Announcing the Launch of the CADC Workforce Expansion Program

The Illinois Certification Board (ICB) and the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS/SUPR) are pleased to share the launch of the CADC Workforce Expansion Program.

This initiative is a new workforce incentive program for certified alcohol and other drug counselors (CADCs) in Illinois. Under this program, individuals in an ICB Accredited Training Program (ATP) wishing to enter the substance use services field in Illinois can receive tuition payments, scholarships, internship stipends, and certification-related payments to obtain their CADC credential.

The program will also help with job placement, credential renewal, continuing education, and other incentives to reduce barriers to education and workforce participation. To be eligible for the program, individuals must pursue a CADC credential and agree to a 2-year employment period within an Illinois SUPR-licensed/SUPR-funded prevention, treatment, harm-reduction, or recovery organization.

Read the Original Press Release
Phase 1 Continuation - July 2023 through June 2024:

The three Funds for Phase 1 were continued: the CADC Workforce Retention Fund, the Initial CADC Application Fund, and the CADC Workforce Entry Fund.

  1. The CADC Workforce Retention Fund will provide funds to cover recertification fees for individuals with a CADC credential.
  2. The Initial CADC Application Fund will provide funding for those individuals applying for the CADC and covers application, exam, and initial certification fees. An individual may seek assistance for all of the fees or a specific fee. Each fee requires its own application. 
  3. The CADC Workforce Entry Fund will provide $1000 stipends to individuals who graduate from an ICB ATP between July 1, 2023, and June 28, 2024, and obtain employment in a licensed SUPR facility.

To view the applications, click here

Phase 2- Beginning July 1, 2023:

During the second phase, we will fully implement the CADC Workforce Expansion Program and provide funding to support individuals enrolled in an ICB ATP who wish to enter Illinois's substance use behavioral health field. During this phase, funding will cover tuition, scholarships, internship stipends, credential payments, and other wraparound services.

See list above for participating schools. For questions on how to participate as a student in Phase 2, please contact the participating schools representative listed here. 
 

Participating ATP Schools

Aurora University

Chicago School of Professional Psychology

College of Lake County

Governors State University

Kennedy-King College

Loyola University

Southern Illinois University – Carbondale

University of St. Francis

 

How to Become a CADC

Learn more about becoming a CADC.

Click for Details