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Addictions Counselor Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Substance Use Counselor

Chelsea, MA · On-site

$27 - $28.82/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Substance use counselor will be in charge of assisting patients through medically assisting programs and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Counselor conducts group sessions and ...

Substance Use Counselor

Boston, MA · On-site

$25 - $30.47/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Substance use counselor will be in charge of assisting patients through medically assisting programs and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Counselor conducts group sessions and ...

Substance Use Counselor

Woburn, MA

$23.75 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Substance use counselor will be in charge of assisting patients through medically assisting programs and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Counselor conducts group sessions and ...

Substance Use Counselor

Chelsea, MA · On-site

$27 - $28.82/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Substance use counselor will be in charge of assisting patients through medically assisting programs and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Counselor conducts group sessions and ...

Substance Use Counselor

Peabody, MA · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Substance use counselor will be in charge of assisting patients through medically assisting programs and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Counselor conducts group sessions and ...

Substance Use Counselor

Woburn, MA

$23.75 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Substance use counselor will be in charge of assisting patients through medically assisting programs and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Counselor conducts group sessions and ...

Substance Use Counselor

Boston, MA · On-site

$26.50 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Substance use counselor will be in charge of assisting patients through medically assisting programs and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Counselor conducts group sessions and ...

Substance Use Counselor

Peabody, MA · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Substance use counselor will be in charge of assisting patients through medically assisting programs and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Counselor conducts group sessions and ...

Substance Use Counselor

Peabody, MA · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Substance use counselor will be in charge of assisting patients through medically assisting programs and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Counselor conducts group sessions and ...

Substance Use Counselor

Woburn, MA · On-site

$24.25 - $32.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Substance use counselor will be in charge of assisting patients through medically assisting programs and offering techniques for handling opioid addiction. Counselor conducts group sessions and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Addictions Counselor information

See Boston, MA salary details

$35.3K

$58.9K

$77.1K

How much do addictions counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for addictions counselor in Boston, MA is $58,911.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,400.00 and $66,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an addictions counselor?

Addictions Counselors are trained professionals who help individuals overcome substance abuse and behavioral addictions. They assess clients’ needs, develop treatment plans, provide counseling, and support recovery efforts. Addictions Counselors may work in various settings, such as rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or private practices. Their role also includes educating families and communities about addiction and supporting relapse prevention.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an addictions counselor?

To thrive as an Addictions Counselor, you need a solid background in psychology or social work, typically supported by a relevant degree and state licensure or certification. Familiarity with counseling software, electronic health records, and assessment tools is often required. Exceptional active listening, empathy, and strong communication skills help build trust and motivate clients through recovery. These abilities are crucial for providing effective support, ensuring ethical treatment, and fostering positive outcomes for individuals overcoming addiction.

What are common challenges addictions counselors face when working with clients, and how can they effectively address them?

Addictions Counselors often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to change, and emotional burnout. Building strong rapport and trust with clients is crucial to encourage openness and commitment to recovery. Counselors can address these challenges by employing evidence-based techniques like motivational interviewing, maintaining professional boundaries, and actively participating in supervision or peer support networks. Self-care and ongoing professional development also play important roles in managing stress and maintaining effectiveness in this rewarding, yet demanding, field.

What is the difference between Addictions Counselor vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectAddictions CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsOften requires certification or licensure (e.g., CADC)Similar certifications, often overlapping with addictions counselors
Work EnvironmentClinics, rehab centers, hospitalsRehab facilities, outpatient clinics, community health centers
Industry UsageCommonly used term for professionals treating addictionOften used interchangeably, but sometimes more focused on substance abuse

Both Addictions Counselors and Substance Abuse Counselors typically hold similar certifications and work in similar environments. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Addictions Counselor' may encompass a broader scope of addiction issues beyond just substances. Understanding these nuances can help in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is addiction counseling a good career?

Addictions counseling is a rewarding career that involves helping individuals recover from substance use and behavioral issues. It typically requires relevant education, certification, and strong interpersonal skills, with job growth driven by increasing awareness of mental health and addiction treatment needs.

Is it hard to be an addictions counselor?

Being an addictions counselor can be challenging due to the emotional nature of the work and the need for strong interpersonal skills. It often requires specialized training, certification, and the ability to handle difficult situations with empathy and professionalism.

What degree is best for addictions counseling?

Addictions counselors typically need at least a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. Many employers prefer or require a master's degree in counseling or a similar discipline, along with relevant certifications or licensure such as the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). Practical experience and strong interpersonal skills are also important for success in this role.

Where do addictions counselors make the most money?

Addictions counselors tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for mental health services, such as urban areas or states with well-funded healthcare systems. Salaries can also increase with advanced certifications, experience, and working in private practice or specialized treatment centers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Addictions Counselor jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Addictions Counselor jobs in Boston, MA are:

Infographic showing various Addictions Counselor job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,911 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Substance Abuse Counselor

VitalCore Health Strategies

Bridgewater, MA • On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


VitalCore Health Strategies rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Join the VitalCore Health Strategies Team! We’re people who are fueled by passion, not by profit.


VitalCore Health Strategies (VCHS), an industry leader in Correctional Health Care has an opening for a Full-Time, Day Shift Substance Addiction Counselor. This position will work at both Old Colony Correctional Center (OCCC) and Massachusetts Treatment Center in Bridgewater MA!


You will be given the opportunity to utilize your training, skills and experience in a face-to-face setting with people from a variety of socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. Being able to see the impact you are making with these individuals, when they are at their lowest, least hopeful points. You will be working as part of a Multi-Disciplinary Team comprised of Medical, Psychiatry, Ancillary, Security, Legal, community providers and psychiatric hospitals. The best part of this – It is done in real-time with real people!


SUBSTANCE ADDICTION COUNSELOR PACKAGE TO INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Holiday Pay: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
  • Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Short Term/Long Term Disability
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Animal/Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program and Discount Center
  • 401K
  • PTO
  • Annual Incentive Bonus

SUBSTANCE ADDICTION COUNSELOR POSITION SUMMARY
The Substance Addiction Counselor will work as part of a multidisciplinary team with all other disciplines on the Behavioral Health Unit to provide a proactive and collaborative approach in serving the patient population. The Substance Addiction Counselor is responsible for delivering quality treatment to justice involved individuals with varying levels of substance use/abuse issues, and who are using a variety of addictive substances. The Counselor will collaborate with all disciplines to attain effectiveness in serving the patient population.
SUBSTANCE ADDICTION COUNSELOR MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • Graduation from a Bachelor's level program or higher
  • Minimum of 2 years employment in a clinician/counselor/social work capacity in a public or private agency or equivalent preferred.
  • Must have a substance use certification (i.e., CAC, CADC, CAADC, LADC)
  • Must receive a satisfactory background investigation report

SUBSTANCE ADDICTION COUNSELOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Professionals will provide crisis stabilization, complete intakes and on-going evaluations, and provide consultation to in-house and community services.
  • Assesses individual’s level of functioning, strengths and weaknesses related to primary substance use diagnosis
  • Orients individual to treatment process/program goal
  • Delivers and reinforces evidence-based treatment/curricula.
  • Develops treatment and discharge plans in conjunction with Qualified Behavioral Health Professionals
  • Performs individual and group therapeutic interventions as appropriate.
  • Delivers and scores/interprets pre and post-tests, to include post-program surveys, as indicated.
  • Maintains confidentiality
  • Possesses excellent communication skill
  • Provides the timely and necessary preparation of documentation, records and reports.
  • Educates individuals on the effects of substance use on their physical, social and emotional lives.
  • Participate in monthly behavioral health calls, work collaborative with the medical team to best determine overall treatment for each individual.
  • Works with other professionals to collaborate on treatment or management of the patient to include discharge into, aftercare program/community
  • The Substance Addiction Counselor performs risk assessment of clients; coordination of care with interdisciplinary team including medical staff, community providers, psychiatric hospitals and corrections; and discharge planning.
  • The Substance Addiction Counselor assists in planning and implementing the goals and objectives of programs and projects.
  • The Substance Addiction Counselor provides the necessary preparation of documentation, necessary records and reports.
  • The Substance Addiction Counselor utilizes clinical skills such as prioritizing treatment needs; crisis management; brief clinical interventions including CBT and Motivational Interviewing.
  • Excellent and timely documentation skills required.
  • The ideal candidate is able to make independent clinical decisions, while utilizing assistance and supervisory intervention, as needed.

VitalCore Health Strategies is an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.



Keywords: LPC, LSW, Correctional Facility, Behavioral Health, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Social Worker, LCSW, LCPC, LMSW, LPC, substance use disorder, SUD, mental health




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