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Peer Support Specialist/Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC) - School of Public Health

University of Illinois Chicago
life insurance, paid time off, retirement plan
United States, Illinois, Chicago
Feb 03, 2026


Peer Support Specialist/Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC) - School of Public Health

Peer Support Specialist/Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC) - School of Public Health

Hiring Department: Commty Outreach Intervent Proj

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1039344

FTE: 1

Work Schedule: 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Shift: Days

# of Positions: 1

Workplace Type: On-Site

Posting Close Date: February 16, 2026

Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $28.20 - 28.20 / Hourly Wage

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The Peer Support Specialist Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)/Outreach Worker at UIC Community Outreach Intervention Projects (COIP) will play a vital role in the implementation of a new contingency management program within COIP's Mobile MOUD Program. This will include meeting with individual clients, identifying recovery goals, providing brief counseling sessions, delivering contingency management, and referrals for additional services. The role will require knowledge of harm reduction, opioid overdose prevention, and community outreach in Chicago. This position requires a deep understanding of local drug use dynamics and the ability to engage effectively with individuals at risk. The Peer Support Specialist CADC will work collaboratively with a team to deliver comprehensive services through the mobile health van.

Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Conduct behavioral health assessment and develop individualized recovery plan.
  • Provide individual counseling using evidence-based practices cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), etc.
  • Educate client about addiction and recovery processes
  • Deliver contingency management according to evidence-based protocols.
  • Manage client cases, including documentation, progress monitoring, and coordination with healthcare providers.
  • Facilitate referral/linkage to additional resources and to COIP field station-based services.
  • Develop and maintain strong connections with the local community, leveraging personal knowledge and relationships to enhance outreach efforts.
  • Conduct outreach activities to identify and engage individuals at risk of opioid overdose and those involved in local drug use scenes.
  • Create a welcoming and non-judgmental environment within the mobile van for service provision.
  • Assist individuals with accessing peer recovery support, housing, identification documents, food pantry, and other social services.


Minimum Qualifications Required:

  1. High school diploma or equivalent.
  2. One (1) year (12 months) of "lived" (or extensive "lived") experienceii in sustained recovery and reentry in the area(s) of specialization inherent to the position or of work experienceii:
    • Incarceration
    • Chronic health management (diabetes, hypertension, cancer, etc.)
    • Mental/behavioral health management
    • Substance abuse (illicit drug or alcohol dependency)
  3. Eighteen months (18 months) of work experience comparable to the Peer Support Assistant of this series.iii
  4. (CADC) Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor- Certification


ii Note: This experience may include personal experience as a parent, guardian, or a loved one you have supported through such a journey.

iii Note: The possession of a valid and current Certification in the area(s) of specialization inherent to the position from an accredited organization may be substituted for #3 above if not used to meet the Minimum Acceptable Qualification.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor license
  • Previous experience in harm reduction, community outreach, or related fields.
  • Familiarity with local social service resources and networks.
  • Lived experience within the targeted communities not required but would be helpful.
  • Knowledge of local drug use scenes and harm reduction principles.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Comfortable working in diverse and dynamic environments.
  • Understanding and commitment to the principles of harm reduction and community-based outreach.


To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.

Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required within 180 days of employment.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

To apply, visit https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/18981?c=uic

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