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Addiction Counselor Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Counselor

Rochester, NY · On-site

$20 - $21.50/hr

The Counselor provides essential support, education, orientation, daily living skills training, case management, and crisis response to clients residing in community-based residences. This role ...

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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 Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction counselor in Rochester, NY is $53,527.00, 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.

How much do addiction counselors make?

Addiction counselors in Georgia typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, certification, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on location, education level, and whether they work in outpatient or inpatient facilities. Certification as a substance abuse counselor can also influence earning potential.

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.

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.

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 significantly.

How to become a counselor for addicts?

To become an addiction counselor, individuals typically need a relevant bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, along with specialized training in addiction counseling. Many states require certification or licensure, such as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), which involves completing supervised hours and passing an exam. Strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of addiction treatment methods are essential for success in this 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 offers opportunities for meaningful work in healthcare, mental health, and social services environments.
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 job categories do people searching Addiction Counselor jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,527 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Physician Assistant - Addiction Recovery Services - Clifton Springs

Physician Assistant - Addiction Recovery Services - Clifton Springs

Rochester Regional Health

Clifton Springs, NY

$1.7K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Rochester Regional Health rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 216 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 885 rated healthcare providers


Job description

SUMMARY

As an Advanced Practice Practitioner treating patients with Addiction Recovery Services, you will work with a team of physicians, APPs and nurses and collaborate frequently with therapists to provide medical and addiction treatment to a diverse population.At Rochester Regional, you will have a wide range of practice opportunities at multiple locations with in-person and remote opportunities. Our team meets weekly and supports each other daily. Do not let lack of addiction medicine experience dissuade you - you can learn on the job in a supportive teamwork environment.

STATUS: Full Time

LOCATION: Clifton Springs and Remote (50/50 split)

DEPARTMENT: Addiction Recovery Services (Chemical Dependency)

SCHEDULE: Days, Evenings; Monday-Friday

Highlights/Benefits:

  • Competitive salary and full benefits packages

  • Malpractice with tail coverage

  • CME Funding ($1750 annually)

  • Generous vacation, in addition to 5 paid days for CME

  • Additionally, the Rochester/Western NY area offers a low cost of living, nationally recognized schools and higher education. The area offers a multitude of cultural, recreational, shopping, professional/collegiate sports venues and activities for the outdoor enthusiast

ATTRIBUTES

  • Experience: Minimum of one (1) year preferred in chemical dependency, primary care, or hospital medicine, demonstrating familiarity with patient care in diverse clinical settings.

  • Interpersonal Strengths: Exceptional communication skills and the ability to build trust and rapport with patients, families, and colleagues.

  • Compassionate Approach: Warm, empathetic, and patient-centered, with a genuine commitment to supporting individuals through their recovery journey.

  • Adaptability: Thrives in fast-paced environments, responding effectively and appropriately to dynamic clinical situations.

  • Clinical Judgment: Strong critical thinking and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to work independently while contributing to a collaborative care team.

  • Efficiency & Accuracy: Skilled in time management and consistently maintains thorough, timely, and accurate documentation.

  • Professionalism: Committed to lifelong learning and continuous professional development, upholding the highest standards of care and integrity.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Patient Care. Obtain complete, detailed and accurate patient histories and physical data to interpret and integrate data to determine diagnostic and therapeutic procedures needed. Collaborate with team to monitor and manage effects of prescribed treatments and patient condition and progress following diagnosis.

  • Patient Satisfaction. Supports and guides patients throughout their recovery journey by fostering a compassionate, trauma-informed environment. Patient interactions are approached with empathy, non-judgment, and a commitment to understanding everyone's unique experience. This includes active problem-solving, education, information gathering, process navigation, and counseling-ensuring every encounter contributes meaningfully to the patient's healing and empowerment.

  • Medication & Orders. Prescribe medication, write orders as required to stabilize patients during intake.

  • Documentation. Obtain complete, detailed and accurate patient histories, review patient records, perform physical exams, record all pertinent data to allow for the clinical team to develop comprehensive medical status, diagnosis and clinical treatment plan for all assigned patients.

EDUCATION:

BS: Physician Assistant (Required)

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:

PA-C - Certified Physician Assistant - National Committee on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)National Committee on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), RPA - Registered Physician Assistant - New York State Education Department (NYSED)New York State Education Department (NYSED)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

M - Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; Requires frequent walking, standing or squatting.

For disease specific care programs refer to the program specific requirements of the department for further specifications on experience and educational expectations, including continuing education requirements.

Any physical requirements reported by a prospective employee and/or employee's physician or delegate will be considered for accommodations.

PAY RANGE:

$100,000.00 - $150,000.00

CITY:

Clifton Springs

POSTAL CODE:

14432

The listed base pay range is a good faith representation of current potential base pay for a successful full time applicant. It may be modified in the future and eligible for additional pay components. Pay is determined by factors including experience, relevant qualifications, specialty, internal equity, location, and contracts.

Rochester Regional Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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