 - $24.47 per hour, based on experience and credentials. Gateway Foundation conducts annual reviews including merit increases.

Benefits

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 CEUs and job-related training
• Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance