Announcing the Launch of the CADC Workforce Expansion Program

The Illinois Certification Board (ICB) and the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (IDHS/DBHR) are pleased to share the re-launch of the CADC Workforce Expansion Program for Fiscal Year 2026.

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 DBHR-licensed/DBHR-funded prevention, treatment, harm-reduction, or recovery organization.

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Phase 1 Continuation - September 2025 through June 2026:

Two Funds for Phase 1 were continued: the CADC Workforce Retention Fund and the Initial CADC Application 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.

To View More Details and to Access the Application >

Phase 2- CONTINUED:

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.

These funds are part of a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) as part of the CADC Workforce Expansion Program.

Participating ATP Schools

Aurora University

Chicago School of Professional Psychology

College of DuPage

College of Lake County

Governors State University

Lewis University

Loyola University

University of St. Francis

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How to Become a CADC

Learn more about becoming a CADC.

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