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Addiction Counselor Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Substance Use Counselor

Peabody, MA · On-site

$25.20 - $28/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 ...

Substance Use Counselor

Woburn, MA · On-site

$25.20 - $28.84/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 ...

Substance Use Counselor

Chelsea, MA · On-site

$27 - $30/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 ...

Substance Use Counselor

Boston, MA · On-site

$26.50 - $30/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 ...

OTP Substance Use Counselor

Boston, MA · On-site

$26.50 - $29.32/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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counselor in Boston, MA is $58,911.00, 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 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 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 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.

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.

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, which generally takes an additional two years to complete.

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 supervision.

What degree is best for an addiction counselor?

A bachelor's degree in addiction counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field is typically required for addiction counselor roles. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree and relevant certification, such as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), to advance in the profession and provide specialized treatment.

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 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 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,911 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Substance Use Counselor

baymark

Peabody, MA • On-site

$25.20 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Conducts individual initial assessment and evaluation interviews for service eligibility determination

  • Provides individual and group counseling services, including facilitating treatment plans and reviewing progress

  • Develops aftercare plans and discharge plans


Job description

Description
Position at Health Care Resource Centers
Compassionate Substance Use Counselor Needed!
Position Overview:
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 individual sessions to assist with crisis management and coping strategies. Additionally, the counselor will evaluate patients' progress during therapy. Substance abuse counselors may also need to collaborate with doctors, nurses, and therapists for patients' therapy and treatment for the best overall outcome.
Responsibilities:
  • Conducts individual initial assessment and evaluation interviews for service eligibility determination
  • Facilitates establishes and reviews with each patient the initial treatment plan
  • Completes Bio-psychosocial assessment.
  • Provide individual and group counseling services; direct service hours at regularly scheduled intervals; coordinate all services throughout treatment
  • Involve families and significant others in patient's recovery process whenever possible
  • Respond, as needed, to patient grievances and complaints
  • Develop aftercare plans and discharge plans
  • Other related duties as determined by the supervisor

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 1 year of individual counseling experience
  • Master's Degree in Behavioral Science with a minimum of 1 year of individual counseling experience
  • Associate's Degree or High School Diploma with a current certification and 1 year of supervision. Certifications include CAC (Certified Addiction Counselor), CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor), or CADC II or Massachusetts state LADC II
  • Previous experience working with chemically dependent individuals a plus.
  • Must demonstrate a positive, non-judgmental, and accepting attitude toward our patient population
  • Satisfactory criminal background check and drug screen

Salary Range:
Salary ranges from $25.20 to $28.00 an hour.
The salary of the candidate(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, education, specialty, and training.
BayMark offers excellent benefits:
  • 401K match
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Voluntary Worksite Benefits (i.e., Accidental Injury)
  • Company paid Short & Long Term Disability
  • Company paid Basic Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Sick Time
  • Employee Referral Program
  • BayMark Perks Program
  • Jury Duty & Witness Duty Leave
  • BayMark University Learning

T
otal compensation goes beyond the value on the paycheck. Please consider the total compensation package by contacting us at BayMark Health Services for more information.
What to expect from us:
Health Care Resource Centers, a BayMark Health Services Company, is a progressive substance abuse treatment program, committed to the highest quality of patient care in a comfortable outpatient clinic setting. Our ultimate goal is to address the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of opioid use disorder to help each of our patients achieve long-term recovery and an improved quality of life.
BayMark Health Services is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) and to follow compliance guidelines with all Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, natural origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic disposition, disability or veteran's status or any other classification protected by State/Federal laws