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Substance Use Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Substance Use Counselor

Chelsea, MA · On-site

$27 - $30/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 ...

Substance Use Counselor

Boston, MA · On-site

$26.50 - $30/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 ...

Substance Use Counselor

Boston, MA · On-site

$25 - $30.47/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 ...

Substance Use Counselor

Franklin, MA · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Substance Use Counselor Location: Franklin Job ID: 2026-7098 Job Locations: US-IN-Franklin Category: Clinical Type: Regular Full-Time Work Arrangement: Hybrid Overview At Groups, we know recovery is ...

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Showing results 21-40

Substance Use information

See Boston, MA salary details

$35.9K

$64.1K

$91.8K

How much do substance use jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for substance use in Boston, MA is $64,113.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,200.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substance use counselor?

A substance use counselor is a professional who helps individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. They provide support through assessment, treatment planning, counseling sessions, and recovery strategies. Substance use counselors may work in various settings, such as rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or private practices, and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Their goal is to guide clients toward recovery and help them develop healthier coping mechanisms.

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 psychology, social work, or counseling, often supported by state licensure or certification in addiction counseling. Familiarity with treatment planning software, electronic health records (EHRs), and evidence-based intervention techniques is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, empathy, and strong communication abilities are essential for building trust and supporting clients through recovery. These competencies are crucial for effectively guiding individuals through treatment, ensuring ethical care, and fostering positive outcomes in challenging environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in substance use counseling, and how can they be effectively managed?

Substance use counselors often encounter challenges such as managing client relapse, navigating complex co-occurring mental health disorders, and maintaining clear professional boundaries. Building strong therapeutic alliances, participating in regular supervision, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams can help address these difficulties. Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and self-care strategies are also essential for sustaining effectiveness and personal well-being in this emotionally demanding field.

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

AspectSubstance UseSubstance Use Counselor
CredentialsVaries; often no formal certificationCertification required (e.g., CADC, CSAC)
Work EnvironmentCommunity clinics, hospitals, outreach programsRehabilitation centers, clinics, private practice
Industry UsageRefers to the issue or topic of substance useRefers to professionals providing treatment and support

Substance Use describes the issue or behavior related to the consumption of substances, while a Substance Use Counselor is a trained professional who provides treatment and support for individuals struggling with substance use problems. The counselor's role involves assessment, counseling, and developing recovery plans, whereas Substance Use refers to the broader topic or problem itself.

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

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

Infographic showing various Substance Use job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,113 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Substance Use Counselor

Health Care Resource Centers

Woburn, MA

$25.20 - $28.84/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Description

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 $28.84 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