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

East House

Counselor Assistant

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19 - $19.50/hr

... substance addiction and mental health recovery. East House helps thousands of clients and their ... Ability to use personal vehicle for work purposes. Salary Description 19.00-19.50

Helio Health

Team Leader- Inpatient Program

Rochester, NY · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

... substance use, mental health disorders, and other behavioral healthcare issues. To support the ... Oversees program, counseling staff, and the participants' needs and progress. * Represents the ...

EAST HOUSE CORPORATION

Service Coordinator I

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18 - $27.45/hr

We provide comprehensive services, including residential support, counseling, peer support and community outreach to empower individuals to overcome mental health and substance use disorders and lead ...

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Substance Use Counselor information

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$14

$25

$35

How much do substance use counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for substance use counselor in Rochester, NY is $25.14, 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.

What do you need to be a substance use counselor?

To become a substance use counselor, you typically need a relevant bachelor's degree or higher in fields like psychology, social work, or counseling, along with specialized training in addiction treatment. Certification or licensure, such as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), is often required or preferred. Strong communication skills, empathy, and knowledge of addiction recovery are essential for success in this role.

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 helping others, though it may involve emotional challenges and variable work hours.
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, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,296 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Behavioral Health Therapist

Oak Orchard Health

Batavia, NY • On-site

$68K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Description

Oak Orchard Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with 11 locations that provide integrated, whole person healthcare services to children, adolescents, adults, and families in our communities. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provide comprehensive, evidenced based, behavioral health treatment services for patients.
  • Provide biopsychosocial assessments, treatment planning, and clinical progress note documentation to support the therapeutic process.
  • Develop an individualized treatment plan in collaboration with the client (and parent/guardian for pediatric patients) based on needs identified in the assessment.
  • Maintain and complete clinical documentation for all clients in a timely manner.
  • Collaborate with providers across an interdisciplinary team to provide integrated, well rounded care to patients.
  • Engage in clinical supervision, team meetings, and clinical case review as needed and required.
  • Provide crisis intervention services for clients in acute distress and collaborate with medical providers for warm handoffs. 
  • Establish strong relationships and communicate effectively with clients, family members, and staff.
  • Comply with all administrative and clinical policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrate, promote, and practice cultural competency towards clients and staff.
  • Participate in after hours on call system rotation as needed and required. 
  • Participate in weekly group consultation with an experienced psychiatrist from URMC to support professional growth and development. 
  • Participate in monthly individual supervision with a licensed Clinical Psychologist to support professional growth and development.
  • Collaborate with the Behavioral Health Care Managers for ongoing case management and resource support and linkage to care for patients. 


Requirements

Skills/Qualifications

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organization skills and attention to detail.
  • Strengths based and Trauma Informed approach to working with patients. 
  • Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills.
  • Experience working with a vast diversity of mental health and substance use disorder issues.
  • Bilingual applicants are welcome to apply!


Education/Experience: 

  • Master Degree in Social Work or Mental Health Counseling from an accredited university or other institution of higher learning.
  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Master Social Work (LMSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Psychologist required.
  • Familiarity and comfort working with issues related to mental health diagnosis, substance use disorders, and trauma. 

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