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Addictions Counselor Jobs in Erie, PA (NOW HIRING)

As an Addiction Counselor, you'll serve as a positive role model, provide encouragement through every stage of recovery, and help individuals develop the skills and confidence they need to achieve ...

Drug and Alcohol Counselor

Erie, PA · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

Stay updated on best practices in addiction treatment and maintain professional certifications ... Certified as an addiction counselor (CAAC, CADC, CAADC) by the Pennsylvania Certification Board is ...

Drug and Alcohol Counselor

Erie, PA · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

Stay updated on best practices in addiction treatment and maintain professional certifications ... Certified as an addiction counselor (CAAC, CADC, CAADC) by the Pennsylvania Certification Board is ...

Drug and Alcohol Counselor

Erie, PA · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

Stay updated on best practices in addiction treatment and maintain professional certifications ... Certified as an addiction counselor (CAAC, CADC, CAADC) by the Pennsylvania Certification Board is ...

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Addictions Counselor information

See Erie, PA salary details

$31.5K

$52.5K

$68.8K

How much do addictions counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for addictions counselor in Erie, PA is $52,536.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,100.00 and $59,100.00 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 popular job titles related to Addictions Counselor jobs in Erie, PA?

For Addictions Counselor jobs in Erie, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Addictions Counselor jobs in Erie, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Addictions Counselor jobs in Erie, PA are:

What cities near Erie, PA are hiring for Addictions Counselor jobs?

Cities near Erie, PA with the most Addictions Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Addictions Counselor job openings in Erie, PA 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 $52,536 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Addictions Counselor - Erie Outpatient

Gaudenzia

Erie, PA • On-site

$18.23 - $23.27/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Gaudenzia rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Make an Impact. Support Recovery. Change Lives.
Join our team at our Erie Outpatient Program and help individuals build healthier, more fulfilling lives. Whether you're just beginning your career in human services or have experience in behavioral health, recovery support, coaching, mentoring, residential services, or community outreach, we'd love to hear from you!
This is more than a job-it's an opportunity to make a lasting difference. As an Addiction Counselor, you'll serve as a positive role model, provide encouragement through every stage of recovery, and help individuals develop the skills and confidence they need to achieve long-term success.
We're currently hiring Addiction Counselors for the following location:
Erie Outpatient
  • Bachelor's degree plus at least one year of clinical experience required.
  • No weekends required or major holidays
  • Must be available to work two evening shifts per week (12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.).

If you're passionate about helping others and want to build a meaningful career while making a positive impact in your community, we encourage you to apply!
Compensation: $18.23 - $23.27 per hour - based upon clinical experience
Qualifications:
  • Pennsylvania Education/ Licensure Requirements:
    • Counselor I: Bachelor's degree with one (1) year clinical experience
    • Counselor II: Bachelor's degree with two (2) years' clinical experience
    • Counselor III: Bachelor's degree with three (3) years' clinical experience; Master's degree in social work, psychology, chemical dependency, counseling or nursing with no experience required; or Master's degree in related field requires one (1) year of experience

Acceptable degrees include (but are not limited to): Social Work, Psychology, Addiction, Counseling, Human Services, Criminal Justice, and more.
Your responsibilities in this role may include:
  1. Be responsible for a caseload of clients, as identified by program requirements and in accordance with state regulations.
    2. Complete required evaluations and assessments, including screening, intake, clinical assessments, ASAM and biopsychosocial histories.
    3. Compete individual treatment plans upon client's admission.
    4. Document all clinical services and interventions performed within the client's electronic health record and complete monthly treatment reports.
    5. Maintain accurate electronic health records on each client and ensure the timely completion of tastasksthin 24 hours of service deliver, no later than 72 hours of service delivery.
    6. Conduct individual and group sessions based on client's treatment plan goals and level of care.
    7. Participating in funding source reviews and make recommendations for treatment and lengths of stay.
    8. Monitor client progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
    9. Coordinate with agency and community resources to ensure a through treatment plan.
    10. Assist clients with developing a discharge/continuing care plan and connecting to resources needed to reach personal goals both during the course of treatment and in advance to their discharge.
    11. Follow up with clients after discharge based on regulatory guidelines until they have been established with other case management/social services.

What We Offer: Competitive Pay - Excellent Benefits - On The Job Training - Upward mobility - Educational assistance to help you grow with us in this life saving field!
For additional details regarding our benefits, please visit: https://www.gaudenzia.org/careers/
Our Operating Principles: We, as members of the Gaudenzia Team, are committed to these principles. They guide the way we perform Gaudenzia business, every day.
  • We hold client care as our top priority.
  • We assume good intentions.
  • We are present, we connect, & we communicate with transparency, dignity, and respect.
  • We make data-driven decisions with courage, challenge the status quo, find innovative ways to grow Gaudenzia & each other.
  • We support each other publicly & privately in all circumstances.
  • We provide & accept constructive, honest, respectful, and timely feedback with an open mind & without personalization.
  • We operate with integrity, focus on outcomes, & have a bias for action.
  • We follow through on agreements & honor commitments prioritized with a sense of urgency - someone's life may depend on it.

Gaudenzia is proud to be an employer of choice - and a treatment provider of choice - in the substance use and co-occurring disorders treatment field. We work hard to foster an inclusive, supportive environment where our employees and clients always feel safe and welcome.
Come work with us!
Our Agency is committed to the principles of equal employment. We believe in fostering a positive work environment in which every employee is treated with respect. Our staff hiring and recruitment practices are grounded in fairness, transparency, and merit. All employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications, relevant skills, experience, and alignment with our mission and values. We actively recruit from a broad range of educational and professional backgrounds to attract the most qualified candidates, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants without preference or discrimination. Our process uses consistent and clear evaluation criteria to support objective decision-making. By emphasizing accountability, efficiency, and integrity throughout every stage--from job posting to onboarding--we build a workforce defined by excellence, professionalism, and commitment to our shared purpose. Gaudenzia is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy regarding all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

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