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Addiction Counselor Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Substance use counselor will be in charge of assisting patients through medically assisting programs and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Counselor conducts group sessions and ...

Substance Use Counselor

Boston, MA · On-site

$25 - $30.47/hr

Substance use counselor will be in charge of assisting patients through medically assisting programs and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Counselor conducts group sessions and ...

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Addiction Counselor information

See Boston, MA salary details

$35.3K

$58.9K

$77.1K

How much do addiction counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counselor in Boston, MA is $58,908.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,400.00 and $66,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an addiction counselor?

To thrive as an Addiction Counselor, you need a background in psychology or counseling, state licensure or certification, and specialized training in substance abuse treatment. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), motivational interviewing techniques, and standardized assessment tools is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and cultural sensitivity are crucial for building trust and effectively supporting clients through recovery. These skills and qualifications are essential to provide ethical, evidence-based care and to foster lasting positive change in clients' lives.

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

AspectAddiction CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsOften requires certification or licensure (e.g., CADC, LPC)Similar certifications, often overlapping with addiction counseling
Work EnvironmentClinics, rehab centers, hospitals, community agenciesRehab centers, outpatient clinics, community health settings
Industry UsageCommonly used term for professionals helping with addiction issuesOften used interchangeably, but sometimes more focused on substance-specific treatment

Both Addiction Counselors and Substance Abuse Counselors work in similar environments and often hold comparable certifications. The main difference lies in terminology; Addiction Counselors typically have a broader focus on various addictive behaviors, while Substance Abuse Counselors may focus more specifically on substance-related issues. However, in practice, these roles are often interchangeable, and the choice of title depends on employer preference or certification specifics.

What does an addiction counselor do?

An addiction counselor helps individuals who are struggling with substance abuse or behavioral addictions. They assess clients’ needs, develop treatment plans, provide emotional support, and lead individual or group therapy sessions. Addiction counselors also educate clients and their families about addiction, help them develop coping strategies, and connect them with additional resources for recovery. Their goal is to support clients on their journey to achieve and maintain sobriety.

What are some common challenges addiction counselors face when working with clients, and how can they effectively address them?

Addiction Counselors often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to treatment, and managing clients with co-occurring mental health disorders. Building a trusting relationship is crucial, as is maintaining patience and empathy throughout the recovery process. Counselors frequently collaborate with healthcare professionals, social workers, and families to create a supportive network for clients. Continuous professional development and self-care are important for managing the emotional demands of the role.

Is addiction counseling a good career?

Addiction counseling is a rewarding career that involves helping individuals recover from substance use disorders. It typically requires relevant education, certification, and strong interpersonal skills, with job growth expected due to increasing awareness of addiction issues. The role often involves working in clinical or community settings and may require ongoing training and licensure.

What degree is best for an addiction counselor?

The most common degree for an addiction counselor is a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. Many positions also require or prefer a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work, along with relevant certification or licensure. These qualifications help develop the skills needed to assess, treat, and support individuals with addiction issues.

How many years does it take to be an addiction counselor?

Becoming an addiction counselor typically requires completing a bachelor's degree in a related field, which takes about four years, followed by obtaining relevant certifications or licenses that may require additional training or supervised experience. Some positions may also require a master's degree, adding two more years of education. Overall, it can take approximately 4 to 6 years to become fully qualified as an addiction counselor.
What are the most commonly searched types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Boston, MA? The most popular types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Boston, MA are:
What job categories do people searching Addiction Counselor jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Addiction Counselor jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Addiction Counselor jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Addiction Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Addiction Counselor job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,908 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Substance Abuse Counselor

VitalCore Health Strategies

Bridgewater, MA • On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


VitalCore Health Strategies rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Join the VitalCore Health Strategies Team! We’re people who are fueled by passion, not by profit.


VitalCore Health Strategies (VCHS), an industry leader in Correctional Health Care has an opening for a Full-Time, Day Shift Substance Addiction Counselor. This position will work at both Old Colony Correctional Center (OCCC) and Massachusetts Treatment Center in Bridgewater MA!


You will be given the opportunity to utilize your training, skills and experience in a face-to-face setting with people from a variety of socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. Being able to see the impact you are making with these individuals, when they are at their lowest, least hopeful points. You will be working as part of a Multi-Disciplinary Team comprised of Medical, Psychiatry, Ancillary, Security, Legal, community providers and psychiatric hospitals. The best part of this – It is done in real-time with real people!


SUBSTANCE ADDICTION COUNSELOR PACKAGE TO INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Holiday Pay: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
  • Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Short Term/Long Term Disability
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Animal/Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program and Discount Center
  • 401K
  • PTO
  • Annual Incentive Bonus

SUBSTANCE ADDICTION COUNSELOR POSITION SUMMARY
The Substance Addiction Counselor will work as part of a multidisciplinary team with all other disciplines on the Behavioral Health Unit to provide a proactive and collaborative approach in serving the patient population. The Substance Addiction Counselor is responsible for delivering quality treatment to justice involved individuals with varying levels of substance use/abuse issues, and who are using a variety of addictive substances. The Counselor will collaborate with all disciplines to attain effectiveness in serving the patient population.
SUBSTANCE ADDICTION COUNSELOR MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • Graduation from a Bachelor's level program or higher
  • Minimum of 2 years employment in a clinician/counselor/social work capacity in a public or private agency or equivalent preferred.
  • Must have a substance use certification (i.e., CAC, CADC, CAADC, LADC)
  • Must receive a satisfactory background investigation report

SUBSTANCE ADDICTION COUNSELOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Professionals will provide crisis stabilization, complete intakes and on-going evaluations, and provide consultation to in-house and community services.
  • Assesses individual’s level of functioning, strengths and weaknesses related to primary substance use diagnosis
  • Orients individual to treatment process/program goal
  • Delivers and reinforces evidence-based treatment/curricula.
  • Develops treatment and discharge plans in conjunction with Qualified Behavioral Health Professionals
  • Performs individual and group therapeutic interventions as appropriate.
  • Delivers and scores/interprets pre and post-tests, to include post-program surveys, as indicated.
  • Maintains confidentiality
  • Possesses excellent communication skill
  • Provides the timely and necessary preparation of documentation, records and reports.
  • Educates individuals on the effects of substance use on their physical, social and emotional lives.
  • Participate in monthly behavioral health calls, work collaborative with the medical team to best determine overall treatment for each individual.
  • Works with other professionals to collaborate on treatment or management of the patient to include discharge into, aftercare program/community
  • The Substance Addiction Counselor performs risk assessment of clients; coordination of care with interdisciplinary team including medical staff, community providers, psychiatric hospitals and corrections; and discharge planning.
  • The Substance Addiction Counselor assists in planning and implementing the goals and objectives of programs and projects.
  • The Substance Addiction Counselor provides the necessary preparation of documentation, necessary records and reports.
  • The Substance Addiction Counselor utilizes clinical skills such as prioritizing treatment needs; crisis management; brief clinical interventions including CBT and Motivational Interviewing.
  • Excellent and timely documentation skills required.
  • The ideal candidate is able to make independent clinical decisions, while utilizing assistance and supervisory intervention, as needed.

VitalCore Health Strategies is an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.



Keywords: LPC, LSW, Correctional Facility, Behavioral Health, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Social Worker, LCSW, LCPC, LMSW, LPC, substance use disorder, SUD, mental health




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