Do you want a career where you can truly make a difference? The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is one of the largest human service providers in Lake County. We live our mission each day, promoting the health and well-being of all who live, work, and play in Lake County. If you are passionate about giving back and ready to be a part of an innovative team, we are looking for you!

Were currently looking for a Counselor that will lead Tobacco Prevention and Cessation initiatives on Lake County through policy development, advocacy, and direct services.  In this role you will be able to provide free individual and group counseling to help adults quit.  All participants are eligible to receive low-cost nicotine replacement therapy.  Quit kits are available for teens and adults.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

• Provides individual and group tobacco use cessation counseling to assist Lake County residents and workers in quitting tobacco use.
  • Includes the discussion and distribution of over the counter nicotine replacement products (patch, gum, lozenge), as well as knowledge and discussion of all FDA approved cessation medications and insurance requirements.
  • Responsible for maintaining a weekly schedule of clients and coordinating with clinic coordinators to ensure appropriate space is available.
• Provides education to individuals contemplating tobacco use cessation and explores and tailors cessation interventions to meet the needs of the clients.
• Monitors and documents clients’ progress toward meeting tobacco use cessation goals according to established protocols.
• Communicates clients’ progress or problems to their health care providers as needed.
• Utilizes “Motivational Interviewing” skills to facilitate change and reduce ambivalence with clients
• Organizes and oversees Nicotine Replacement Therapy supplies and distribution
• Reviews and recommends educational materials to promote and assist tobacco use cessation.
• Acts as a liaison between the Tobacco Free Lake County staff team and staff in Lake County Health Department’s Clinical Operations on issues related to tobacco use prevention and cessation.
• Participates in tobacco use prevention/cessation medical provider training, as needed.
• Participates in all assigned program reporting and evaluation activities.
• Attends Behavioral Health and Primary Care staff meetings as requested.

LOCATION: 3010 GRAND AVENUE, WAUKEGAN IL

HOURS: MONDAY THOUGH FRIDAY (8:30AM - 4:30PM) AND WEDNESDAY (12:00PM - 8:00PM)

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Assist and individually provide services to clients in the community and clinic settings
• Assist in the research, development and design of program protocol, client flow and educational materials
• Assess the learning needs of specific clients &/or groups and adjust services to meet those needs
• Assist in the development of marketing services and the recruitment of clients
  • Developing and reviewing media
• Develop and maintain positive contacts with allied community service providers
• Provide follow-up and referral where appropriate
• Maintain appropriate documentation of services in accordance with program procedures
• Participate in staff meetings
• Attend assigned training activities
• Maintain appropriate data collection for program evaluation activities
• Participate in the development of annual program goals and assess progress towards the achievement of the determined goals
• Participate in the process of work plan development and/or revisions

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, AND CERTIFICATION:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification/licensure
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (counseling, health education, social work, psychology, sociology, etc.)
  • With a bachelor’s degree, one year of experience is required; two years is preferred
  • Basic knowledge and understanding of prevention concepts and successful education approaches and techniques. Requires knowledge and understanding of addictions and addictive processes
  • Requires a valid Illinois driver's license and automobile insurance.

ABOUT THE PERKS:

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package with performance-based incentive plans. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit the Health Department page to get additional information on why you should work for us.

To learn more about the department you will be working for, please visit the {Insert Program/Department} information page. If you would like to learn more about our community impact and to see some of our employees in action, please review this short video.

Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Required Skills Required Experience