Residential Counselor
Chestnut Health Systems
Summary
We are seeking a Residential Counselor to join our team in the Central Region, supporting clients in our residential substance use and mental health treatment programs. This role provides direct client support in a structured, therapeutic environment and works closely with clinical and medical staff to promote recovery and ensure a safe, supportive setting.
Job description
Overview
We are seeking a Residential Counselor to join our team in the Central Region, supporting clients in our residential substance use and mental health treatment programs. This role provides direct client support in a structured, therapeutic environment and works closely with clinical and medical staff to promote recovery and ensure a safe, supportive setting.
Are you passionate about helping individuals on their recovery journey while working in a team-based environment? This position offers the opportunity to build meaningful connections with clients while supporting daily program operations and reinforcing recovery-focused behaviors.
This position is looking to fill Full-Time, Part-Time, or PRN schedules.
Pay Range: The anticipated starting pay for this position is $17.00 – $18.00 per hour.
Schedule: 7 am to 3:30 pm or 3p to 11:30 pm
Responsibilities
- Maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment by supervising clients and supporting daily program operations
- Collaborate with clinical and medical staff to support treatment goals and client care
- Provide behavioral and emotional support while reinforcing program expectations and guidelines
- Complete and maintain accurate documentation, including progress notes, admissions, discharges, attendance, and EMR records
- Assist with documentation required for local and state funding requirements
- Provide appropriate interventions within scope, including crisis intervention, case management support, and psychoeducational groups
- Assist clients with daily living activities and facilitate recreational, leisure, and skill-building groups
- Participate in team meetings, supervision, and client staffing to support coordinated care
- Monitor client activity, ensuring awareness of client location, safety, and interactions
- Assist with vital signs and medication observation as appropriate
- Promote recovery-oriented, trauma-informed care emphasizing respect, empowerment, and wellness
- Maintain confidentiality and uphold Chestnut’s customer service standards
Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent required
- Experience in substance use treatment, behavioral health, or related field preferred
- Must obtain Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) certification within 2 years of hire
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and electronic medical record (EMR) systems
- Valid driver’s license and insurability preferred
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Must obtain Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) certification within 2 years of hire
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and electronic medical record (EMR) systems
- Experience in substance use treatment, behavioral health, or related field preferred
- Valid driver’s license and insurability preferred
Benefits
- Shift Differential
Company overview
Chestnut Health Systems is a comprehensive not-for-profit healthcare organization founded in 1973 that provides integrated behavioral health and primary care services across Illinois and Missouri. As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), the organization delivers a wide range of services including mental health counseling, substance use treatment and recovery programs, primary medical care, dental services, housing assistance, and crisis intervention. With over 750 employees, Chestnut operates multiple locations and serves diverse communities through evidence-based treatment approaches. The organization is accredited by The Joint Commission and has established itself as a leader in researching evidence-based behavioral health treatments through its Lighthouse Institute. Chestnut's integrated care model connects physical and behavioral health services, offering whole-person care regardless of patients' ability to pay through sliding fee scales and insurance acceptance. In 2024 alone, the organization treated over 13,600 behavioral health clients, provided primary care to nearly 10,000 patients, and answered more than 305,000 calls for assistance.