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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INTRODUCTION
Essen Health Care is the largest privately held, multispecialty medical group in New York, providing high-quality, compassionate care to some of the state’s most vulnerable and underserved residents. Founded in 1999, we’ve grown from a single primary care office into a network of 50+ locations offering urgent care, primary care and specialty services, from women’s health to endocrinology and psychiatry. We also provide nursing home support, care management, and in-home care through our Essen House Calls program. Guided by a Population Health model, our team of 500+ providers deliver care in-person, at home, or via telehealth, ensuring patients get the support they need when and where they need it. We’re looking for talented, motivated individuals to join our growing team. Whether you’re a medical provider, administrator, or operations professional, there’s a career here for you. Join us in making a real difference in the health of our community.
JOB SUMMARY
Our program is seeking dedicated and compassionate clinicians to provide high-quality treatment services to individuals affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. The Counselor will maintain a caseload, deliver evidence-based interventions, and work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support patient recovery and wellness. This is a full-time or part-time position, with supervision and training provided. Telehealth service delivery may be required.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain a caseload of patients receiving treatment for substance use and/or co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Conduct screenings, intakes, and assessments.
- Develop and implement individualized treatment and discharge plans.
- Provide evidence-based counseling interventions (individual and group).
- Deliver patient education, psychoeducation, and relapse prevention interventions.
- Facilitate case management, referrals, and crisis intervention services.
- Document all services accurately and in compliance with OASAS and federal guidelines.
- Collaborate effectively with staff, patients, and community providers while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and ongoing supervision.
- Stay current with best practices through continuing education and professional development.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), CASAC-Trainee (CASAC-T), bachelor's degree in a human services field with active CASAC-T or enrollment in a licensure-track graduate program (MSW, Mental Health Counseling, MFT, etc.).
- Preferred: Bi-Lingual (Spanish, French, Bengali).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum one year of counseling or human services experience preferred (recent graduates considered).
- Strong knowledge of addiction, recovery, behavioral health, and counseling principles.
- Familiarity with self-help group processes.
- Proficiency in basic computer applications and electronic health records (EHR).
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
ESSEN HEALTH CARE IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Essen Health care is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we seek candidates who desire to work in and serve an ethnically diverse population.
See All 7 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
- Sun River Health4

- Bronxcare Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Health Center2

- Essen Health Care1

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services6
- Non-Profit & Social Services4
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, Bronxcare Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Health Center, and Essen Health Care, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. 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 0% of substance abuse counselor openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of June 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 7 Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in New York
Find roles in New York that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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