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“The idea came from the fact that both the Illinois Department
of Human Services and the Illinois Certification Board recognize
that there is a workforce crisis in the human service sector and
we have seen that the number of people applying to come into the
field to be a certified alcohol/drug counselor is not keeping up
with the number of people exiting the field because of an aging
population,” Boyster told The Center Square. “This program is
also going to provide such things as tuition assistance, job
placement and other services that might be obstacles to someone
completing their program.”
Since recently launching The Certified Alcohol and Drug
Counselor, or CADC Workforce Expansion Program, Boyster insists
organizers have already started to see an increase in the number
of individuals applying for the program. The hope is now that
Phase 2 is in operation, growth will be even more pronounced.
Residents currently enrolled in an ICB Accredited Training
Program who have plans of entering a services field can also
apply for tuition assistance, scholarship programs and
internship stipends.
Boyster adds his experiences have taught him that certain types
of individuals make for the best CADC students and ultimately
professional counselors.
“You got to have a passion to help others,” he said. “Obviously,
you’re not going to become a millionaire by working in this
arena, but you’ll get paid back tenfold by helping those often
at the lowest point of their life that need help. A lot of
times, people that have been in recovery themselves want to go
out and help others.”
While more than 1.5 million Illinoisans are now annually
affected by substance use disorder, a deeper data dive also
points to the impact the field of CADC workers have had, with
their work ultimately increasing the chances of an individual
recovering largely based on the emotional and psychological
support they provide.
“The Department of Human Services has been working to address
this issue because they’ve heard it from the provider community
for a very long time,” Boyster added. “I think this is an
exciting collaboration and investment in the futures of those
who want to work in the field.”
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