Substance Use Counselor

Outpatient MAT Opioid Treatment Program (OTP)

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 Schedule: Early morning schedule that encourages work-life balance:

• Monday - Friday, 5:30 AM - 2 PM
  
  

Remote/Hybrid Schedule

• Offered to candidates with extensive SUD counseling experience.
• Hybrid clinicians will receive a laptop and can split their schedule between on-site and remote work after completing an initial in-person training period.
• To qualify for a remote position:
• Applicants must reside in Massachusetts.
• Completion of an on-site training period (60-90 days) is required at one of our 14 outpatient CTC locations in MA or RI.
  

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
• Free employer-sponsored clinical supervision
• Unlimited access to over 500 accredited Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supporting your 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.

Key Responsibilities

As a Substance Use Counselor, you will be essential in guiding patients through their treatment journey and fostering recovery from Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Duties include:

• Leading individual and group counseling sessions with compassion and professionalism.
• Designing, managing, and documenting treatment plans tailored to patient needs.
• Facilitating group or family therapy sessions as required.
• Keeping thorough, clear, and timely documentation on patient care, progress, and any incidents.
• Conducting initial and ongoing patient assessments.
• Determining the necessity of referrals to additional programs or external resources.
• Coordinating aftercare plans to support long-term recovery.
• Providing immediate crisis intervention services when needed.
• Managing patient cases to ensure personalized, high-quality care.
• Serving as a liaison between patients and referral sources.
  
  

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 counseling team is dedicated to empowering individuals on their recovery journey, integrating evidence-based therapy, safe and effective medications, and community-driven support to help patients reclaim their lives. If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to be part of an empowering team dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening local communities, we encourage you to apply today. Join us in transforming lives through dedicated care and meaningful recovery support.

Required Education

• Master’s Degree in a relevant field, or one of the following credentials: CAC, CAS, CADC, CRC, LADC, 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, LICSW, LCSW, LMHC, 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