Substance Use Counselor

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid vacation & sick leave

Employer-paid clinical supervision

Free CEUs

EAP for mental health and well-being

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Gifford Street Comprehensive Treatment Center in New Bedford, MA is hiring a Substance Use Counselor for our outpatient MAT program. You’ll provide high-quality individual and group counseling, develop treatment plans, and document progress in line with state and federal guidelines.

A Master’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field is required, with credentials such as CAC, CAS, CADC, CRC, LADC I/II, LICSW, LCSW, LMHC, or LMFT encouraged if not already held.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in psychology, social work, or related field required.
• Credentials such as CAC, CAS, CADC, CRC, LADC I/II, LICSW, LCSW, LMHC, or LMFT encouraged if not held.
• Experience in addiction recovery or behavioral health settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality individual and group counseling focused on substance use recovery.
• Plan, oversee, facilitate and document patient recovery.
• Prepare and document individual treatment plans for each patient.
• Coordinate referrals and aftercare planning as needed.
• Ensure timely and clear documentation of care and incidents.

Skills

Addiction recovery experience

MAT familiarity

Counseling skills (individual & group)

CBT & MI knowledge

Documentation in clinical notes

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in psychology/social work/related field

Bachelor’s degree with credential pursuit encouraged

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

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

• 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 eligibility here: HRSA Eligibility

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