Substance Use Counselor

Acadia Healthcare; Fitchburg (MA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Semi-Annual Bonus Program

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vis

Competitive 401(k) with employer match

Paid vacation and sick leave

Employer-paid clinical supervision

Free CEUs

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Growth and development opportunities

Job summary

Acadia Healthcare's Fitchburg Comprehensive Treatment Center in Fitchburg, MA, is hiring a Substance Use Counselor for its MAT-focused outpatient program. The role emphasizes high-quality, compassionate individual and group counseling within a multidisciplinary team, with documentation and treatment planning responsibilities.

The position offers an early morning schedule, full-time hours, and a compensation range of $27.88–$29.81 per hour, plus a semi-annual bonus, comprehensive benefits, 401(k)

Qualifications

• Experience in addiction recovery or behavioral health settings.
• Familiarity with MAT including methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone.
• Experience conducting individual and group counseling sessions.
• Knowledge of CBT, MI, relapse prevention techniques.
• Documentation of notes, treatment plans, progress updates.
• Familiarity with state regulatory standards.
• Ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality, compassionate individual and group counseling.
• Plan, oversee, facilitate and document patient recovery.
• Co-facilitate group or family sessions as needed.
• Complete documentation promptly and clearly.
• Prepare individual treatment plans for each patient.
• Conduct initial and follow-up assessments.
• Assess needs and referrals to other programs as needed.
• Plan aftercare for assigned patients.
• Provide crisis intervention when needed.
• Perform case management to ensure quality care.
• Act as liaison between referral sources and patients.

Skills

Addiction recovery experience

MAT familiarity

Individual counseling

Group counseling

Evidence-based practices

Documentation

Regulatory knowledge

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Master’s Degree

CAC/CAS/CADC/CRC/LADC/LICSW/LCSW/LMHC/LMFT

Bachelor’s degree with credential plan

Job description

Overview

Outpatient MAT Opioid Treatment Program

Now Hiring: Substance Use Counselor

Full TimeHours: Early morning schedule that encourages a great work-life balance:

• Monday - Friday, 5:30 AM to 1:30 PM or 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM
  • Schedule may vary based on program and patient needs

Why Work With Us? Benefits Include:

• Semi-Annual Bonus Program
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Competitive 401(k) with employer match
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Employer-paid clinical supervision (free to employees)
• Free and unlimited access to 500+ accredited Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supporting your mental health & well-being
• Industry-leading growth and development opportunities

Our Team:

Fitchburg Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC), located in Fitchburg, MA, is part of Acadia Healthcare's Comprehensive Treatment Centers—the nation's leader in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals seeking recovery from Opioid Use Disorder. We provide a continuum of care that includes Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), Office-Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and mobile treatment units. Our approach to holistic addiction care extends beyond clinical treatment, incorporating recovery coaching, community outreach and partnerships to ensure patients receive comprehensive, patient-centered support.

Transforming Lives with Community & Compassion:

With 14 outpatient opioid treatment programs (OTPs) across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, we’re breaking down barriers to care and supporting long-term recovery. Our CTC clinics partner with nursing homes, justice systems, and community groups to provide holistic, patient-centered care. From wellness initiatives and holiday celebrations to yoga and animal therapy, we foster a supportive environment for healing and whole-person well-being.

Your Job as a Substance Use Counselor:

The Substance Use Counselor is instrumental in our patient’s treatment and recovery from opioid use disorder. Substance Use Counselors provide high quality, compassionate care through various mediums which include both individual and group counseling sessions.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide high quality, compassionate guidance in both individual and group counseling sessions.
• Plan, oversee, facilitate and document patient's recovery.
• Co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions as needed.
• Ensure all documentation regarding patient care, treatment, and incidents is completed timely and in a clear, concise manner.
• Prepare individual treatment plans for each assigned patient.
• Initial assessments as well as follow up assessments.
• Evaluate patient needs and determine if referrals to other programs or facilities are needed.
• May plan for aftercare for assigned patients.
• Provide crisis intervention to patients, as needed.
• Provide case management duties for patients, ensuring individualized quality care as needed.
• Act as a liaison between referral sources and patients, as needed.

Compensation for roles at Fitchburg CTC varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific location, role, skill set, and level of experience. FitchburgCTC provides a reasonable hourly range of compensation for roles that may be hired in Massachusetts as set forth below.Role Location: Massachusetts

Calculated Salary Range for therole: $27.88 - $29.81 per hour

Eligible positions may qualify for student loan forgiveness through HRSA, depending on clinic site eligibility. Check your eligibilty here: HRSA Eligibility

Where Passion Meets Purpose. Join Our Team!

Our compassionate team is dedicated to empowering individuals on their recovery journey, providing high-quality care, offering unwavering support, and fostering a patient-centered approach to healing. Through evidence-based treatment and a commitment to whole-person wellness, our team members play a vital role in helping individuals reclaim their lives. If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a supportive, mission-driven team committed to transforming lives and strengthening local communities.

Qualifications

Required Education:

• Master’s Degree in a relevant field is required, or one of the following credentials: CAC, CAS, CADC, CRC, LADC I, LADC II, LICSW, LCSW, LMHC, or LMFT.
• Bachelor’s Degree holders without credentials are encouraged to apply if they are committed to obtaining required credentials within 30-60 days of employment.
• For Bachelor’s-level candidates, we provide reimbursement for licensing or certification exam fees to support credential attainment.
• Degree obtained must be in psychology, social work, or related health services field from an accredited college or university.

Your Skills & Experience:

• Previous experience in addiction recovery or behavioral health settings, such as outpatient, residential, or correctional facilities.
• Familiarity with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
• Experience conducting individual and group counseling sessions focused on substance use recovery.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and relapse prevention techniques.
• Documentation experience, including maintaining clinical notes, treatment plans, and progress updates in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
• Familiarity with state regulatory standards (e.g., 42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA, Joint Commission standards).
• Experience collaborating in a multidisciplinary team with medical staff, case managers, and peer support specialists.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Candidates who do not hold a Master’s degree must possess one of the following certifications or commit to obtaining it within 60 days of hire:
  • CAC, CAS, CADC, CRC, LADC I, LADC II, LICSW, LCSW, LMHC, or LMFT.
  • We provide reimbursement for licensing or certification exam fees to support credential attainment.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.