Substance Use Counselor - Up to $28/hr + Loan Forgiveness

Are you passionate about helping individuals overcome addiction and build a new future? Do you want to use your leadership skills to guide a dedicated team supporting adults on their sobriety journey? Join Lutheran Social Services is hiring a Substance Use Disorder Counselor for L.E. Phillips, a new 50‑bed residential treatment program for adults in Chippewa Falls set to open late spring/early summer 2026! The program will be providing substance use disorder treatment and restorative justice services.

We're looking for candidates who hold a valid Substance Abuse Counselor - In Training (SAC-IT) credential from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services and are ready to make a meaningful impact.

This is a full-time, benefit eligible position.

SAC-IT - $22.75 per hour

SAC- $26 per hour

CSAC- $28 per hour

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

• Provides addiction counseling with supervision and/or case management services to clients in an outpatient, residential or case management setting.
• Completes assessments, diagnostics, screening and referral. Obtains required additional supervision if using UPC, ASAM, AODA assessments such as SUDDs or DSM/ICD 10 criteria.
• Provides Employment Specialist services to clients as needed.
• Prepares and completes all required documentation according to state, federal and agency standards in a timely manner.
• Coordinates, plans and facilitates client sessions, including group and individual services.
• Provides a high level of excellence in communication internally and to our external partners, both written and verbal.
• May provide outreach and education to the public/market services.
• Provides a high level of case management services and coordinates the various social, community and mental health services received by clients.
• Attends and participates in staff development programs, including in-services training, staff meetings, clinical supervision meetings, and similar opportunities.
• Provides all services in a timely manner according to program, licensing and contractual requirements.
• Establishes and maintains effective public and working relationships and collateral contracts.
• Serves as a positive role-model for clients and their families.
• Performs other duties as required.

PERKS:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• By being employed with LSS, which is a non-profit agency, you can be eligible for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Loans are eligible to be forgiven after 10 years of on-time and consistent payments through the income-based re-payment plan.
• LSS Clinical Managers (View email address on jobs2careers.com) and Human Capital employees can assist you in applying for this benefit.
• Licensure and Exam Fees
  • If the employee has been with LSS for 1 year prior, they will receive full reimbursement for licensure and/or exam costs for your first attempt. LSS also pays for bi-annual renewals.
  • If the employee is considered part-time, LSS will pay for half of the associated licensure and exam costs for your first attempt. LSS also pays for bi-annual renewals.
• It is required for your position to maintain a state license in a mental health or substance abuse related field.
• Clinical Supervision and Consultation
• We offer a free, robust clinical supervision experience for any type of licensure that focuses not only on client needs, but employee development.
• Training
• LSS is focused on the continued growth of our employees and ensuring we provide high quality services.
• LSS employees are eligible for receiving internal as well as financial support for external trainings to support your growth and required Continuing Education (CEU) credits.
• Flexibility
• LSS is a family/employee-focused agency which values work-life balance.
• Employees can adjust their schedules to accommodate personal commitments by flexing their schedule or utilizing time off.
• Benefits Package
• 10 paid holidays (ex: Christmas Eve, MLK Jr. Day, Memorial Day, etc.)
• 2 personal days
• Sick & Vacation Time
• Retirement – 403b Match
• LSS makes annual raises and additional bonuses a priority for employees

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Upon offer, candidates must successfully complete the necessary background, caregiver, medical and any other checks required, according to program requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
• Associate's Degree in a human-service or correctional field required, bachelor's degree preferred but not required.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience working with a correctional population preferred.
• Working knowledge of addictions and recovery, counseling and case management principles and methods.
• Knowledge of the federal, state, and local rules and regulations governing the delivery of AODA services.
• Ability to provide professional addictions services to clients and their families.
• Possession of a valid SAC-IT when performing AODA duties or experience/commensurate degree for case management services.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
• Must have a valid driver's license and have reliable transportation to perform the essential duties of the role; a motor vehicle check (MVR) with a satisfactory driving record per the LSS Driver Safety Procedure is required, and ability to meet LSS auto insurance requirements.
• Possession of a valid SAC-IT when performing AODA duties or experience/commensurate degree for case management services.

TRAVEL: Ability to travel on day trips as required up to 25%. Some overnight travel may be required.

LSS is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).