Program Manager / Diversion Counselor

Job Description

Family Guidance Centers, Inc. (FGC), a not-for-profit behavioral healthcare organization, treats and prevents substance use disorder, as well as an of other related problems. Since 1969, FGC’s comprehensive programming has educated and guided individuals toward their full potential as productive members within their own families and our society. Family Guidance Centers, Inc seeks to support the behavioral health of individuals, families, and communities through our commitment to innovation, accountability, and compassionate care to facilitate positive, lasting change.

The Counselor plays a vital role in the Narcotics Arrest Diversion Program (NADP) - a citywide initiative that offers individuals arrested for possession of small amounts of illicit substances a second chance through treatment instead of prosecution. In this position, the counselor will provide direct clinical services, including assessments, case coordination, and discharge planning, to help clients access the care and support they need to recover.

Working on-site in partnership with the Chicago Police Department (CPD) , Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) , and community partners, the position will help connect clients to harm reduction and treatment services, coordinate warm hand-offs, and promote ongoing engagement in recovery. This grant-funded role is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on public safety and community health by reducing recidivism and preventing opioid-related overdoses across Chicago.

Essential Duties :

• Responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, with a particular focus on collaboration and engagement with the Chicago Police Department (CPD).
• Serve as the primary liaison between the organization and CPD to facilitate collaboration and mutual understanding.
• Identify opportunities for daily operational process improvement through continuous assessment of procedures, communication channels, and program workflows.
• Approves all schedules ensuring adequate and continuous coverage for all programming at site.
• Conduct patient biopsychosocial assessments using standard practice put in place.
• Assess substance use severity.
• Provide case management, discharge planning, and aftercare coordination.
• Develop and direct prospective referrals to FGC and other treatment providers, as appropriate and in accordance with clients’ needs and wishes.
• Communicate with and counsel family members (with appropriate patient consent) to support treatment goals.
• Maintain a minimum of 50% of time in direct, face-to-face counseling contact.
• Drafts employee probationary and annual performance reviews, discusses these prepared documents with the Administrator to review & make the necessary revisions, and deliver the review with each employee he / she directly supervises in a timely manner.
• In conjunction with FGC’s Human Resources Department, makes employment (hiring, promotion, termination, re-assignments) recommendations
• Onboards and trains new staff, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of role responsibilities, workflows, and organizational policies.

Schedule : (4 : 30p - 12 : 30a); availability to work on Saturday or Sunday is required.

Start Date : ASAP

Work Location : 2630 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL

Pay Rate : $60,000 - $70,000

Family Guidance Centers, Inc. is a Drug Free Environment (including THC and / or CBD).

DCFS clearance required.

Family Guidance Centers, Inc. is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity without regard for race, ethnicity , pregnancy, gender, protected veterans status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion.

Experience and Skills :

Education and / or Experience : Bachelor’s in Psychology, Social Work, or counseling degree is required . Master’s degree preferred, not required. Some working knowledge of ASAM clinical guidelines, DHS / SUPR contractual language and deliverable expectations, JCAHO / CARF guidelines, DEA, and CSAT rules, regulations and guidelines is preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations : IAODAPCA Certified Alcohol and Other Drugs Counselor (CADC) required. State of Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Social Worker or Licensed Clinical Social Worker preferred, not required. Current driver’s license and vehicle insurance.