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Addiction Recovery Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

RSC Recovery Coach

Boston, MA · On-site

$24.23 - $26.66/hr

Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC) preferred; must complete all CARC training requirements and obtain certification within 6 months of hire. * Lived experience with substance recovery required ...

RSC Recovery Coach

Boston, MA · On-site

$24.23 - $26.66/hr

Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC) preferred; must complete all CARC training requirements and obtain certification within 6 months of hire. * Lived experience with substance recovery required ...

Certification as Certified Addiction Recovery Coach required within 6 months of hire. * Completion of training as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), or willingness to get cross-trained preferred.

Certification as Certified Addiction Recovery Coach required within 6 months of hire. * Completion of training as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), or willingness to get cross-trained preferred.

Certification as Certified Addiction Recovery Coach required within 6 months of hire. * Completion of training as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), or willingness to get cross-trained preferred.

Certification as Certified Addiction Recovery Coach required within 6 months of hire. * Completion of training as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), or willingness to get cross-trained preferred.

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Addiction Recovery information

See Boston, MA salary details

$40.2K

$57.6K

$76.6K

How much do addiction recovery jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction recovery in Boston, MA is $57,578.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $60,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an addiction recovery counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Addiction Recovery Counselor, you need a background in psychology, counseling, or social work, often supported by a relevant degree and state certification or licensure. Familiarity with treatment planning software, case management systems, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches like CBT or motivational interviewing is typically required. Exceptional listening, empathy, and motivational skills help build trust and encourage positive change in clients. These skills are essential for effectively guiding individuals through recovery and supporting their long-term well-being.

What is addiction recovery?

Addiction recovery is the process through which individuals overcome dependence on substances or behaviors that negatively impact their lives. Recovery often involves a combination of medical treatment, counseling, support groups, and lifestyle changes. The goal is to achieve and maintain sobriety, improve overall well-being, and rebuild relationships and daily functioning. Recovery is a lifelong journey that can include setbacks, but with the right support, many people achieve lasting positive change.

What is the difference between Addiction Recovery vs Addiction Counselor?

AspectAddiction RecoveryAddiction Counselor
CredentialsVaries; may include certifications in recovery programsState licensure; certifications like CADC or CAC
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, support groupsClinics, hospitals, private practices
Industry UsageFocuses on ongoing recovery support and relapse preventionProvides therapy, assessments, and counseling services

While both roles aim to support individuals with addiction issues, Addiction Recovery often refers to the broader process of maintaining sobriety and ongoing support, whereas Addiction Counselors provide direct therapy and assessments. Understanding these differences helps individuals find the right support for their needs.

How to start a career in addiction recovery?

To start a career in addiction recovery, individuals typically need a relevant educational background such as a degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related field. Certification or licensing, such as becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), is often required or preferred, along with gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in treatment centers or community organizations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in addiction recovery roles, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in addiction recovery often encounter challenges such as managing emotionally charged situations, supporting clients through relapse, and maintaining personal boundaries while providing empathetic care. It can be emotionally taxing to witness setbacks, but regular supervision, peer support, and ongoing training are key to managing these stresses. Many organizations encourage self-care practices and offer professional development opportunities to help staff build resilience and stay effective in their roles.
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Addiction Recovery jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Addiction Recovery job openings:
Infographic showing various Addiction Recovery job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,578 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Addiction Recovery Counselor (Mental Health Services)

Vinfen

Somerville, MA • On-site

$58K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Vinfen rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
The ACCS Addiction Recovery Counselor promotes the full integration and functioning of Persons Served (PS) needed to live successfully in the community. Works collaboratively with PS to understand how the use of substances impacts their lives. Functions as resource to PS and other Team members on substance addiction (SA) assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation techniques and resources.
SIGN ON BONUS: $2K
Responsibilities
The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed below:
• Screens, assesses, and reassesses substance use, addiction risk and addiction treatment needs using Simple Screening Instrument for Substance Abuse (SSI-SA) and other assessments; for PS in GLEs and outreach settings. Develop formulations, and direct other Licensed staff to develop formulations that address the level of use and potential risk, current impact of substances or addictive behavior, and the PS readiness for change.
• Provide direct interventions and supports to PS by the Team with Substance misuse/addiction regardless of where they reside.
• Employ trauma informed, recovery-oriented, person-centered, culturally competent and strengths-based approaches and skills training techniques in the work.
• Provide Addictions Treatment evidence-based and best practices to all PS, including Motivational Interviewing and Stages of Change; Harm Reduction and Relapse Prevention; SSI-SA; Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment (SBIRT); Seeking Safety, Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), and Cognitive Behavioral interventions, as well as the development of Safety Plans and Crisis Prevention and Response Plans, and 8 Dimensions of Wellness.
• Refer PS and coordinate with Care Coordination entities to promote PS access to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Dual Recovery groups, and other psycho-educational services that address substance misuse/addictions and related issues (Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDs treatment) as appropriate.
• Provide Addictions Treatment psycho-educational services to PS individually and in groups.
• Participate as member of intervention team for assigned PS.
• Provide ongoing training, mentoring and modeling for Addictions Treatment evidenced-based practices to GLE SIE staff including but not limited to motivational interviewing, stages of change, harm reduction and housing first to support readiness, relapse prevention, and long-term addictions recovery for PS.
• Perform, train, supervise, mentor, model evidenced-based clinical and recovery-oriented interventions for PS, including Motivational Interviewing; Harm Reduction and Addiction Treatment support; Screening; Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment (SBIRT) and Seeking Safety. Perform evidenced-based interventions including Stages of Change; Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP); and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
• Provide thorough and thoughtful documentation of PS needs and services.
• Promote engagement, safe housing, community tenure, achievement of greater self-sufficiency and successful completion of service for all PS.
• Promote healthcare, employment and education services access for PS.
• Coordinate with Care Coordination Entities to ensure Persons have access to community-based acute addictions treatment, medication assisted treatment, self-help and peer support, and psychoeducational services that address addiction treatment and related issues and relapse prevention.
• Participate as member of Addiction Recovery Counselor Community of Practice Workgroup led by Clinical Directors for licensure and role-specific supervision, continuous professional role competency development, mentoring and learning.
• Receive regularly scheduled, role-based clinical supervision from Assistant Team Leader.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.
Knowledge and Skills:
• Strong commitment to the right and ability of people served by ACCS to live, work, have meaningful relationships and receive the clinical treatment, resources and supports needed to thrive in their community of choice
• Extensive knowledge of Addiction Treatment principles and modalities, best practices and evidence-based practices, including Motivational Interviewing and Stages of Change; Harm Reduction; SSI-SA; Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment (SBIRT); Housing First; Addiction Peer Support Services; Seeking Safety, Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), and Cognitive Behavioral interventions; acute Addiction Treatment practices; and Medication Assisted Treatment
• Extensive knowledge of engagement strategies, and ability to build supportive, trusting relationships with PS
• Knowledge of risk management and mitigation strategies
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented, person-centered and strengths-based values and principles and modalities, empowerment and self-advocacy techniques
• Knowledge of the effects of prejudice including internalized negative attitudes about oneself, discrimination, and oppression of people with psychiatric disorders, and the effects of poverty.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally competent services
• Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability and gender issues of PS
• Knowledge of human, legal, and civil rights of PS
• Knowledge of emergency services and acute care addictions systems
• Knowledge of community based mental health, health care, care coordination and other services and resources available to PS
• Knowledge of health risks of psychiatric disability and/or addictions
• Skills and competence to formulate appropriate treatment plans and train staff to perform interventions for substance misuse/addiction services
• Knowledge of formal and informal substance misuse/addictions assessment practices
• Knowledge and use of different communication and learning styles and supervisory techniques
• Knowledge of participatory and collaborative skills
• Ability to provide leadership to staff on substance misuse/addictions issues
About Vinfen
Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,200 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in 318 programs throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers
My Vinfen. My Community. My Job.
Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Qualifications
Job Requirements:
• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; Bachelor's degree strongly preferred.
• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor or Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADC 1, LADC II, CADC I, or CADC II) in Massachusetts required.
• Clinical experience working with people with co-occurring disorders or addictions preferred.
• Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport PS.
• Preference given to bilingual/bicultural applicants and applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions.
Driving Requirements:
Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.
Physical Effort:
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways. Ability to assist PS with tasks of daily living. Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed. Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Additional Certifications Required:
CPR required within first two weeks of hire
First Aid required within two weeks of hire
MAP required within 150 days of hire
Pay Range
USD $58,917.00 - USD $67,441.44 /Yr.

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