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Addictions Counselor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Substance Use Counselor

Tigard, OR · On-site

$23.50 - $31.75/hr

Substance Use Counselor * CADC-R, CADC I, CADC II, or CADC III Full Time Hours: * Monday - Friday ... Previous experience in addiction recovery or behavioral health settings, such as outpatient ...

Substance Use Counselor

Portland, OR · On-site

$23.50 - $31.75/hr

Substance Use Counselor * CADC-R, CADC I, CADC II, or CADC III Full Time Hours: Monday - Friday 5 ... Previous experience in addiction recovery or behavioral health settings, such as outpatient ...

Substance Use Counselor

Portland, OR

$23.50 - $31.75/hr

Substance Use Counselor * CADC-R, CADC I, CADC II, or CADC III Full Time Hours: Monday - Friday 5 ... Previous experience in addiction recovery or behavioral health settings, such as outpatient ...

Substance Use Counselor

Tigard, OR

$23.50 - $31.75/hr

Substance Use Counselor * CADC-R, CADC I, CADC II, or CADC III Full Time Hours: * Monday - Friday ... Previous experience in addiction recovery or behavioral health settings, such as outpatient ...

Showing results 21-40

Addictions Counselor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$34.5K

$57.5K

$75.3K

How much do addictions counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for addictions counselor in Portland, OR is $57,507.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,300.00 and $64,700.00 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 Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Addictions Counselor jobs in Portland, OR are:

What job categories do people searching Addictions Counselor jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Addictions Counselor jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Addictions Counselor job openings in Portland, OR 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 $57,507 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Bilingual Addiction Medicine Counselor (FT, Days)

Kaiser Permanente

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:

Addiction Medicine (AM) Counselors provide engagement, counseling, and case management services to members that are affected by substance use disorders. AM Counselors are generalists who are flexible in their job duties serving a population that has a variety of needs including treatment for substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health disorders, and support and education for their family members. AM Counselors function within a multidisciplinary treatment team to support members that present in all phases of readiness for change.


Essential Responsibilities:

  • Provide high quality clinical services (individual, group, and family) to our members through direct assessment, diagnosis and formulation/implementation of treatment plan in outpatient or residential settings. Provide all care in accordance with accepted best practice standards and department protocols (including supervision). Conducts hospital consults as requested by clinical services manager, Clinical Director or Chief of Addiction Medicine department. Provide case management through appropriate triaging and referrals, consultation with other providers, contact with members and their families, and reporting to outside agencies.
  • Document all member care in the electronic medical record in accordance with accepted medical/legal standards.
  • Provide other member or department services, such as program development, in-service training, crisis intervention and supervision of members during residential activities.

Basic Qualifications:
Experience
  • Minimum one (1) year working in a setting that is specific to substance use disorder treatment within the last five (5) years OR completion of KP Addiction Medicine department internship before hire/transfer.
  • Completed training from American Society of Addiction Medicine Criteria within the first three (3) months of hire or within the most recent two (2) years prior to hire.
Education
  • Masters level degree in counseling, social work, or closely related field (M.S.W., M.S., M.A., M.Ed.), post-masters experience not required, if completed one (1) year of departmental internship.
License, Certification, Registration
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Oregon) OR Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Washington) OR Drug and Alcohol Counselor Certificate (Oregon) OR Professional Counselor License (Oregon) OR Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Oregon) OR Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee Certification (Washington) OR Mental Health Counselor License (Washington) OR Substance Use Disorder Professional License (Washington) OR Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (Washington) OR Licensed Advanced Social Worker License (Washington) 
     

  • National Provider Identifier required at hire
     
Additional Requirements:
  • Thorough and working knowledge of current best practice treatment for; adolescents and adults and their family members needing substance use disorder treatment services; including treatment principles for individual, family, and group counseling; and treatment/intervention options for common co-occurring mental health disorders.
  • Thorough and working knowledge of legal requirements for reporting abuse and maintaining confidentiality.
  • Thorough and working knowledge of accepted best practice protocols and ethical guidelines and behaviors for counselors.
  • Thorough and working knowledge of best practices for delivering culturally aware services.
  • Ability to assess, diagnose, and treat members affected by substance use.
  • Ability to recognize, assess, and provide treatment for members with co-occurring mental health disorders.
  • Ability to effectively apply ASAM criteria to make placement decisions. Ability to use appropriate procedural/testing equipment and tools.
  • Ability to provide case management for patients with a variety of needs including legal issues and social determinants of health.
  • Ability to interface with large multidisciplinary systems.
  • Competency in computer skills including email, and other typical office applications.
  • Competency in computer skills including ability to access and utilize web-based resources. Proficient in providing both face to face and virtual care.
  • Ability to learn and teach patients to use electronic recovery aids, apps, etc.
  • Oregon licensure/certification is required for Oregon positions. Washington licensure/certification is required for
  • Washington positions, dual licensure is encouraged.
  • Final candidate must pass pre-employment language skill assessment administered over the phone by Kaiser Permanente.
  • Upon hire, must take the next available Kaiser Permanente Qualified Bilingual Staff (QBS) training for continued employment.
  • For licensed mental health professionals that do not hold a drug and alcohol certification are required to demonstrate at least 60 contact hours of academic or continuing professional education in the treatment of substance use disorders.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Minimum Two (2) years of post-masters experience working in a substance use disorder treatment setting within the
  • last 5 years.
  • Experience working in an integrated healthcare setting including primary care services
  • Experience or specialized training in treating adolescents with substance use disorders
  • Experience or specialized training in family therapy and working with family members that have a family member with a
  • substance use disorder
  • Experience or specialized training in treating trauma
  • Experience in applying Motivational Interviewing techniques to engage and triage new patients
  • Experience working with an interdisciplinary treatment team including medical providers
  • Experience working with patients that are receiving either prescribed or dispensed medications for substance use
  • disorders
  • Experience using Feedback Informed Care tools in direct patient care
  • Experience providing crisis management services
  • Experience working with electronic health record systems
  • Certified Addiction Counselor in practicing state required at time of hire/transfer, and Current license to treat mental health disorders without restriction, LPC, LMFT, LCSW, LICSW, LMHC in practicing state required at time of hire/transfer.
  • Certified Addiction Counselor in both OR and WA state.

Notes:

  • Schedule may vary