Addiction Counselor Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Addiction counselors can qualify for H-1B visa and other work visas if they hold a bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field. Many positions require state licensing and clinical supervision, which can strengthen visa applications by demonstrating specialized knowledge requirements. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsPart-Time / Per-Diem Addiction Medicine Provider - On-Call, Weekday, and Weekend Coverage
- Approved Salary: In-person weekday shift (8-hr day, 7am-3pm, rounding in person 9am-3pm): $1,000/day shift; On-call home coverage (M-F, 5pm-7am): $1,200/week; In-person/home call weekend shift (7am-7am, 24 hrs, in person 9am-1pm): $1,500/24-hr shift
- Schedule: Flexible shift coverage including weekday daytime, weekend, and weekday overnight shifts; providers may select shift types based on availability and preference
The Dimock Center is a federally qualified community health center dedicated to healing and uplifting individuals, families, and communities. Our vision is to redefine the model of a healthy community by creating equitable access to comprehensive health care and education. We promote a culture of respect, excellence, equal opportunity, and commitment to our employees and the communities we serve.
The Dimock Center's Acute Treatment Services (ATS) is a co-ed 23 to 32-bed drug detoxification unit specializing in cutting-edge treatment models and protocols. Our ATS is a licensed OTP that enables new methadone initiation and dose titration, with clinical linkage to our stabilization services and outpatient medication for addiction treatment clinic. Coverage may also include clinical rounds at Clinical Stabilization Services, a co-ed 21 to 32-bed short term intensive residential care unit specializing in the monitoring and stabilization of individuals with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Summary/Objective
The Addiction Medicine Provider (MD) will deliver comprehensive, patient-centered, trauma-informed medical assessment and support to ATS patients with substance use disorders. Responsibilities include admission assessments and withdrawal severity evaluation, initiation of appropriate treatment protocols (methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, benzodiazepines), medical and psychiatric evaluation, and close collaboration with case managers, aftercare planners, and behavioral health specialists to ensure high-quality wrap-around care and safe discharge planning.
Essential Functions
- Perform comprehensive medical assessments, including histories, physical examinations, diagnostics, and triage to higher levels of care as appropriate.
- Monitor patient response to medications and therapeutics; revise care plans as needed.
- Provide respectful, patient-centered, trauma-informed, thorough, and efficient care.
- Document encounters meticulously and efficiently.
- Collaborate effectively with clinical leadership, APPs, case managers, aftercare planners, behavioral health specialists, and admissions staff.
- Contribute to development and evaluation of practice guidelines and protocols.
- Participate in quality and process improvement activities.
- On weekday night shifts, triage and/or manage patients on the addiction medicine unit, including providing assistance via phone consultation with nursing staff, placing admission and transfer orders as needed, and responding to nursing staff requests for medications and emergency calls.
Competencies
- Familiarity with harm reduction concepts and foundations.
- Effective collaboration across clinical leadership, APPs, case managers, and behavioral health staff.
Required Qualifications
- MD (Doctor of Medicine) with current medical license in Massachusetts.
- At least 2 years of experience in Adult Internal Medicine or Emergency Medicine.
- At least 1 year of experience working with vulnerable populations.
- BLS certified.
- Valid MA DPH-DCP Prescriptive Authority and Federal DEA registration.
- Full COVID-19 vaccination.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior addiction treatment experience preferred.
Other Duties
This job description is not intended to cover a comprehensive listing of duties or responsibilities and may change at any time with or without notice.
EEO Statement
The Dimock Center is deeply committed to fostering an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We value the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of our staff and the communities we serve. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply and are dedicated to creating a welcoming, supportive workplace where everyone can thrive.
Part-Time / Per-Diem Addiction Medicine Provider - On-Call, Weekday, and Weekend Coverage
- Approved Salary: In-person weekday shift (8-hr day, 7am-3pm, rounding in person 9am-3pm): $1,000/day shift; On-call home coverage (M-F, 5pm-7am): $1,200/week; In-person/home call weekend shift (7am-7am, 24 hrs, in person 9am-1pm): $1,500/24-hr shift
- Schedule: Flexible shift coverage including weekday daytime, weekend, and weekday overnight shifts; providers may select shift types based on availability and preference
The Dimock Center is a federally qualified community health center dedicated to healing and uplifting individuals, families, and communities. Our vision is to redefine the model of a healthy community by creating equitable access to comprehensive health care and education. We promote a culture of respect, excellence, equal opportunity, and commitment to our employees and the communities we serve.
The Dimock Center's Acute Treatment Services (ATS) is a co-ed 23 to 32-bed drug detoxification unit specializing in cutting-edge treatment models and protocols. Our ATS is a licensed OTP that enables new methadone initiation and dose titration, with clinical linkage to our stabilization services and outpatient medication for addiction treatment clinic. Coverage may also include clinical rounds at Clinical Stabilization Services, a co-ed 21 to 32-bed short term intensive residential care unit specializing in the monitoring and stabilization of individuals with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Summary/Objective
The Addiction Medicine Provider (MD) will deliver comprehensive, patient-centered, trauma-informed medical assessment and support to ATS patients with substance use disorders. Responsibilities include admission assessments and withdrawal severity evaluation, initiation of appropriate treatment protocols (methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, benzodiazepines), medical and psychiatric evaluation, and close collaboration with case managers, aftercare planners, and behavioral health specialists to ensure high-quality wrap-around care and safe discharge planning.
Essential Functions
- Perform comprehensive medical assessments, including histories, physical examinations, diagnostics, and triage to higher levels of care as appropriate.
- Monitor patient response to medications and therapeutics; revise care plans as needed.
- Provide respectful, patient-centered, trauma-informed, thorough, and efficient care.
- Document encounters meticulously and efficiently.
- Collaborate effectively with clinical leadership, APPs, case managers, aftercare planners, behavioral health specialists, and admissions staff.
- Contribute to development and evaluation of practice guidelines and protocols.
- Participate in quality and process improvement activities.
- On weekday night shifts, triage and/or manage patients on the addiction medicine unit, including providing assistance via phone consultation with nursing staff, placing admission and transfer orders as needed, and responding to nursing staff requests for medications and emergency calls.
Competencies
- Familiarity with harm reduction concepts and foundations.
- Effective collaboration across clinical leadership, APPs, case managers, and behavioral health staff.
Required Qualifications
- MD (Doctor of Medicine) with current medical license in Massachusetts.
- At least 2 years of experience in Adult Internal Medicine or Emergency Medicine.
- At least 1 year of experience working with vulnerable populations.
- BLS certified.
- Valid MA DPH-DCP Prescriptive Authority and Federal DEA registration.
- Full COVID-19 vaccination.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior addiction treatment experience preferred.
Other Duties
This job description is not intended to cover a comprehensive listing of duties or responsibilities and may change at any time with or without notice.
EEO Statement
The Dimock Center is deeply committed to fostering an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We value the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of our staff and the communities we serve. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply and are dedicated to creating a welcoming, supportive workplace where everyone can thrive.
See all 142+ Addiction Counselor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Addiction Counselor roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Addiction Counselor
Emphasize your clinical credentials
Highlight any CADC, LCDC, or other addiction-specific certifications alongside your degree. These specialized credentials help establish that your role requires specific training beyond general counseling qualifications.
Target healthcare systems and treatment centers
Large hospital networks, rehabilitation facilities, and mental health organizations are more likely to sponsor visas. They often have established immigration processes and understand specialized healthcare roles.
Document your specialized approach
Whether you specialize in trauma-informed care, group therapy, or specific addiction types, document your unique methodology. This helps differentiate your role from general counseling positions during USCIS review.
Consider PERM pathway timing
Many addiction counselor positions can qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green cards. Start the PERM process early if your employer is willing, as processing times are lengthy.
Research state licensing requirements
Some states have reciprocity agreements for licensed counselors, while others require full re-certification. Understanding these requirements helps you target employers in favorable states for faster work authorization.
Highlight evidence-based treatment experience
Experience with CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, or other evidence-based practices demonstrates advanced clinical knowledge that supports specialty occupation requirements for H-1B applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do addiction counselors qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, if you have a bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field. The position must require specialized knowledge and a specific degree, which most licensed addiction counselor roles meet. Clinical certifications like CADC strengthen your application by demonstrating advanced training requirements.
What degree do I need for visa sponsorship as an addiction counselor?
A bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, addiction studies, or a closely related field is typically required. Some employers accept degrees in human services or behavioral health. A master's degree in clinical counseling or addiction counseling significantly strengthens both job prospects and visa applications.
Can I work as an addiction counselor while my green card is processing?
Yes, through H-1B visa status or other work visas. Many addiction counselors use H-1B as a bridge while pursuing permanent residence through PERM. You can also apply for an Employment Authorization Document if you have a pending I-485 adjustment of status application filed.
Do I need state licensing to get visa sponsorship?
Not always for initial sponsorship, but many employers prefer or require state licensing. Some states allow you to work under clinical supervision while obtaining your license. Research state-specific requirements, as some have expedited processes for licensed professionals from other states or countries.
What types of employers sponsor addiction counselors?
Hospital systems, rehabilitation centers, community mental health organizations, and large healthcare networks commonly sponsor visas. Government agencies and non-profits may also sponsor, though they often have different budget constraints. Private practice positions rarely offer sponsorship due to cost and complexity.
How to find Addiction Counselor jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Addiction Counselor jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus on healthcare systems, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, and community health organizations that commonly sponsor H-1B, EB-2, and EB-3 visas for qualified addiction counselors. These employers often have ongoing staffing needs and established sponsorship processes.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Addiction Counselor jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.