Gifford Street Comprehensive Treatment Center·New Bedford, Massachusetts
Provide high-quality individual and group counseling to patients recovering from opioid use disorder. Responsibilities include creating treatment plans, conducting assessments, and managing patient care coordination.
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, we encourage you to apply today. Join us in delivering dedicated care and meaningful recovery support.
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. #LI-CTC AHCTC
Requires a Master's degree in a relevant field or specific certifications such as CAC, LADC, or LCSW. Bachelor's degree holders in psychology or social work are encouraged to apply if they can obtain credentials quickly.
Market context
Substance use counselors in Massachusetts are often in steady demand across treatment programs, outpatient clinics, and community health settings. This role is competitive because employers commonly look for a master’s degree or credentials such as CAC, LADC, or LCSW, while some bachelor’s-level candidates in psychology or social work may still qualify if they can secure credentials within 60 days. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your licensure path and highlight any direct counseling or recovery-support experience in your application.
