New

Addiction Counselor

Massachusetts General Hospital
United States, Massachusetts, Boston
151 Merrimac Street (Show on map)
Feb 02, 2026
The Recovery Research Institute (RRI) within the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital is recruiting a per-diem (up to 20 hours/week) addiction counselor for a National Institute of Health (NIH) funded study of youth substance use disorder treatment. The addiction counselor will co-lead manualized interventions consisting of group and individual therapy sessions. The therapies to be delivered contain elements of motivational enhancement therapy/cognitive-behavioral therapy (MET/CBT) and Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF) therapies for which training will be provided. The position also involves working with a clinical research team to schedule appointments, and document and communicate relevant information about participant progress. The ideal candidate will have masters-level clinical experience with adolescent and/or young adult substance use and addiction recovery, and familiarity with community-based 12-step mutual-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, or Narcotics Anonymous. Current Alcohol and Drug Counselor license (e.g., LADC) is preferred. Training in manualized therapy delivery will be provided along with research study procedures. Candidates without prior personal experience with 12-step fellowships will be required to attend some 12-step groups as part of their training to gain experience. The addiction counselor will be supervised by Drs. John F. Kelly. The Recovery Research Institute is a leading nonprofit research institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, dedicated to the advancement of addiction treatment and recovery. The RRI's mission is to enhance the public health impact of addiction recovery science through the summary, synthesis, and dissemination of scientific findings and the conduct of novel research. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Indicate key areas of responsibility, major job duties, special projects and key objectives for this position. These items should be evaluated throughout the year and included in the written annual evaluation. Provide individual and group therapyto adolescents and young adults with substance use disorder Complete study protocol training to ensure consistent delivery of study treatment(s) For those without prior 12-step experience attend ten 12-step meetings in the community as part of the training Independently track patient progress and document sessions in accordance with the study protocol Attend weekly supervision with PI and other clinical study staff to review protocol adherence and overall clinical approach Collaborate with patients, PI, and study staff to help maximize patient engagement (e.g., session attendance) Consult with PI and study clinicians to facilitate mandated reports when abuse is suspected (child, disabled adult, elder). Collaborate with staff from related MGH programs (HAVEN and Child Protection Team) as needed. Consult with RRI director/PI and other study staff to help support and manage participants in acute clinical distress SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: Must be realistic, objective, measurable and related to essential functions of this job. Ability to handle sensitive matters discreetly and maintain confidentiality Exceptional organizational skills and ability to prioritize effectively and complete tasks on time Highly motivated, independent, and capable of performing in a clinical research environment Strong sense of initiative and perseverance to carry through to completion of tasks Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication Adequate computer skills needed to carry out clinical/study responsibilities (see above) Knowledge in aspects of safety applicable to position; Knowledge of and compliance with institutional, JCAHO, HIPAA, and other regulatory bodies' standards. Works effectively as part of a collaborative and interdisciplinary clinical research team LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or REGISTRATIONS (if applicable): Specify minimum credentials and clearly indicate if preferred or required Current license to practice psychotherapy in Massachusetts, including mental health counselor (LMHC), independent clinical social worker (LICSW), or equivalent Current Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) license preferred EDUCATION: Specify minimum education and clearly indicate if preferred or required Masters degree or higher in behavioral health field, including mental health counseling, social work, or equivalent EXPERIENCE: Specify minimum creditable years of experience and clearly indicate if preferred or required Experience with, and interest in, addiction treatment and recovery Experience delivering evidence-based treatments to adolescents and young adults with substance use disorder and/or other psychiatric disorders is preferred Familiarity with community-based 12-step mutual-help groups (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous) is preferred The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.