The CADC Counselor provides substance use disorder (SUD) assessment, counseling, and recovery support services to individuals and families. This role delivers evidence-based interventions to support clients in achieving and maintaining sobriety, while addressing co-occurring mental health needs. Services are provided in a community-based setting. This position is supported through a grant funded by CDPH (Chicago Department of Public Health), which is part of a two-year cycle ending December 31, 2028, with plans to apply for renewal for an additional grant cycle.
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Provide individual and group counseling to individuals with substance use and cooccurring disorders.
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Conduct comprehensive substance use and mental health assessments.
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Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized treatment plans.
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Facilitate psychoeducational and therapeutic groups focused on recovery, relapse prevention, and life skills.
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Monitor client progress and adjust treatment approaches as needed.
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Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation.
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Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including medical providers, case managers, and mental health clinicians.
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Provide referrals and coordinate care with external providers and community resources.
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Support clients in developing relapse prevention strategies and coping skills.
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Integrate evidencebased practices such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and traumainformed approaches.
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Educate clients and families on substance use, mental health, recovery processes, and available supports.
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Provide presentations on mental health and substance use topics to community partners and stakeholders as needed.
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Participate in Bright Star Community Outreach's fundraising and public relations events and efforts as needed and to the extent that it does not interfere with other job duties.
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MUST Pass a CPS background check.
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Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field required.
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Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) required (staterecognized credential).
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Clinical licensure (e.g., LSW, LPC, LCSW, LCPC) preferred but not required.
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Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is required.
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Experience working with individuals with substance use and cooccurring disorders preferred.
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Knowledge of evidencebased practices such as MI, CBT, and relapse prevention.
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Familiarity with 12step and other recoveryoriented models.
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Strong clinical assessment and counseling skills.
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Ability to engage and motivate clients in various stages of change.
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Effective group facilitation and presentation skills.
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Strong organizational and documentation skills.
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Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
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Cultural humility and commitment to equitable care.
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Communitybased setting.
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May require travel.
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance with a health reimbursement account (HRA). Optional health savings account or flexible spending account options and supplemental disability insurance. Company-provided life insurance and supplemental life insurance options available. Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
Bright Star Community Outreach is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Over the course of our proud twelve-year history, Bright Star Community Outreach has made significant contributions to the renewal of Chicago’s most vulnerable communities as a 501C3 nonprofit organization. Driven by our hope for change in this city and the families that call it home, Bright Star’s presence has been marked by effective programming, social development, and advocacy; particularly in the 3rd and 4th wards of Chicago’s south side.
