Substance Abuse Specialist

Position Summary Substance Use Specialist - ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) Provide intensive, holistic, recovery‑oriented behavioral health services to adults living with serious and persistent mental illness who desire to live independently and engage fully in community life. Key Responsibilities Provide assessment, service planning and supportive counseling services. Offer independent living skills training, supportive therapy, case management, community support, crisis intervention and stabilization services to ACT clients. Deliver integrated and individualized substance use treatment to clients with co‐occurring disorders. Coordinate with SUPR staff at KYC for substance use treatment for ACT clients. Consult with medical, clinical agency and ACT team staff to assist with treatment planning, assessment and service provision. Apply recovery and harm reduction principles to help ACT clients meet substance use goals. Facilitate referrals for additional services consistent with assessed needs and desired outcomes. Assist with services to improve client ADLS and independent living skills, including money management, apartment maintenance, and medication training. Promote symptom stabilization through medication monitoring, education, and ensuring participants take medication as prescribed. Promote physical health and address substance use issues, establish access to entitlements, and develop skills for community engagement. Support clients who are unhoused or in temporary housing to locate permanent housing. Collaborate with ACT members to integrate care and share clinical responsibilities, ensuring adequate coverage. Coordinate with Comprehensive Transition Team and Front Door Team to support transitions to more independent living. Consult with other KYC Team members (front door, comprehensive transition team, vocational, psychosocial rehabilitation, substance use, outpatient therapy, and psychiatry) to address client needs and coordinate care strategies. Encourage clients to build natural support systems through recreational, spiritual, educational, vocational, volunteer and civic activities. Participate in 24/7 on‐call crisis and stabilization coverage and regular team meetings. Work with the ACT team supervisor and program staff to assess, plan, and deliver services. Maintain productivity target estimated at 40–50% billable services. Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and training as directed. Interpret and communicate Center policies and procedures. Complete all clinical documentation and reports accurately and timely. Meet agency quality and compliance standards. Work Environment Employee works in an office setting up to 50% of the time; 40–50% in the community providing case management at client homes. Services are delivered flexibly to meet clients’ needs, including evenings, weekends, and a rotating on‑call schedule. Education, Experience and Other Requirements Preferred: Master’s Degree in social work, psychology or related discipline. Preferred: CADC certification. 1–2 years experience working with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness and co‑occurring substance use issues. Preferred exposure to non‑traditional treatment environments (in‑home, residential, hospital, nursing facility, community). At least 1 year specialized training or experience providing substance use services. Basic computer proficiency (Word, Internet, Microsoft 365/Teams). Smartphone messaging and internal collaboration skills. Valid Illinois driver’s license and daily access to a well‑maintained insured vehicle. Schedule & Compensation Full‑time, 37.5 hour work week. Flexible schedule including evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays. On‑call rotation for 24/7 coverage (additional stipend). Salary: $62,500. Benefits Standard company benefits included for full‑time employees (health, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off). Location Office located in Mt. Prospect and Elk Grove, with frequent client visits throughout the Chicagoland area. Remote work allowed. #J-18808-Ljbffr