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Addiction Counselor Jobs in Calgary, AB (NOW HIRING)

YWCA Calgary

Outreach Clinical Counsellor

Calgary, AB · Hybrid

The Outreach Clinical Counsellor is responsible for providing therapeutic counselling services to ... struggling with addictions and mental health challenges * Minimum of 2 years of counselling ...

Calgary Alpha House Society

Recovery Coach

Calgary, AB

CA$24.95/hr

An understanding of addictions including withdrawal management, harm reduction, stages of change, trauma informed-care, crisis management, crisis counseling, recovery orientated systems of care and ...

Calgary Alpha House Society

Outreach Worker

Calgary, AB

CA$24.95/hr

Experience with crisis counseling and outreach for vulnerable populations * Knowledge of addictions, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and mental health * Strong interpersonal, crisis management ...

Alberta Health Services

Social Worker II

Calgary, AB · On-site

CA$42.14 - CA$56.02/hr

The ideal candidate will have experience with mental health, addictions, trauma informed care and complex client behaviors. Additional experience working with acute clients and/or long term clients ...

AgeCare

Social Worker - AgeCare Bow Crest

Calgary, AB

The Social Worker provides services which include a wide range of planned interventions, financial/legal assistance, adjustment support, consultation, counseling, education, and referral following a ...

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All JobsAddiction Counselor JobsAddiction Counselor Jobs in Calgary, AB

Addiction Counselor information

See Calgary, AB salary details

$27K

$46.7K

$65.5K

How much do addiction counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counselor in Calgary, AB is $46,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $52,500.00 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 Calgary, AB?

The most popular types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Calgary, AB are:

What are popular job titles related to Addiction Counselor jobs in Calgary, AB?

For Addiction Counselor jobs in Calgary, AB, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Addiction Counselor jobs in Calgary, AB look for?

The top searched job categories for Addiction Counselor jobs in Calgary, AB are:

Addiction Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Addiction Counselor job openings in Calgary, AB as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,677 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Substance Abuse Counselor

destinationone Consulting

Calgary, AB • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

destinationone Consulting specializes in recruitment across diverse sectors, including Healthcare, Health Tech, Government, Municipalities, Non-Profits, Legal, Public Accounting, Food and more. We are proactively building a data bank for opportunities in these fields. By applying, you ensure our recruiters can quickly match you with suitable roles when they arise.

Location: Various locations across Alberta The Substance Abuse Counselor specializes in treating individuals with addiction and substance use disorders. This role focuses on helping clients achieve recovery through counseling and support. Key Responsibilities: Assess clients' substance use history and related issues.

Develop and implement individualized treatment plans. Conduct individual and group counseling sessions. Monitor clients' progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.

Facilitate educational workshops on addiction prevention. Requirements Bachelor's or Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, or a related field; certification in substance abuse counseling preferred. Experience in addiction treatment or recovery settings.

Strong communication and motivational interviewing skills. Disclaimer: We're proactively building a databank for opportunities in Healthcare, Health Tech, Government, Non-Profits, Legal, and more. By applying, you ensure our recruiters can quickly match you with suitable roles when they arise.

We value Integrity, Transparency, and Innovation, so we want you to know these are not active jobs. Join our network today, and we'll promptly connect you with the right opportunities when they come up. Let us help you find your next career move.

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