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Addiction Counseling Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Certified Addiction Counselor

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$25 - $33.30/hr

... provide counseling services to patients with substance abuse addiction problems within the scope of their certification. The CAC will assess and analyze emotional conditions, explore possible ...

Certified Addiction Counselor

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$25 - $33.30/hr

... provide counseling services to patients with substance abuse addiction problems within the scope of their certification. The CAC will assess and analyze emotional conditions, explore possible ...

Certified Addiction Counselor

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$25 - $33.30/hr

... provide counseling services to patients with substance abuse addiction problems within the scope of their certification. The CAC will assess and analyze emotional conditions, explore possible ...

Certified Addiction Counselor

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$25 - $33.30/hr

... provide counseling services to patients with substance abuse addiction problems within the scope of their certification. The CAC will assess and analyze emotional conditions, explore possible ...

Certified Addiction Counselor

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$25 - $33.30/hr

... provide counseling services to patients with substance abuse addiction problems within the scope of their certification. The CAC will assess and analyze emotional conditions, explore possible ...

Addictions Counselor

Pasadena, MD ยท On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

We are currently seeking a full-time Addictions Counselor to join our clinical team. Candidates must possess at least an ADT (Alcohol and Drug Trainee) credential. Position Details: Status: Full-Time ...

Showing results 21-40

Addiction Counseling information

See Washington salary details

$41.9K

$60K

$79.8K

How much do addiction counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counseling in Washington is $60,026.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,100.00 and $63,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do addiction counselors typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals to support client recovery?

Addiction counselors often work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, psychiatrists, social workers, and case managers, to provide comprehensive care for clients. This collaboration ensures that clients receive support for both their substance use issues and any co-occurring mental or physical health concerns. Regular team meetings, shared treatment plans, and coordinated referrals are common practices. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as they help create a unified approach to each client's recovery journey.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an addiction counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Addiction Counselor, you need a background in psychology or social work, specialized training in substance abuse counseling, and often state licensure or certification. Familiarity with assessment tools, electronic health records, and evidence-based therapy methods like CBT or motivational interviewing is typically required. Compassion, active listening, and strong interpersonal skills help build trust and motivate clients through recovery. These skills and qualifications are essential for providing effective support, ensuring ethical practice, and facilitating positive outcomes for individuals struggling with addiction.

What is the difference between Addiction Counseling vs Substance Abuse Counseling?

AspectAddiction CounselingSubstance Abuse Counseling
CredentialsOften requires certification such as Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)Similar certifications, often CAC or Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor
Work EnvironmentClinics, rehab centers, outpatient programsRehab facilities, outpatient clinics, community health centers
Industry UsageUsed interchangeably in many settings, focus on addiction recoveryFocuses specifically on substance abuse issues, often used in treatment programs

Both Addiction Counseling and Substance Abuse Counseling involve helping individuals overcome addiction and substance-related issues. While they share similar credentials and work environments, Addiction Counseling often emphasizes a broader approach to addiction recovery, whereas Substance Abuse Counseling specifically targets substance-related problems. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, but understanding their nuances can help in choosing the right career or treatment path.

What is addiction counseling?

Addiction counseling is a professional service that helps individuals struggling with substance abuse or behavioral addictions. Counselors work with clients to understand the root causes of their addiction, develop coping strategies, and create personalized treatment plans. They often use various therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and group counseling. The goal of addiction counseling is to support clients in achieving and maintaining recovery, improving their mental health, and rebuilding their lives.
What job categories do people searching Addiction Counseling jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Addiction Counseling jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Addiction Counseling jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Addiction Counseling job openings:
Infographic showing various Addiction Counseling job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,026 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Emotional Wellness Therapist, Addictions

Community of Hope

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Washington, DC Hybrid $75K - $85K Washington Post Top Workplace (8x Winner)
Do you have a passion for providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health support to individuals and families seeking to improve their emotional well-being? Community of Hope is seeking a dedicated and empathetic Emotional Wellness Therapist specializing in providing professional addiction counseling and psychotherapy services within a supportive and respectful environment. As an Emotional Wellness Therapist, you'll empower individuals and families experiencing addiction as well as common co-occurring mental health stressors such as anxiety, depression, trauma etc. by providing diagnostic assessment, treatment planning, and professional counseling through various effective intervention methods, meeting clinical standards within the appropriate scope of practice. This position is located at our Family Health and Birth Center in NE, Washington, DC.
Our Approach and Values
We celebrate people's strengths and acknowledge the impact of trauma on people's lives.
We embrace diversity, welcome all voices, and treat everyone with respect and compassion.
We lead and advocate for changes to make systems more equitable.
We strive for excellence and value integrity in all that we do.
What You'll Do
  • Supervises assigned Emotional Wellness Case Manager, Addictions position and supports the effectiveness of their interventions which includes effective case management services, community engagement, coordination of care and other departmental requirements.
  • Provides consultation and guidance surrounding substance use disorders and/or co-occurring disorders including staying up to date with best practices, current drug trends and resources within the community.
  • Provides professional addiction counseling and psychotherapy to clients of the health center, including diagnostic assessment, treatment planning, and professional counseling to individuals in need of addressing Substance Use Disorders and or co-occurring disorders.
  • Interviews, evaluates, and assigns a diagnosis to new clients with complex problems relating to alcohol, other drug abuse and co-occurring disorders.
  • Completes required screening tools to assess clinical diagnoses and monitor symptoms, quarterly, or more frequently as needed. Completes a treatment plan for all short-term therapy clients by the 2nd scheduled session and for long-term therapy clients by the 4th scheduled session.
  • Monitors client progress through the course of treatment, reevaluating and adapting the treatment plan at required intervals. Updates treatment plan at least every 3 months or more frequently as appropriate.
  • Provides crisis intervention per the clinician's licensing and COH guidelines, to include addressing suicidal/homicidal ideations.
  • Provides all types of addiction recovery, treatment coordination and systematic reporting of progress, recommendations, and referrals in accordance with applicable program guidelines.
  • Follows COH's clinical protocols at all times, including by contacting Child and Family Services Administration, Adult Protective Services, Mobile Crisis, and/or 911 when appropriate.
  • Helps identify and address related problems affecting addiction recovery, such as housing, vocational rehabilitation, and social integration, and coordinates service delivery with other health center staff and community providers.

Requirements
Must-Haves
  • LGSW/LICSW or LGPC/LPC required, with experience treating persons with addictive disorders. Any providers who are licensed in another state who provide a copy of their license to Talent Management are also eligible for licensure reimbursement.
  • BLS Certification.
  • Minimum of one year of experience providing Substance Use Disorder (SUD) therapy.
  • Ability to travel between sites.
  • Ability to work evening or weekend hours depending on client needs and organization events.
  • Ability to work with technology and electronic health records.
  • Thorough knowledge of substance abuse treatment principles, counseling techniques, diagnostic assessment, and treatment planning.
  • Experience in facilitating SUD group therapy, Co-occurring group therapy, and psycho-education groups on recovery.
  • Ability to accurately complete assessment and diagnostic forms as part of the medical record.
  • Ability to appropriately intervene in situations involving hostile clients or individuals experiencing a crisis.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff and the treatment community.
  • Clinical Skills in group and family counseling and psychotherapy.
  • Sensitivity to diverse cultural, ethnic, and sexual orientation identity issues.
  • Proof of vaccinations is required. COH will consider requests for reasonable accommodations for anyone who cannot be vaccinated for a religious or medical reason, subject to applicable law.

Nice-to-Haves
  • Experience in a community health center setting.
  • Knowledge of community resources or the ability to become knowledgeable.
  • Sensitivity to diverse cultural, ethnic, sexual orientation identity issues.

Why You'll Love Working Here!
At COH, we prioritize the following well-being and work-life balance-centered benefits:
  • 8 x Washington Post 150 Top Workplaces winner.
  • 8-hour workdays with paid lunch.
  • 3 weeks vacation (additional week after two years), 2 weeks sick leave, + 11.5 paid holidays and one personal floating holiday on an annual basis.
  • Annual performance-based raises, up to 5% of your annual pay.
  • Tuition reimbursement & loan repayment (NHSC & DCHPLRP), Licensing reimbursement & CEU funding.
  • Medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance + 403(b) retirement.
  • Leadership development, internal promotions and career growth opportunities.
  • A culture grounded in equity, compassion, and well-being.

About Us
Community of Hope is a mission-driven, innovative, rapidly growing nonprofit, and Federally Qualified Health Center. For over 45 years, we have provided health and housing services, perinatal care coordination, and community support services to make Washington, DC more equitable. Community of Hope also strongly emphasizes maternal and child health, with midwifery practice and the only free-standing birth center in DC. We are honored to be one of DC's largest providers of housing and homelessness prevention services for families and individuals throughout DC. Through our Family Success Center, our WIC nutrition centers, and our various partnerships, we have reached hundreds and believe that everyone in DC deserves to be healthy, housed, and hopeful. With the help of our amazing staff, we have successfully provided:
  • 50,000+ medical visits
  • 6,300+ dental visits
  • 17,000+ emotional wellness visits
  • 1,384 families and 220 individuals with housing/homelessness prevention services

Ready to bring hope and health to our DC community? Apply today! To request a reasonable accommodation to complete an employment application or for general questions about employment with Community of Hope, contact a Recruiting Coordinator. Email: hr@cohdc.org Phone: 202-407-7747. Community of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.
Salary Description
$80,000 - $85,000