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Addiction Counselor Jobs in Commerce, GA (NOW HIRING)

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Addiction Counselor information

See Commerce, GA salary details

$30.1K

$50.3K

$65.8K

How much do addiction counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counselor in Commerce, GA is $50,271.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,200.00 and $56,600.00 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 popular job titles related to Addiction Counselor jobs in Commerce, GA? For Addiction Counselor jobs in Commerce, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Commerce, GA are hiring for Addiction Counselor jobs? Cities near Commerce, GA with the most Addiction Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Addiction Counselor job openings in Commerce, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,271 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:

The co-responder will work within the Athens-Clarke County Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Unit providing community-based interventions and assessments of individuals who meet law enforcement for a behavioral health related call. The goals of this exciting position include decreasing admissions to jail and providing appropriate interventions to individuals in crisis. The co-responder will be partnered with a trained police officer to provide assessment and interventions at various locations in the community once the scene has been determined to be safe. This position works as an employee of Advantage Behavioral Health but will be embedded within the Athens-Clarke County Police department.

Job Responsibilities and Performance Standards:

  • Support and assistance to Responding Officers
    • Supports police officers responding to and consulting on behavioral health related calls. This may include via the radio and/or phone.
    • Communicates important safety information to officers when appropriate.
    • Once safety has been determined, will also provide on scene crisis response and/or assessment with a law enforcement officer.
  • Assessments:
    • Conducts comprehensive clinical assessments and inpatient psychiatric screens as a part of crisis intervention
    • Identifies individual needs and diagnoses substance use and/or mental health disorders; assesses individual risk for suicide and other safety related concerns
    • Determines the need for inpatient psychiatric treatment or outpatient services and supports. 
    • Provides referrals; interprets and communicates relevant information to officers, families, and treatment providers.
  • Coordinate Referrals:
    • If releases of information have been obtained, provide PD information on the Advantage treatment history and diagnosis information.
    • Assist in a “warm hand” off  to the Treatment Facility (ABHS or other treatment provider)
  • Internal Case Management
    • Assist in crisis follow-up and treatment coordination within ABHS and/or outside treatment providers.
    • This includes referrals to individual, group, PSR-I, Case Management, Day Programs, medical, ITP, and ACT, CST, and EPIC Services.
    • Communicating with treatment staff on individuals seen in crisis and providing any info that may help the treatment provider in follow-up.
  • Follow-up and Outreach
    • Provides follow-up and outreach to individuals and/or families who may be dealing with MH issues and it is determined that they could benefit from outreach and/or resources in the community.
  • Program related documentation:
    • Assist in program related activities to include data collection, reports, and other documentation.
  • Completes clinical documentation as required.
  • Attend required trainings for the project and ABHS.
  • Maintain regular contact with Project Director.
    • The frequency will be determined based on the needs of staff and the program
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree in a related area from an accredited college or university AND eligibility to be licensed in the state of Georgia AND two years of supervised experience in assignment.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Full Licensure and/or certification in one or more counseling, or social work fields; or associate license with any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.