Substance Use Counselor

Lawrence Comprehensive Treatment Center•Lawrence, MA

4d•$31 - $38•Hybrid

About The Position

Lawrence Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC), part of Acadia Healthcare’s Comprehensive Treatment Centers, provides medication-assisted treatment and related services for people seeking recovery from Opioid Use Disorder. The Substance Use Counselor works with clinicians, case managers, nurses, and physicians in a collaborative, community-based setting. The role focuses on community engagement and mobile outreach in collaboration with hospitals, emergency departments, and health centers, as well as partnerships with local providers and government officials. The counselor guides patients through treatment and recovery by providing counseling, assessments, treatment planning, case management, crisis intervention, referrals, and aftercare coordination. The position is full-time, with an early-morning Monday-to-Friday schedule of either 6:00 AM–2:00 PM or 7:30 AM–3:30 PM. A hybrid schedule may be offered to candidates with extensive substance use disorder counseling experience after an initial in-person training period. Hybrid clinicians receive a laptop and may divide their schedule between on-site and remote work. The stated compensation range for Massachusetts is $31.00–$38.00 per hour. Eligible positions may qualify for student loan forgiveness through HRSA, depending on clinic-site eligibility.

Requirements

A master’s degree in a relevant field, or one of the listed credentials: CAC, CAS, CADC, CRC, LADC, LICSW, LCSW, LMHC, or LMFT.
A bachelor’s degree without credentials may be considered if the candidate commits to obtaining required credentials within 30–60 days of employment.
The degree must be in psychology, social work, or a related health services field from an accredited college or university.
Candidates without a master’s degree must hold one of the listed certifications or commit to obtaining one within 60 days of hire.
Previous experience in addiction recovery or behavioral health settings, such as outpatient, residential, or correctional facilities.
Familiarity with medication-assisted treatment, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
Experience conducting individual and group counseling focused on substance use recovery.
Knowledge of evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and relapse prevention techniques.
Experience maintaining clinical notes, treatment plans, and progress updates in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
Familiarity with regulatory standards such as 42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA, and Joint Commission standards.
Experience collaborating in a multidisciplinary team with medical staff, case managers, and peer support specialists.

Nice To Haves

Extensive substance use disorder counseling experience for consideration for a hybrid schedule.

Responsibilities

Conduct community engagement and mobile outreach in collaboration with hospitals, emergency departments, and health centers.
Partner with local providers and government officials.
Lead individual and group counseling sessions.
Design, manage, and document treatment plans tailored to patient needs.
Facilitate group or family therapy sessions as required.
Maintain thorough, clear, and timely documentation of patient care, progress, and incidents.
Conduct initial and ongoing patient assessments.
Determine whether referrals to additional programs or external resources are needed.
Coordinate aftercare plans to support long-term recovery.
Provide immediate crisis intervention services when needed.
Manage patient cases to ensure personalized, high-quality care.
Serve as a liaison between patients and referral sources.

Benefits

Sign-on bonus available.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
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).
Growth and development opportunities.
Reimbursement for licensing or certification exam fees for credential attainment.
Eligible positions may qualify for student loan forgiveness through HRSA, depending on clinic-site eligibility.