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Forensic Addictions Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Horizon House

Mental Health Professional

Swarthmore, PA · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Bachelor's Degree required. * 1 year experience working in forensics * 1 year experience working in behavioral health * Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC), preferred, with ongoing coursework in drug ...

Elwyn

Forensic Licensed Clinician

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$58K - $78K/yr

Apply today. Elwyn seeks a Forensic Licensed Clinician to provide forensic mental health ... counseling. * Program-specific medication certification, if applicable. * Knowledge of addiction ...

PHMC

Bilingual Treatment Court Case Manager

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$20.50 - $26/hr

Provide case management services to individuals or participants with current forensic affiliations ... counseling, or education and have 1+ years of experience in direct participant contact in an ...

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Forensic Addictions Counselor information

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$32.5K

$54.2K

$71K

How much do forensic addictions counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic addictions counselor in the United States is $54,226.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic addictions counselor?

A Forensic Addictions Counselor is a specialized professional who works with individuals involved in the criminal justice system who struggle with substance abuse or addiction. These counselors assess, treat, and support clients as they work toward recovery, often as part of court-mandated programs or rehabilitation efforts. They collaborate with legal and healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans, provide therapy, and help clients navigate legal obligations related to their substance use. Their goal is to reduce recidivism and promote long-term sobriety. The role requires knowledge of addiction, counseling techniques, and the criminal justice system.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Addictions Counselor, you need a background in counseling, addiction treatment, and criminal justice, often supported by a relevant degree and state licensure or certification. Familiarity with assessment tools, treatment planning software, and legal documentation systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build trust and motivate clients are crucial soft skills. These competencies enable counselors to effectively support individuals within the justice system, ensuring ethical care and promoting recovery while addressing public safety concerns.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic addictions counselors working within the criminal justice system?

Forensic Addictions Counselors often encounter challenges such as managing clients who are resistant to treatment due to court mandates, navigating complex legal and ethical issues, and working with individuals who have co-occurring mental health disorders. Counselors must balance the requirements of the legal system with the needs of their clients, while maintaining confidentiality and building trust. Additionally, collaboration with probation officers, attorneys, and other professionals is frequent, requiring strong communication skills and adaptability.

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

AspectForensic Addictions CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
CredentialsState certification, CADC, or equivalent; may require additional forensic trainingState certification, CADC or CAC
Work EnvironmentCriminal justice settings, forensic facilities, courtsRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, community health settings
Employer & IndustryCriminal justice, forensic hospitals, correctional facilitiesHealthcare, mental health clinics, community organizations
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to forensic focus and certification requirementsMore general addiction treatment roles

In summary, Forensic Addictions Counselors specialize in working within the criminal justice system and forensic settings, often requiring additional forensic training. Substance Abuse Counselors typically work in healthcare and community settings, focusing on addiction treatment without the forensic component. Both roles require certification but differ mainly in work environment and focus.

How to become a forensic addictions counselor?

To become a forensic addictions counselor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, followed by obtaining relevant certifications such as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). Gaining experience in addiction treatment and understanding forensic settings is also important, and some roles may require a master's degree or specialized training in forensic psychology.
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What job categories do people searching Forensic Addictions Counselor jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Addictions Counselor jobs are:

Forensic Addictions Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Addictions Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,226 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Mental Health Professional

Horizon House

Swarthmore, PA • On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Horizon House is a nationally recognized provider of services to adults with support needs due to developmental disabilities, behavioral health issues and substance abuse. With over 100 locations throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and the state of Delaware, Horizon House provides services to a diverse population focusing on individual strengths and choices.
We are seeking qualified candidates interested in joining our multidisciplinary Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) team at our Delaware County location.
This position is responsible for providing service coordination (case management) for assigned group of clients including coordinating and monitoring the activities of the individual treatment team; assume primary responsibility for developing, writing, implementing, evaluating and revising overall treatment goals and plans in collaboration with the client and the ITT; provide individual supportive therapy and symptom management; ensure immediate changes; are made in treatment plans as clients' need change, educate and support clients' families; and advocate for clients' rights and preferences.
  • Conduct the comprehensive assessment of psychiatric history (e.g. onset, course an effect of illness, past treatment and responses, and risk behaviors), mental status, and diagnosis; physical health and dental health; use of drugs or alcohol; education and employment, social development and functioning; activities of daily living (e.g., care-care, living situation, nutrition, money management); and family structure and relationships.
  • Provide on-call crisis intervention covering nighttime hours and serve as a back-up to evening and weekend staff.
  • Document client progress to maintain a permanent record of client activity according to established methods and procedures.
  • Provide direct clinical services including individual supportive therapy and psychotherapy to clients on an individual, group and family basis in the office and in community settings to teach behavioral symptom-management techniques to alleviate and manage symptoms not reduced with medication and to promote personal growth and development by assisting clients to adapt to and cope with internal and external stresses.
  • Provide community based support and forensic services to participants on the Delco ACT, FACT and PACT Team.
  • Coordinate care with community based forensic system to include courts, probation and parole and prison/jail
    Providing training and support to other team members regarding forensic issues and treatment.
  • Provide general case management supports and services to assigned participants.

Requirements
  • Degree in Human Services and experience working in community based behavioral health, justice system or mental health setting. Bachelor's Degree required.
  • 1 year experience working in forensics
  • 1 year experience working in behavioral health
  • Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC), preferred, with ongoing coursework in drug and alcohol counseling to qualify for re-certification.
  • Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses and respect for client rights and personal preferences in treatment are essential.
  • Knowledge of mental health systems and supports.
  • Some knowledge of multiple support systems for substance abusers.
  • Good communication skills, both oral and written as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a focused team.
  • Must have a valid driver's license.

Scope:
  • Frequent talking and listening.
  • Requires the ability to lift, carry, hold, kneel, reach, stack, stoop and bend, which may include direct intervention with residents.

Horizon House offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefit package including medical and dental, (9) nine paid holidays and generous paid time off, retirement savings plan, tax sheltered annuity, tuition reimbursement and opportunities for advancement.
To be considered an applicant for this position please complete the pre- employment application by going to www.hhinc.org/careers
Horizon House is an Equal Opportunity Employer -
#ZRJB
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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