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Addiction Counselor Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Addiction Therapist

Greece, NY · On-site

$61K - $77K/yr

The Addiction Therapist provides addiction diagnostic assessment, treatment planning, case ... Provides individual, family and group counseling, which engages and motivates clients throughout ...

Counselor

Batavia, NY · On-site

$49K - $58K/yr

Are you a recent or soon-to-be graduate with internship/clinical experience hoping to begin your counseling career in the Mental Health or Addictions field? Perhaps you're a seasoned professional ...

Counselor

Batavia, NY

$49K - $58K/mo

Are you a recent or soon-to-be graduate with internship/clinical experience hoping to begin your counseling career in the Mental Health or Addictions field? Perhaps you're a seasoned professional ...

Counselor

Batavia, NY · On-site

$49K - $58K/mo

Are you a recent or soon-to-be graduate with internship/clinical experience hoping to begin your counseling career in the Mental Health or Addictions field? Perhaps you're a seasoned professional ...

Counselor Aide- Evenings

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16 - $17.50/hr

Displays knowledge of addiction/recovery and/or behavioral health self-help group processes and principles of counseling. Qualifications * High School Diploma/GED required. * Customer service and/or ...

Counselor Aide- Evenings

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16 - $17.50/hr

Displays knowledge of addiction/recovery and/or behavioral health self-help group processes and principles of counseling. Qualifications * High School Diploma/GED required. * Customer service and/or ...

The Relief Counselor provides per diem support, education, orientation, daily living skills ... addiction services is a plus. Physical/Mental Demands: * Job requires sitting, handling objects ...

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Addiction Counselor information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$32.1K

$53.5K

$70.1K

How much do addiction counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counselor in Rochester, NY is $53,503.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,900.00 and $60,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Addiction Counselor, and why are they important?

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.

Can I be an addiction counselor without a degree?

Becoming an addiction counselor typically requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but most states and employers prefer candidates with a relevant bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. Additionally, many addiction counselors obtain certification or licensure, which often involves completing specific education and supervised experience requirements. Without a degree, it may be difficult to meet licensing standards or advance in the profession.

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 counselor a good career?

An addiction counselor is a mental health professional who helps individuals recover from substance use disorders through counseling and support. The role often requires relevant certifications, strong communication skills, and empathy, with job growth driven by increasing awareness of addiction issues. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in helping others and working in healthcare or social services environments.

What is the highest paid addiction counselor?

The highest paid addiction counselors typically work in specialized settings or hold advanced certifications, with salaries reaching over $70,000 annually. Factors such as experience, location, and additional qualifications can influence earning potential, and some may earn higher salaries in private practice or supervisory roles.

How to get a job as an addiction counselor?

To become an addiction counselor, you typically need a relevant degree such as a bachelor's or master's in counseling, psychology, or social work, along with certification or licensure specific to your region. Gaining experience through internships or supervised practice is also important, and strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential for working effectively with clients.
What are the most commonly searched types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Addiction Counselor jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Addiction Counselor jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Addiction Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Addiction Counselor job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,503 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Addictions Counselor Assistant (John L. Norris Addiction Treatment Center)

Addictions Counselor Assistant (John L. Norris Addiction Treatment Center)

New York State

Rochester, NY • On-site

$48K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 178 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description The Addictions Counselor Assistant serves as a member of the ATC's multidisciplinary treatment team and works under the supervision of an Addiction Counselor performing duties related to the care and counseling of clients. Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to the following: Assists with individual counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, treatment and discharge planning and clinical activities as assigned. Assists in developing, assessing, and modifying individual treatment plans by providing information gathered through direct observation and discussion with patients.

Provides coordination of care with referral sources regarding admission and discharge, including referrals for aftercare. Searches patient belongings upon admission. Completes required client and facility documentation both electronic and paper as appropriate.

Conducts and monitors recreational, vocational, and social activities as needed. Assists with patient transportation, room searches, and urine toxicology collection. Prepares room and client supplies for new admissions (bedding, bath, etc.) Conducts routine rounds and documents observations

May provide training or guidance to newer or sporadic (hourly/contract) peers, particularly in relation to the routines, procedures, and policies of the ATC. May complete insurance calls and documentation regarding coordination of care with financial/insurance entities. Monitors clients and ensures building safety and security.

Participates in meal preparation and distribution. Communicates shift change information as appropriate to facilitate smooth transition. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Two years of experience, one year of which must have required the application of communication skills and one year must have been in a direct treatment capacity in an addiction's treatment setting; or an associate degree in a human services field; or current registration as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC)-Trainee or CASAC-Provisional in New York State. NOTE: Candidate(s) must be eligible and maintain eligibility for full and unconditional participation in the Medicaid and Medicare programs. Failure to maintain Medicaid/Medicare eligibility will result in the termination of employment.

OASAS Addiction Treatment Centers (ATCs) are Tobacco Free Facilities. Additional Comments The salary range listed in this posting reflects the full range for this graded position, factoring in annual performance advances based on satisfactory annual performance reviews. Candidates with no previous State service will begin at the hiring rate (starting rate of the salary range) listed above, plus any applicable Location Pay/Geographic Pay/Shift Pay differentials.

Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts. Mandatory overtime (MOT) is a requirement of this position. Chosen candidate(s) will be added to the mandatory overtime roster, which is utilized on a rotating basis.

The MOT is applied during times of emergency, when all other staffing options have been exhausted (volunteers, hourly staff, contracted staff). Our Addiction Treatment Centers (ATCs) operate 24/7/365 programing. Therefore, MOT IS an essential function of this position and is critical to maintaining adequate staffing at all times in order to ensure the health and safety of clients within the facility.

Excellent Health Insurance Benefits Including Vision and Dental, NYS Employees Retirement System (Pension), Optional Deferred Compensation, Continuing Education Benefits, Generous Paid Leave Benefits, Compensation for 13 State holidays per year. If you are employed by state government you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments have been made under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer.

For more information on PSLF, please visit www.studentAid.gov/publicservice . Background Investigation Requirements: Prospective appointees will be: 1) Checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable

2) Investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC) that includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee's employment application may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations.

Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information, and may be required to pay any necessary fees. 3) Screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees may be required to pay any necessary fees.

Additionally, prospective employees whose names are indicated on the SCR may be barred from appointment. OASAS recognizes the value that different people, perspectives and cultures bring to the agency. We strive to create an inclusive culture that uplifts and supports our staff, fostering a sense of belonging in the workplace.

Individuals with lived substance use and/or gambling experience are encouraged to apply. New York State OASAS is an equal opportunity employer and provides opportunity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, national original, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, ability, or any other protected class. OASAS encourages people with disabilities to apply.

If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or hiring process, please reach out to Accessibility@oasas.ny.gov. Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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