Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in New York
Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in New York are among the most active in the country, with steady openings across public health agencies, nonprofit treatment centers, hospital-based behavioral health units, and community mental health organizations at levels from entry-level counselor aide through senior clinician and program director. The heaviest hiring concentrates in New York City, Buffalo, and Albany, where established employers like NYC Health + Hospitals, Acacia Network, and Samaritan Daytop Village maintain large behavioral health programs. Co-occurring disorders treatment, adolescent substance use, and medication-assisted treatment are the most in-demand specialties statewide. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.
Job Location (Full Address):
150 N Chestnut St, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14604Opening:
Worker Subtype:
RegularTime Type:
Part timeScheduled Weekly Hours:
24Department:
500127 Psych SMH Ambulatory RegWork Shift:
UR - Day (United States of America)Range:
UR URC 211 HCompensation Range:
$29.05 - $40.67The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.
Responsibilities:
The Substance Use Counselor 2 is a member of the CAT team and serves as the first point of contact for individuals seeking substance use disorder treatment services. This role is responsible for conducting initial screening phone calls, gathering demographic and clinical information, assessing treatment needs, determining MOUD or MAUD needs, providing information about available services, and scheduling intake appointments. This position serves as a liaison between patients/referring providers and clinical services to ensure connection to appropriate services. This position provides referrals for adults, young adults and adolescent clinical services. The Access Team Member demonstrates compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to helping individuals access appropriate care in a timely manner.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Referral Coordination:
- Completes screening for eligibility and facilitates referral for patients; ensures that referral is directed to the appropriate clinical services. Communicates directly with referring offices regarding outcomes or recommendations. Presents complex cases to clinical team for triage/recommendations. Has detailed knowledge of UR Behavioral Health clinics and workflows. Has knowledge of community resources for services not offered at UR. Has ability to complete OASAS LOCADTR
Lead SUD expert with Ongoing Education for the CAT Team:
- Functions as the lead subject matter expert on SUD and determining appropriate level of care. Guides the group on SUD Consultation and training team members on SUD services, different levels of care and medications for OUD and AUD. Utilizes and educates on knowledge of community resources and clinical recommendations to facilitate referrals. Identify urgent, priority access or high-risk situations and follow appropriate procedures for crisis intervention and referral.
- Develops and maintains resource lists within the electronic medical record. Verify patient’s access to their own safety plan and consults with Sr. Clinical Coordinator if safety concerns arise
Documentation :
- Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) system. Coordinate communication between clients, clinicians, care managers, referral sources, and other departments. Follow confidentiality standards and HIPAA regulations. Assist with appointment reminders, follow-up calls, and rescheduling when necessary. Documents all interactions, interventions, referrals in the patient’s chart in compliance with Division, Department and Hospital policy.
Cultural Respect and Administrative:
- Ensures Psychiatry Department, and Hospital policies and procedures are implemented with regard to professional practice, discharge planning, and patient care. Complies with Division and Departmental quality assurance and staff development activities. T imely completion of time reporting and other Hospital or Division forms; Hospital and Division mandatory in-service training programs and UHS reviews. Subscribes to the Departmental goal of creating a culturally competent environment by treating patient, families, trainees, and co-workers in a sensitive manner with appropriate attention to cultural differences. Participates in available cultural competence events and training appropriate to job duties.
Cross Coverage:
- Provides back up services, within scope of practice, as requested in the absence of co-workers.
Other duties as assigned
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Master's degree in a discipline related to human services and 1 year of related experience in substance use disorder treatment setting required
- 3 years experience in working with behavioral health population in a direct care capacity or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred Or equivalent combination of education and experience
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Ability to work as cotherapist in group therapy for alcohol/drug dependent persons and has a working knowledge of the concepts underlying group therapy including role of feelings, defenses required
- Knowledge of legal rights and societal attitudes toward the alcoholic/addicted person in and out of treatment required
- Work as a member of a team and also able to work independently preferred.
- Understanding of psychosocial stressors, community resources and safety issues; basic crisis intervention skills; problem solving skills; well-developed listening skills; ability to communicate clearly; ability to advocate, research and collaborate on behalf of patients preferred. Knowledge of how to use Microsoft Word products and electronic medical record preferred.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- CASAC-T upon hire required
- CASAC Certification within 1 year required
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.
See All 38 Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in New York
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Find JobsSubstance Abuse Counselor Jobs by City in New York
Where New York roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Substance Abuse Counselor Job Market in New York
A snapshot from current New York openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Non-Profit & Social Services
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Education
What New York Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in substance abuse counselor jobs across New York.
- Active CASAC or CASAC-T credential issued by the New York State OASAS
- Bachelor's or master's degree in counseling, social work, or related human services field
- Experience delivering individual and group counseling in a licensed treatment setting
- Familiarity with motivational interviewing, CBT, or other evidence-based treatment modalities
- Ability to document treatment plans and progress notes in an electronic health record system
- Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and New York State confidentiality requirements for substance use records
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a substance abuse counselor in New York?
You become a substance abuse counselor in New York by earning the Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor credential, known as CASAC, through the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports. You need a qualifying education in human services or a related field, a set number of supervised practice hours in a licensed treatment program, and a passing score on the required examination. A provisional CASAC-T credential is available for those still accumulating hours, which lets you work under supervision while completing requirements.
Which companies hire substance abuse counselors in New York?
Employers hiring substance abuse counselors in New York right now include Sun River Health, Bowery Residents Committee (BRC), and Nao Medical, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. New York's dense network of OASAS-licensed outpatient clinics, federally qualified health centers, and hospital behavioral health departments means consistent openings appear across both nonprofit and health system employers throughout the state.
Which New York cities have the most substance abuse counselor jobs?
The cities with the most substance abuse counselor openings in New York are Bronx, Manhattan, and Rochester. New York City drives the majority of listings given the scale of its public health infrastructure, large nonprofit treatment networks, and hospital systems with dedicated behavioral health divisions, while demand in Buffalo and Albany reflects state agency headquarters, regional medical centers, and community treatment programs serving those metropolitan areas.
Are there remote substance abuse counselor jobs in New York?
Yes, but they're limited. Substance abuse counseling is primarily a direct-service role that involves in-person sessions, group therapy, and on-site coordination with treatment teams, which keeps most positions tied to a physical location. About 10% of substance abuse counselor openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and the positions most likely to allow remote work are telehealth counseling roles at larger health systems or platforms operating under New York's expanded telehealth authorizations.
How can I get hired as a substance abuse counselor in New York with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a counselor aide, case manager, or peer recovery specialist role at an OASAS-licensed program while pursuing your CASAC-T, the provisional credential that lets you work under supervision before completing all requirements. Large New York employers like NYC Health + Hospitals and nonprofits such as BronxWorks and Samaritan Daytop Village regularly hire entry-level staff into structured training tracks. Coming in from a peer support or social services role, or completing a field placement at a licensed clinic through an accredited New York program, gives candidates a genuine edge.
Where can I find and apply to substance abuse counselor jobs in New York?
You can find and apply to substance abuse counselor jobs in New York on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring across the state. Search the listings to see roles that match your credentials and experience, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 38 Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in New York
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