OPT Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs
Substance Abuse Counselor roles can qualify for OPT authorization under social work, psychology, or counseling degree programs. Many positions require state licensure, which takes time to obtain, so start that process early. STEM OPT extension is not available for this field, making your 12-month window critical to plan around.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Center for Human Development, (CHD) is seeking a Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor for our Adult Community Clinical Services (ACCS), located in Springfield, MA. The Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor works with dually diagnosed individuals to provide person-centered, rehabilitative interventions that support recovery. The Licensed Substance Abuse Specialist works with participants on issues of substance use, including harm reduction, accessing community resources, and reducing risk. They work within the Agency's ACCS team model, establishing open communication, support, and empathy.
Now offering a $2000.00 sign on bonus (paid out in two installments).
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required for the Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of community resources/agencies.
- Excellent computer skills including Word, Excel and the ability to learn new programs.
- Ability to utilize an Electronic Health Record system.
- Knowledge of clients' behavioral dynamics.
- Knowledge related to treatment of client population including evidence-based practices.
- Client advocacy skills and ability to establish viable working relationships with appropriate stakeholders.
- Ability to safely transport clients in the community.
- Ability to respond effectively to crisis.
- Ability to provide rehabilitative interventions that support person-centered and recovery-oriented practice.
- The applicant must demonstrate the skills to participate in assessment and treatment planning addressing substance use.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The preferred candidate holds an LADC I.
However, the following will be considered:
- Credentials as a CADC II, CADC or LADC II.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s prepared (DC II/III) staff or a LPHA with: Two or more years of experience in an addiction treatment setting and/or; Training as a Certified Addiction Recovery Coach.
- 1 to 2 years of experience in a mental health-related treatment program.
- Must have a valid Driver's License and a reliable vehicle for work purposes.
COMPENSATION
Take advantage of our competitive salary of $66,000 a year along with a phenomenal benefits package that includes Dental, Health and Life insurance. Paid time off, earned vacation time and paid holidays just to name a few. PLUS $2000.00 sign on bonus available
ABOUT THE CENTER FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (CHD)
The Center for Human Development (CHD) provides a broad range of high quality, community-oriented human services dedicated to promoting, enhancing, and protecting the dignity and welfare of people in need. At CHD we are celebrating differences, inclusion is not just a policy - it is a daily practice. Multicultural, multilingual, and fluent in sign language, CHD is a reflection of those we serve.
Connect with our team today!
If this sounds like the right job for you, do not wait - apply today to join our team. We look forward to hearing from you.
Education
Required: Bachelors or better
LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
Required: Licensed MH Counselor
Preferred: NPI Number
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
INTRODUCTION
The Center for Human Development, (CHD) is seeking a Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor for our Adult Community Clinical Services (ACCS), located in Springfield, MA. The Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor works with dually diagnosed individuals to provide person-centered, rehabilitative interventions that support recovery. The Licensed Substance Abuse Specialist works with participants on issues of substance use, including harm reduction, accessing community resources, and reducing risk. They work within the Agency's ACCS team model, establishing open communication, support, and empathy.
Now offering a $2000.00 sign on bonus (paid out in two installments).
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required for the Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of community resources/agencies.
- Excellent computer skills including Word, Excel and the ability to learn new programs.
- Ability to utilize an Electronic Health Record system.
- Knowledge of clients' behavioral dynamics.
- Knowledge related to treatment of client population including evidence-based practices.
- Client advocacy skills and ability to establish viable working relationships with appropriate stakeholders.
- Ability to safely transport clients in the community.
- Ability to respond effectively to crisis.
- Ability to provide rehabilitative interventions that support person-centered and recovery-oriented practice.
- The applicant must demonstrate the skills to participate in assessment and treatment planning addressing substance use.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The preferred candidate holds an LADC I.
However, the following will be considered:
- Credentials as a CADC II, CADC or LADC II.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s prepared (DC II/III) staff or a LPHA with: Two or more years of experience in an addiction treatment setting and/or; Training as a Certified Addiction Recovery Coach.
- 1 to 2 years of experience in a mental health-related treatment program.
- Must have a valid Driver's License and a reliable vehicle for work purposes.
COMPENSATION
Take advantage of our competitive salary of $66,000 a year along with a phenomenal benefits package that includes Dental, Health and Life insurance. Paid time off, earned vacation time and paid holidays just to name a few. PLUS $2000.00 sign on bonus available
ABOUT THE CENTER FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (CHD)
The Center for Human Development (CHD) provides a broad range of high quality, community-oriented human services dedicated to promoting, enhancing, and protecting the dignity and welfare of people in need. At CHD we are celebrating differences, inclusion is not just a policy - it is a daily practice. Multicultural, multilingual, and fluent in sign language, CHD is a reflection of those we serve.
Connect with our team today!
If this sounds like the right job for you, do not wait - apply today to join our team. We look forward to hearing from you.
Education
Required: Bachelors or better
LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
Required: Licensed MH Counselor
Preferred: NPI Number
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Substance Abuse Counselor
Target employers familiar with OPT
Community health centers, nonprofit treatment facilities, and hospital systems hire internationally trained counselors regularly. These organizations are more likely to understand OPT work authorization and have HR processes in place to support it without requiring lengthy internal approvals.
Get your state licensure process started immediately
Most Substance Abuse Counselor roles require a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor credential or state-specific license. Applications take months. Starting the process before graduation protects your OPT timeline and signals to employers that you are ready to practice without delays.
Clarify your OPT authorization in your cover letter
Many behavioral health employers are unfamiliar with OPT. A single sentence explaining that you are authorized to work for any employer for 12 months without employer sponsorship removes the most common objection before it becomes a barrier during the hiring process.
Frame your degree field clearly on your resume
OPT must be directly related to your degree. If your degree is in social work, psychology, or counseling, state that clearly and connect it to the counselor role. Ambiguity about the degree-to-role connection can create compliance concerns for cautious employers or DSO reviewers.
Pursue supervised hours during OPT intentionally
Many licensure pathways require 2,000 to 4,000 supervised clinical hours. OPT employment counts toward those hours if the role qualifies. Choosing an employer that offers formal supervision structures lets you build toward licensure while simultaneously fulfilling your OPT employment requirement.
Apply to government and publicly funded programs
County behavioral health agencies, VA-affiliated facilities, and federally qualified health centers regularly hire substance abuse counselors. These employers operate under clear HR policies, are accustomed to verifying work authorization, and often offer more stable onboarding timelines than smaller private practices.
Substance Abuse Counselor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Substance Abuse Counselor role qualify as OPT-eligible employment?
Yes, if your degree is in a directly related field such as social work, counseling, psychology, or behavioral health. OPT employment must be directly related to your major area of study, and your DSO will assess that connection. A clinical counseling or addiction studies degree connects clearly. A degree in an unrelated field would not qualify, regardless of the job title.
Can I work as a Substance Abuse Counselor on OPT without a state license?
It depends on your state and the employer. Some entry-level or associate-level counselor roles allow you to work under supervision while pursuing licensure. Others require full licensure before your start date. Check your state's credentialing board requirements before applying, and ask employers during interviews whether they hire counselors who are license-eligible but not yet licensed.
Is the STEM OPT extension available for Substance Abuse Counselor positions?
No. Substance Abuse Counseling falls under social work and behavioral health, not a STEM-designated field. You are limited to the standard 12-month OPT period. Planning for H-1B visa sponsorship or another visa pathway before your OPT expires is essential. Some employers in this field will sponsor H-1B petitions, particularly larger hospital systems and nonprofit networks.
Where can I find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate lists behavioral health and counseling jobs from employers open to candidates on OPT and visa sponsorship. Filtering by job type lets you focus on roles where work authorization has already been confirmed, saving you time compared to applying broadly and discovering OPT restrictions late in the hiring process.
Does supervised clinical work during OPT count toward licensure hours?
Yes, in most states. If your OPT employment involves direct client services under a licensed supervisor, those hours typically count toward your state licensure requirements. Confirm with your state's credentialing board that the role and supervisor both meet their standards. Structured supervision documentation from your employer will be required when you apply for licensure.