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Addiction Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Addiction Specialist

Chantilly, VA

$116K - $210K/yr

Leidos Health & Services Sector is seeking an Addiction Specialist to work in Chantilly, VA or McLean, VA *location to be determined by staffing need. This is a very rewarding and challenging ...

Leidos

Addiction Specialist

Mclean, VA

$116K - $210K/yr

Leidos Health & Services Sector is seeking an Addiction Specialist to work in Chantilly, VA or McLean, VA *location to be determined by staffing need. This is a very rewarding and challenging ...

Leidos

Addiction Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

$116K - $210K/yr

Leidos Health & Services Sector is seeking an Addiction Specialist to work in Chantilly, VA or McLean, VA *location to be determined by staffing need. This is a very rewarding and challenging ...

EDGEWATER HEALTH

Addiction Specialist

Gary, IN · On-site

Dictates pertinent treatment observations into the patient record at prescribed intervals and completes all necessary administrative forms pertaining to the patient and Addiction Specialist daily ...

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Addiction Specialist information

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$37K

$53K

$70.5K

How much do addiction specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction specialist in the United States is $52,998.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $56,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do Addiction Specialists typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals to support patient recovery?

Addiction Specialists often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating closely with physicians, mental health counselors, social workers, and sometimes family therapists to provide holistic care for patients. This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of a patient's recovery—including physical health, mental wellbeing, and social support—are addressed. Regular team meetings and case conferences are common, allowing specialists to share insights and coordinate treatment plans. Building strong communication skills and a spirit of teamwork is essential for success in this role.

What is the highest paid addiction counselor?

The highest paid addiction counselors are often those with advanced degrees, specialized certifications, and extensive experience, typically earning salaries above $70,000 annually. In some cases, addiction counselors in management or supervisory roles or working in private practice can earn higher incomes, especially with additional credentials such as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC).

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

To thrive as an Addiction Specialist, you need in-depth knowledge of substance use disorders, therapeutic interventions, and a relevant degree such as counseling, psychology, or social work, often accompanied by licensure or certification (e.g., CADC, LADC). Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, screening tools like the ASI, and evidence-based treatment modalities is essential. Exceptional communication, empathy, and crisis management skills enable specialists to build trust and support patients through recovery. These competencies ensure effective treatment planning, patient safety, and positive outcomes in challenging clinical environments.

What Does an Addiction Specialist Do?

As an addiction specialist, your duties are to help provide mental health diagnoses and treatment to patients with substance abuse and related mental health issues. Your primary responsibilities are to assist with intervention efforts and address the short- and long-term needs of each patient. This may include prescribing detox medicine, referring patients to addiction or substance abuse counselors, or performing therapy and counseling work yourself. You also work with other physicians and mental health professionals to research and develop new tools and methods to promote substance abuse prevention and education.

What degree is best for addiction counseling?

An addiction specialist typically benefits from a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. Many roles also require a master's degree such as a Master of Social Work (MSW) or a counseling master's, along with relevant certifications and licensure to provide treatment and counseling services effectively.

What does an addiction specialist do?

An addiction specialist assesses, diagnoses, and treats individuals with substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. They develop treatment plans, provide counseling, and may coordinate with medical professionals to support recovery, often working in clinical or outpatient settings. Certification such as Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) is typically required.

What is the difference between Addiction Specialist vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectAddiction SpecialistSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsOften requires certification or licensure in addiction counseling, such as CADC or LCASTypically requires a state license or certification in substance abuse counseling
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, treatment centers, outpatient programsRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, community health settings
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, addiction treatment facilitiesRehabilitation centers, mental health agencies, community organizations
Search & Comparison IntentCommonly compared due to similar roles in addiction treatmentOften searched as a related role in substance abuse recovery

Both Addiction Specialists and Substance Abuse Counselors work in addiction treatment settings and require similar certifications. While their roles overlap, Addiction Specialists may focus more on medical aspects and treatment planning, whereas Substance Abuse Counselors often provide counseling and support. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or treatment provider.

What is an addiction specialist?

An addiction specialist is a medical or mental health professional who is trained to diagnose, treat, and support individuals struggling with substance use disorders or behavioral addictions. They use evidence-based approaches to help patients manage addiction and work towards recovery, often collaborating with other healthcare providers. Addiction specialists may offer counseling, medication management, and create personalized treatment plans to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

What do you need to become an LSAA in New Mexico?

To become a Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA) in New Mexico, you must complete a state-approved substance abuse counseling program, accumulate supervised work experience, and pass the required licensing exam. Additionally, applicants must submit a background check and meet any other state-specific licensing requirements.
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Addiction Specialist jobs near you
Addiction Specialist

Addiction Specialist

Leidos

Chantilly, VA

$116K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 451 rated business services

Job description

Leidos Health & Services Sector is seeking an Addiction Specialist to work in Chantilly, VA or McLean, VA *location to be determined by staffing need. This is a very rewarding and challenging opportunity supporting our Military and Intelligence men and women and the challenges they face.

Leidos will consider sponsoring qualified individuals towards gaining the Top Secret/SCI with Poly security clearance required for this position.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

  • Provide addictions treatment to include diagnosis, therapy, and consultation to individuals seeking assistance for substance use disorders.

  • Evaluate community treatment centers, assist in placing individuals in treatment, work with treatment facilities to provide appropriate aftercare, and provide individual case management.

  • Provide in-person addictions treatment to client staff in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area (WMA).

  • Provide remote addictions treatment to client staff in CONUS and OCONUS locations.

Required Qualifications:

  • Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology

  • Completion of an APA-accredited program

  • Specialized training or certification in addiction counseling.

  • 3 years of experience in treating individuals with substance use disorders.

  • Knowledge of evidence-based practices in addiction treatment.

  • US Citizenship required

  • Must have or be able to obtain Top Secret SCI clearance with polygraph.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:June 15, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $116,350.00 - $210,325.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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