Substance Use Counselor

Comprehensive Treatment Centers; New Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Health insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Clinical supervision (employer-paid)

CEUs (500+)

EAP

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Gifford Street Comprehensive Treatment Center in New Bedford, MA seeks a Substance Use Counselor to deliver high-quality individual and group counseling for opioid use recovery. Role emphasizes documentation, treatment planning, and coordination of care with a multidisciplinary team.

Requirements include a Master’s degree in psychology/social work and credentials like CAC/CAS/CADC/CRC/LADC I/II/LICSW/LCSW/LMHC/LMFT, or willingness to obtain within 60 days.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in psychology, social work, or related field.
• CAC/CAS/CADC/CRC/LADC I/II/LICSW/LCSW/LMHC/LMFT credentials or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree holders encouraged to pursue credentials within 60 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling focused on substance use recovery.
• Plan, oversee, facilitate and document patient recovery.
• Prepare treatment plans and conduct initial/follow-up assessments.
• Maintain timely, clear documentation of patient care and incidents.
• Assess patient needs and refer to other programs when needed.
• Coordinate aftercare planning for assigned patients.
• Provide crisis intervention as required.
• Manage cases ensuring quality, individualized care.
• Act as liaison between referrals and patients, as needed.

Skills

Addiction recovery experience

MAT familiarity

Counseling (individual & group)

CBT/MI techniques

Clinical documentation

Regulatory compliance

Team collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in psychology/social work/related

CAC/CAS/CADC/CRC/LADC I/II/LICSW/LCSW/LMHC/LMFT credentials

Bachelor’s degree + credentials within 60 days

Job description

Our Team

Gifford Street Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC), located in New Bedford, 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.

Outpatient MAT Opioid Treatment Program

Now Hiring: Substance Use Counselor

Our Team

Gifford Street Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC), located in New Bedford, 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.

Full Time Hours:

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

• Monday - Friday starting at 5:30am; 36 hours/week

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

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 Gifford Street CTC varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific location, role, skill set, and level of experience. Gifford Street CTC 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 the role

$27.00 - 34.00 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.

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.

AHCTC