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Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Amherst, MA (NOW HIRING)

baymark

Substance Abuse Counselor

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$25.20 - $28/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

Weekend Substance Abuse Counselor

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/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 ...

ServiceNet

Milieu Counselor

Holyoke, MA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Vision insurance Milieu Counselor Department : Mental Health Recovery Services Program: Prevention ... Support client orientation and help reinforce PREP expectations (e.g., no illicit substance use ...

ServiceNet

Milieu Counselor

Holyoke, MA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Vision insurance Milieu Counselor Department : Mental Health Recovery Services Program: Prevention ... Support client orientation and help reinforce PREP expectations (e.g., no illicit substance use ...

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$13

$25

$35

How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in Amherst, MA is $25.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.06 and $28.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substance use counselor?

A Substance Use Counselor is a mental health professional who helps individuals struggling with drug, alcohol, or other substance dependencies. They assess clients’ needs, develop treatment plans, provide counseling, and support clients through recovery. Substance Use Counselors may work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or community organizations, often collaborating with other healthcare professionals. Their goal is to help clients understand their addiction, develop coping strategies, and maintain long-term sobriety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substance use counselor?

To thrive as a Substance Use Counselor, you need a background in counseling, psychology, or social work—often with a relevant degree and state licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management systems, assessment tools, and evidence-based treatment modalities such as CBT or motivational interviewing is common. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and cultural sensitivity help build trust and rapport with clients. These competencies are essential for providing effective support, fostering recovery, and navigating the complexities of addiction treatment.

What are some common challenges substance use counselors face when working with clients, and how are these typically addressed within the team?

Substance Use Counselors often encounter challenges such as client relapse, resistance to treatment, and co-occurring mental health disorders. These issues are typically addressed through regular team meetings, case consultations, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals like social workers and psychiatrists. Counselors also receive ongoing training and supervision to stay updated on best practices and to ensure they have the support needed to manage complex cases. This team-based approach helps provide comprehensive care and promotes the counselor's professional growth.

What is the difference between Substance Use Counselor vs Addiction Therapist?

AspectSubstance Use CounselorAddiction Therapist
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CADC, CAC)Licensed or certified in addiction counseling
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinicsRehab facilities, mental health clinics
Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare and community programsOften used interchangeably with Substance Use Counselor

Both roles focus on helping individuals overcome substance abuse, often requiring similar certifications and working in comparable environments. The main difference lies in terminology preference, with 'Addiction Therapist' sometimes implying a broader scope of mental health treatment. However, in practice, these titles are often used interchangeably in the industry.

Is it worth becoming a substance use counselor?

A substance use counselor helps individuals recover from addiction by providing therapy, support, and education. The role often requires relevant certifications, strong communication skills, and empathy, with job growth expected due to increasing awareness of substance abuse issues. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in mental health and community service.

What degree is best for a substance use counselor?

A substance use counselor typically benefits from a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. Many states also require certification or licensure, which may involve completing a master's degree and supervised clinical hours. Relevant skills include counseling techniques and knowledge of addiction treatment methods.

What cities near Amherst, MA are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs?

Cities near Amherst, MA with the most Substance Use Counselor job openings:

Substance Use Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in Amherst, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,177 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Substance Abuse Counselor

baymark

Chicopee, MA • On-site

$25.20 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Description
Position at Health Care Resource Centers
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 $25.20 to $28.00 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

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