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Substance Use Counselor Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

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$13

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$35

How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in Rochester, NY is $25.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.11 and $28.46 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 are popular job titles related to Substance Use Counselor jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Substance Use Counselor jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substance Use Counselor jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Use Counselor jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Substance Use Counselor jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Substance Use Counselor job openings:

Substance Use Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Use Counselor job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,272 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELOR

CATHOLIC CHARITIES FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

Rochester, NY

$24.50 - $26/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description

We are Hiring!

Catholic Charities Family and Community Services (CCFCS) has been serving our community for over 100 years. We walk with people when they are at their most vulnerable as they journey toward independence to reach their full human potential. We proudly serve and employ people from all backgrounds and experiences. 

If you're looking for more than just a job, if you're passionate about making a meaningful impact on the lives of others, join a team that changes lives every day. Be a part of something truly special.


Employment Type: Full-Time, 40 hours

Schedule: Sun-Thurs, 1pm-9pm

Salary: $24.50-26.00/hr. DOE


Top Benefits and Perks:

  • Competitive salary and 403b retirement plan
  • Generous time off package and work-life balance
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Supportive and collaborative environment
  • Opportunities for growth and development
  • Intrinsic reward of truly making a difference in people's lives

Qualifications:

Education: Associate's Degree in Social Work, or in related Human Services field required.

Credentials: Valid and clean NYS Driver's License. QHP- CASAC- T, CASAC, LMSW, LCSW, NCCC, LMHC, CRC, RN, or PhD required. Recovery peer advocate training also preferred.

Experience: Minimum of two years of experience working with substance use disorder clients or mental health services preferred. Bilingual in Spanish is preferred.

Counselor I Qualifications: CASAC-T


About the role:

Under general supervision, provides residential and clinical support to substance use disorder clients. Maintains confidentiality and ethical standards as identified by the NYS OASAS and other relevant governing bodies. Effectively supports ongoing and collaborative communication amongst all program staff, and is responsible for ensuring a trauma informed care environment.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Provides residential and clinical support services for substance use disorder clients.
    • Carries a caseload of clients.
    • Completes all necessary paperwork related to client services in compliance with Agency and regulatory standards.
    • Provides individual therapy services.
    • Responsible for admissions, discharges and treatment plans.
    • Manages medication process and procedures for all program participants.
    • Provides necessary case management to assure client participation in treatment and support services.
    • Collaborates and communicates with appropriate collateral (i.e., Agency staff, Outpatient substance use treatment providers, vocational and educational providers, criminal justice agencies and related community organizations) to assure coordination of client services.
    • Assist clients to meet all requirements for Department of Human Services (DHS).
  • Responsible for life skill programming including but not limited to: vocational/educational planning and readiness, parenting, anger management, planning skills, financial literacy, community integration, daily living skills, medication management, symptom management and skills for recovery and relapse prevention.
    • Facilitates life skills education through one on one sessions
    • Coordinates schedule of outside speakers to support Life skill programming.
    • Facilitates educational and skills development sessions as needed.
    • Communicates with residential team about client and residential community needs for life skills.
  • Monitors residents to assure a safe therapeutic environment.
    • Makes weekly house checks and individual weekly one on one sessions
    • Documents any unusual incidents or situations.
    • Communicates with appropriate staff regarding clients.
    • Works with Program Manager on monthly housekeeping reports and facilitates any work order requests with the Facilities department
    • Ensure residents activities are safe and therapeutic
    • In absence of Program Manager, will be designated point of contact for on-call schedule and provides crisis intervention and conflict management to residents as needed.
    • Assists clients with food and hygiene on a situational basis
  • Facilitates recreational activities for residents.
    • Meets with residents planning committee to plan recreation night.
    • Secures department vehicle and facilitates recreation activities that take place in the community.
  • Participate in all team, or residential activities.
    • Mediates crises at residential program as needed.
    • Participates in on-call schedule
    • Communicate client needs to Program Manager
    • Work cooperatively with other internal and external partners
  • Participates in relevant Agency meetings and/or trainings
  • Actively pursues development of professional competencies related to job role performance through reading, supervision, in-service training and attendance at conferences and workshops.
  • Awareness and active support of the Agency's Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan. Including, but not limited to, supporting the Agency's Core Competency initiatives of being Collaborative and Community Focused, Innovative and Entrepreneurial, and Culturally Competent and Diverse

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive. Employees are required to follow appropriate supervisory directions and perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

Physical Demands/Work Environment: The physical demands/work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, stand, walk, use hands to type and/or perform light lifting. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Compliance: Adheres to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations including, but not limited to, those governing confidentiality, privacy, program, billing and documentation standards. All duties must be performed in accordance with CCFCS's corporate compliance & ethics program. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check. CCDOR considers all background check information in accordance with applicable law.


Join us and help make a positive impact on our community!


***Catholic Charities is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our agency and our people. EOE/AA Disability/Vet

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