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Addiction Counselor Jobs in Erie, PA (NOW HIRING)

As an Addiction Counselor, you'll serve as a positive role model, provide encouragement through every stage of recovery, and help individuals develop the skills and confidence they need to achieve ...

Drug and Alcohol Counselor

Erie, PA · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

Stay updated on best practices in addiction treatment and maintain professional certifications ... Certified as an addiction counselor (CAAC, CADC, CAADC) by the Pennsylvania Certification Board is ...

Drug and Alcohol Counselor

Erie, PA · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

Stay updated on best practices in addiction treatment and maintain professional certifications ... Certified as an addiction counselor (CAAC, CADC, CAADC) by the Pennsylvania Certification Board is ...

Drug and Alcohol Counselor

Erie, PA · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

Stay updated on best practices in addiction treatment and maintain professional certifications ... Certified as an addiction counselor (CAAC, CADC, CAADC) by the Pennsylvania Certification Board is ...

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Addiction Counselor information

See Erie, PA salary details

$31.5K

$52.5K

$68.8K

How much do addiction counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counselor in Erie, PA is $52,536.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,100.00 and $59,100.00 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 popular job titles related to Addiction Counselor jobs in Erie, PA?

For Addiction Counselor jobs in Erie, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Addiction Counselor jobs in Erie, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Addiction Counselor jobs in Erie, PA are:

What cities near Erie, PA are hiring for Addiction Counselor jobs?

Cities near Erie, PA with the most Addiction Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Addiction Counselor job openings in Erie, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,536 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Addictions Counselor - Erie Outpatient

Gaudenzia

Erie, PA • On-site

$18.23 - $23.27/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Gaudenzia rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Make an Impact. Support Recovery. Change Lives.
Join our team at our Erie Outpatient Program and help individuals build healthier, more fulfilling lives. Whether you're just beginning your career in human services or have experience in behavioral health, recovery support, coaching, mentoring, residential services, or community outreach, we'd love to hear from you!
This is more than a job-it's an opportunity to make a lasting difference. As an Addiction Counselor, you'll serve as a positive role model, provide encouragement through every stage of recovery, and help individuals develop the skills and confidence they need to achieve long-term success.
We're currently hiring Addiction Counselors for the following location:
Erie Outpatient
  • Bachelor's degree plus at least one year of clinical experience required.
  • No weekends required or major holidays
  • Must be available to work two evening shifts per week (12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.).

If you're passionate about helping others and want to build a meaningful career while making a positive impact in your community, we encourage you to apply!
Compensation: $18.23 - $23.27 per hour - based upon clinical experience
Qualifications:
  • Pennsylvania Education/ Licensure Requirements:
    • Counselor I: Bachelor's degree with one (1) year clinical experience
    • Counselor II: Bachelor's degree with two (2) years' clinical experience
    • Counselor III: Bachelor's degree with three (3) years' clinical experience; Master's degree in social work, psychology, chemical dependency, counseling or nursing with no experience required; or Master's degree in related field requires one (1) year of experience

Acceptable degrees include (but are not limited to): Social Work, Psychology, Addiction, Counseling, Human Services, Criminal Justice, and more.
Your responsibilities in this role may include:
  1. Be responsible for a caseload of clients, as identified by program requirements and in accordance with state regulations.
    2. Complete required evaluations and assessments, including screening, intake, clinical assessments, ASAM and biopsychosocial histories.
    3. Compete individual treatment plans upon client's admission.
    4. Document all clinical services and interventions performed within the client's electronic health record and complete monthly treatment reports.
    5. Maintain accurate electronic health records on each client and ensure the timely completion of tastasksthin 24 hours of service deliver, no later than 72 hours of service delivery.
    6. Conduct individual and group sessions based on client's treatment plan goals and level of care.
    7. Participating in funding source reviews and make recommendations for treatment and lengths of stay.
    8. Monitor client progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
    9. Coordinate with agency and community resources to ensure a through treatment plan.
    10. Assist clients with developing a discharge/continuing care plan and connecting to resources needed to reach personal goals both during the course of treatment and in advance to their discharge.
    11. Follow up with clients after discharge based on regulatory guidelines until they have been established with other case management/social services.

What We Offer: Competitive Pay - Excellent Benefits - On The Job Training - Upward mobility - Educational assistance to help you grow with us in this life saving field!
For additional details regarding our benefits, please visit: https://www.gaudenzia.org/careers/
Our Operating Principles: We, as members of the Gaudenzia Team, are committed to these principles. They guide the way we perform Gaudenzia business, every day.
  • We hold client care as our top priority.
  • We assume good intentions.
  • We are present, we connect, & we communicate with transparency, dignity, and respect.
  • We make data-driven decisions with courage, challenge the status quo, find innovative ways to grow Gaudenzia & each other.
  • We support each other publicly & privately in all circumstances.
  • We provide & accept constructive, honest, respectful, and timely feedback with an open mind & without personalization.
  • We operate with integrity, focus on outcomes, & have a bias for action.
  • We follow through on agreements & honor commitments prioritized with a sense of urgency - someone's life may depend on it.

Gaudenzia is proud to be an employer of choice - and a treatment provider of choice - in the substance use and co-occurring disorders treatment field. We work hard to foster an inclusive, supportive environment where our employees and clients always feel safe and welcome.
Come work with us!
Our Agency is committed to the principles of equal employment. We believe in fostering a positive work environment in which every employee is treated with respect. Our staff hiring and recruitment practices are grounded in fairness, transparency, and merit. All employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications, relevant skills, experience, and alignment with our mission and values. We actively recruit from a broad range of educational and professional backgrounds to attract the most qualified candidates, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants without preference or discrimination. Our process uses consistent and clear evaluation criteria to support objective decision-making. By emphasizing accountability, efficiency, and integrity throughout every stage--from job posting to onboarding--we build a workforce defined by excellence, professionalism, and commitment to our shared purpose. Gaudenzia is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy regarding all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

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