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Addictions Counselor Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

baymark

Substance Use Counselor

Chelsea, MA · On-site

$27 - $28.82/hr

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 ...

baymark

OTP Substance Use Counselor

Boston, MA · On-site

$26.50 - $29.32/hr

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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All JobsAddictions Counselor JobsAddictions Counselor Jobs in Boston, MA

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 23, 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:

What are popular job titles related to Addictions Counselor jobs in Boston, MA?

For Addictions Counselor jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Addictions Counselor jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Addictions Counselor jobs in Boston, MA are:

Addictions Counselor jobs near you
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 Use Counselor

Health Care Resource Centers

Boston, MA

$25 - $30.47/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Description

Compassionate Substance Use Counselor Needed!

Position Overview:
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 individual sessions to assist with crisis management and coping strategies. Additionally, the counselor will evaluate patients’ progress during therapy.  Substance abuse counselors may also need to collaborate with doctors, nurses, and therapists for patients’ therapy and treatment for the best overall outcome.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Conducts individual initial assessment and evaluation interviews for service eligibility determination
  • Facilitates establishes and reviews with each patient the initial treatment plan
  • Completes Bio-psychosocial assessment.
  • Provide individual and group counseling services; direct service hours at regularly scheduled intervals; coordinate all services throughout treatment
  • Involve families and significant others in patient’s recovery process whenever possible
  • Respond, as needed, to patient grievances and complaints
  • Develop aftercare plans and discharge plans
  • Other related duties as determined by the supervisor

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 1 year of individual counseling experience
  • Master’s Degree in Behavioral Science with a minimum of 1 year of individual counseling experience
  • Associate’s Degree or High School Diploma with a current certification and 1 year of supervision. Certifications include CAC (Certified Addiction Counselor), CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor), or CADC II or Massachusetts state LADC II
  • Previous experience working with chemically dependent individuals a plus.
  • Must demonstrate a positive, non-judgmental, and accepting attitude toward our patient population
  • Satisfactory criminal background check and drug screen

Salary Range:

Salary ranges from $25.00 to $30.47 an hour. 

The salary of the candidate(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, education, specialty, and training.

BayMark offers excellent benefits:

  • 401K match
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Voluntary Worksite Benefits (i.e., Accidental Injury)
  • Company paid Short & Long Term Disability
  • Company paid Basic Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Sick Time
  • Employee Referral Program
  • BayMark Perks Program
  • Jury Duty & Witness Duty Leave
  • BayMark University Learning

Total compensation goes beyond the value on the paycheck. Please consider the total compensation package by contacting us at BayMark Health Services for more information.

 

What to expect from us:

Health Care Resource Centers, a BayMark Health Services Company, is a progressive substance abuse treatment program, committed to the highest quality of patient care in a comfortable outpatient clinic setting. Our ultimate goal is to address the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of opioid use disorder to help each of our patients achieve long-term recovery and an improved quality of life.  

 

BayMark Health Services is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) and to follow compliance guidelines with all Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, natural origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic disposition, disability or veteran’s status or any other classification protected by State/Federal laws